What Is FastTrack Security?
FastTrack Security is a dedicated, pre-bookable security lane available at participating airports worldwide. It allows all passengers — regardless of airline or ticket class — to bypass the standard security queue and pass through a separate, less crowded checkpoint.
By booking FastTrack in advance, you secure a spot in a priority lane that typically has significantly shorter wait times than the regular queue. This means less time standing in line and more time enjoying the terminal, shopping, or simply relaxing before your flight.
FastTrack Security is available to everyone — families, solo travellers, business passengers, and leisure flyers alike. There are no membership requirements or loyalty programme tiers needed to access the service.
What FastTrack Is Not
- Not airport lounge access — FastTrack only covers the security screening process
- Not priority boarding — your boarding process remains as per your airline's policy
- Not immigration fast-track — passport control and border checks are separate from security screening
Airport Overview
About Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt
Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt (BER) is the primary international airport serving Berlin and the surrounding Brandenburg region. Opened in 2020 to consolidate the city's previous airports, BER has three passenger areas: Terminal 1 (the main terminal with Concourses B and C), Terminal 2 (satellite terminal with check-in and gates, connected to Terminal 1) and Terminal 5 (the former Schönefeld site, now integrated and hosting many low-cost carriers).
The airport handles a mix of full-service and low-cost airlines, with direct connections across Europe and intercontinental routes. Ground transport options include the FEX (Flughafenexpress) regional train connecting BER to Berlin Hauptbahnhof and Alexanderplatz, S-Bahn lines S9 and S45, dedicated regional and long-distance buses, and extensive car and taxi services. Terminals are connected by covered walkways and automated shuttles where applicable; passengers transferring between terminals should allow extra time during peak periods.
Security Information
Departing passengers typically pass through security screening at the departure checkpoint assigned to their terminal (Terminal 1 security halls, Terminal 2 security, Terminal 5 security). Standard screening includes X-ray inspection of hand luggage, walk-through metal detectors and random additional checks (hand baggage search, explosives trace detection). Liquids rules follow EU regulations (100 ml containers in a single 1-litre clear bag). For non-Schengen arriving passengers, passport/immigration controls are handled at the arrivals immigration halls (immigration checkpoints) — EU/EEA/Swiss nationals use eGates where available; non-EU nationals queue at staffed passport control.
Peak security times occur in the early morning (05:30–09:30) and late afternoon/evening (16:00–20:00). Flight schedule changes and increased charter or summer traffic can lengthen waits. Staffed assistance desks are available in main terminal halls.
Terminal Guide
Terminal 1
Main TerminalTerminal 2
Satellite TerminalTerminal 5
Former SchönefeldTerminal 1 Arrivals
Accessibility
Elevators and ramps available throughout Terminal 1; designated assisted screening lanes and priority seating in the security area for passengers with reduced mobility.
Good to know
FastTrack lane at T1 is typically staffed during peak times; during extraordinary peaks airport may limit access to maintain throughput.
How It Works
Book FastTrack
Purchase FastTrack for the correct departure terminal and passenger count. You will receive a booking confirmation and QR code by email.
Check In and Arrive Early
Check in with your airline (online or at the counter) and arrive at the terminal with adequate time. FastTrack does not replace airline check-in or boarding procedures.
Present Your Voucher at FastTrack Entrance
At the terminal security area, present your FastTrack QR code or voucher to the staff at the priority lane entrance for admission.
Proceed Through Priority Screening
Follow instructions at the FastTrack lane: place liquids, electronics and belts in trays, proceed through screening. Collect belongings and continue to your gate.
You can buy at the airport — but here's why travellers prefer to book ahead
Buy at the airport counter
- Clunky airport website, not mobile-friendly
- Booking confirmation via email only — no wallet pass
- Limited payment options (often no Apple Pay / Google Pay)
- Queue at the counter to buy on arrival
- No guaranteed availability — may be sold out
- Rigid or no refund policy
- Language barriers at the counter
- No customer support if something goes wrong
Book with FastTrack
- Mobile-first booking — takes 30 seconds
- Instant QR code + Apple Wallet / Google Wallet pass
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, all major cards
- Book from anywhere, days or hours ahead
- Guaranteed entry — your slot is reserved
- Full refund policy with clear conditions
- 24/7 customer support in English
- Skip the counter entirely — go straight to the lane
What's Included
Included
- Access to a dedicated FastTrack security lane at the selected terminal
- Priority screening processing (X-ray and walk-through checks)
- On-site staff assistance for lane access
Not Included
- Priority boarding or seating on aircraft
- Expedited passport/immigration processing (unless explicitly stated)
- Assistance with check-in, baggage drop, or gate transfers
Required Documents
- Booking confirmation / QR code (digital or printed)
- Valid boarding pass for the departure flight
- Passport or national ID as required by the destination
Restrictions
- FastTrack does not bypass secondary screening if selected by security staff.
