Brussels South Charleroi Airport FastTrack — Key Facts
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) offers online FastTrack booking starting from From €18.00 per person. Average FastTrack wait is Under 5 minutes, saving ~5 minutes compared to standard screening. Available at 1 terminal.
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 Brussels South Charleroi Airport
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is the main low‑cost airport serving southern Brussels and the Wallonia region. The airport is a hub for several low‑cost carriers — most notably Ryanair — and handles a mix of European leisure routes and seasonal services. CRL is compact compared with major hub airports, with a single main passenger terminal that keeps walking distances short but can become congested during peak departure waves.
The airport uses one main terminal building split across two main public levels: arrivals at ground level and departures on the upper level. Check‑in desks and airline bag drops are on the departures level; security screening sits immediately after check‑in and passport control (for non‑Schengen flights) is handled in a clearly signed area beyond security. Ground transport links are focused on coach and shuttle services: dedicated airport coaches run to Brussels Midi/Zuid (approximately 45–60 minutes depending on traffic), TEC buses and shuttles connect to Charleroi‑Sud train station (about 15–20 minutes by road), and there are on‑site taxi ranks and multiple short‑ and long‑stay car parks.
Security Information
Security at CRL follows standard Schengen zone procedures. FastTrack is available in the Main Terminal (Terminal 1) only. Terminal 2 does not currently offer FastTrack — passengers departing from T2 use standard security screening. Present your boarding pass and ID at the security lane.
Terminal Guide
Main Terminal
Arrivals (Main Terminal)
Arrivals HallTerminal 2
Accessibility
Step‑free access from drop‑off and short‑term car parks. Elevators and ramps are available; staff assistance available on request.
Good to know
Access controlled by airport security staff. During very busy periods staff may temporarily merge FastTrack users into the main lane. FastTrack does not replace ID or passport checks required beyond security.
How It Works
Book FastTrack
Purchase FastTrack for your departure date and flight. Ensure the name and flight details match your booking.
Arrive at the terminal
Proceed to the departures level, complete check‑in and bag drop with your airline if required.
Present voucher at FastTrack
Show your FastTrack voucher/QR and boarding pass to the staff at the dedicated FastTrack lane entrance.
Pass expedited security
Use the FastTrack lane for priority screening. Remember to follow liquids and electronics rules.
Continue to your gate
After security, follow signage to your departure gate. FastTrack does not change boarding time or gate processes.
What's Included
Included
- Access to a dedicated FastTrack security lane
- Priority screening to reduce queue times
- Assistance from lane staff and clearer signage
Not Included
- Priority check‑in or priority boarding
- Lounge access
- Immigration/passport control clearance for non‑Schengen flights
- Baggage handling or priority tag services
Required Documents
- Valid boarding pass for the specified departure
- Government‑issued photo ID or passport
- FastTrack voucher or QR code
Restrictions
- Not valid for arrivals immigration or for bypassing passport control on non‑Schengen routes
- Not valid if you arrive on a separate ticket and must reclaim/recheck baggage
- May be unavailable during periods of industrial action, major disruptions or outside core staffed hours
Hours & Booking Rules
| Terminal | Opens | Closes | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Terminal | 04:00 | 01:00 | FastTrack may open/close according to flight schedules; early/late flights outside core hours may not have FastTrack available. |
| Arrivals (Main Terminal) | 04:00 | 01:00 | Immigration counters open according to flight arrivals; automated eGates available for eligible EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. |
| Terminal 2 | 04:00 | 01:00 | FastTrack may open/close according to flight schedules; early/late flights outside core hours may not have FastTrack available. |
Booking Rules
FastTrack grants access to the dedicated security lane only. Each FastTrack voucher is valid for one passenger for a single departure on the specified date and time. Children accompanying a FastTrack passenger are typically allowed through the same lane but must be included on the booking. FastTrack does not include priority check‑in, priority boarding, lounge access or immigration/pasport control.
Lead Times
- Minimum booking: 0 hours before travel
- Recommended: 2 hours before travel
Refund Policy
Refundable
Free cancellation up to 4 hours before departure. Non-refundable after that.
Is FastTrack Worth It at Brussels South Charleroi Airport?
FastTrack is most valuable at CRL when you are travelling during the morning or late‑afternoon departure peaks, or when multiple flights from the same airline depart within a short window. Even though the terminal is compact, the single security point can form long queues; FastTrack reduces stress and gives a predictable, shorter wait so you can make the most of the shops and cafés before boarding.
Local tip: book FastTrack (if available through your provider) for departures between 05:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:30. If you rely on shuttle buses from Brussels Midi, allow extra time for traffic — the coach takes longer at peak times and delays can push you into the busier security periods.
Average Wait Times
Who benefits from FastTrack at CRL
Business travellers
Shorten unpredictable security waits and keep to a tight schedule when flying on early or late outbound services.
Families with children
Reduce queue time with small children or infants and make boarding calmer and more predictable.
Tight connections
Passengers on tight schedules or timed coach links to Brussels benefit from a quicker security process.
Passengers needing extra convenience
Older travellers or those preferring a more relaxed pre‑flight experience can avoid long peak queues.
Travel Tips
Check your terminal
FastTrack is only available in the Main Terminal (Terminal 1). Terminal 2 does not offer FastTrack. Check your boarding pass to confirm your departure terminal.
Allow extra coach time
Shuttle and coach services between Brussels Midi and CRL are subject to road traffic; build extra time into your schedule so you don't arrive during the busiest security windows.
Pack liquids correctly
Ensure liquids are in 100 ml containers or in duty‑free tamper‑evident bags to move through security quickly even when using FastTrack.
Have documents ready
Keep your boarding pass, ID and FastTrack voucher/QR code easily accessible — presenting them promptly at the lane speeds up screening.
Check airline requirements
FastTrack does not replace airline check‑in; check in and drop bags early if you need to, even if you hold FastTrack access.
Pricing
From €18.00 per person
FastTrack vs Standard Security
| Feature | FastTrack | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated security lane | Yes | No |
| Reduced average wait time | Yes | No |
| Covers immigration/passport control | No | No |
| Includes priority boarding/check‑in | No | No |
| Valid for most airlines at CRL | Yes | Yes |
The Verdict
FastTrack wins on 2 of 5 features at Brussels South Charleroi Airport. With dedicated