- Large or restricted items may be subject to additional inspection outside FastTrack lane.
- Access subject to airport operational constraints; capacity limits may temporarily restrict entry.
Hours & Booking Rules
| Terminal | Opens | Closes | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | 04:00 | 00:30 | Hours vary by airline schedule; some checkpoints open earlier for long-haul departures. |
| Terminal 2 | 04:30 | 23:30 | Operates in line with scheduled departures; may be closed overnight when no flights are scheduled. |
| Terminal 5 | 03:30 | 23:59 | Operates primarily with early morning and daytime departures; later opening/closing times are subject to flight schedules. |
| Terminal 1 Arrivals | 24:00 | 24:00 | Immigration staffed according to incoming flight schedules; eGates operate continuously when staffed. |
Booking Rules
FastTrack grants access to the dedicated priority security lane at the specified terminal for the booking time and flight listed. FastTrack does not guarantee expedited immigration controls for non-Schengen arrivals unless specified. Each passenger must present their own FastTrack voucher/QR code and travel document. Children require their own FastTrack booking unless the provider's family policy states otherwise.
Lead Times
- Minimum booking: 0 hours before travel
- Recommended: 2 hours before travel
Refund Policy
Refundable
Full refund available if cancelled at least 24 hours before the scheduled service time. No refund for no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours of service. Refunds subject to provider processing times.
Is FastTrack Worth It at Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt?
FastTrack at BER is valuable for travellers looking to reduce processing time during busy windows and tight connections. The priority lanes at Terminal 1 and Terminal 5 routinely move passengers faster through the X-ray and metal detector stages, reducing stress for business travellers, families with children, and those with tight connection times.
Local tip: If you have a short connection (under 90 minutes) at BER, book FastTrack for departures — even when flights are on time, walking distances between gates and central checkpoints can add time. Also consider using airline check-in counters early where possible; some carriers offer complimentary priority to premium customers.
Average Wait Times
Who benefits from FastTrack at BER
Business travellers
Save time and reduce stress during morning and evening business peaks; better for tight same-day meetings and connections.
Families & groups
Shorter queues and less queuing with children or infants, especially during school holidays when terminals are busy.
Leisure travellers
More time in shops and lounges at the airport; ideal for travellers wanting a relaxed start to their trip.
Travel Tips
Check terminal and gate early
BER has multiple terminals with significant walking distances; verify your terminal and gate as soon as you check in.
Use the FEX or S-Bahn for city transfers
The FEX and S-Bahn (S9 / S45) provide reliable connections to central Berlin; allow extra time for station transfers and security queues.
Pack liquids correctly
Follow EU 100 ml liquid rules in a clear 1-litre bag — FastTrack does not exempt you from liquid restrictions.
Have documents ready
Keep boarding pass, ID and FastTrack voucher/QR code easily accessible to speed admission to the priority lane.
Pricing
From £5.99 per person
FastTrack vs Standard Security
| Feature | FastTrack | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated priority security lane | Yes | No |
| Faster processing during peak times | Yes | No |
| Expedited passport/immigration | No | No |
| Guaranteed gate transfer time | No | No |
Common Mistakes at Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt
- Assuming FastTrack bypasses passport control for non-Schengen arrivals (FastTrack at BER primarily applies to departure security lanes; immigration often remains a separate queue).
- Not allowing extra time to move between Terminal 5 and Terminal 1 — transfer time can be 20–40 minutes depending on mode and terminal flows.
- Bringing liquids over 100 ml in carry-on expecting leniency in FastTrack lanes — standard EU liquid rules still apply.
- Booking FastTrack but arriving after the dedicated lane has closed for the night or before it opens; check operating hours against your flight time.
- Confusing airline priority boarding benefits with airport FastTrack access — some airline premium tickets include FastTrack, but this varies by carrier.
What If...?
- Arrivals from outside the Schengen Area where FastTrack was purchased for departures — FastTrack does not guarantee priority immigration processing for most nationalities.
- If an aircraft is very late and multiple flights converge, the priority lane may temporarily integrate with the general lane for capacity reasons.
- Passengers with very large carry-on items (oversized cabin bags) may be redirected from the FastTrack lane to a standard screening lane for additional checks.
- Groups booked under a single FastTrack pass (e.g., family bundle) must present proof of booking for each passenger if requested by staff; otherwise individuals may be asked to join the standard queue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Page Information
Last updated:
Written by FastTrack Editorial Team · Source: Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt official website
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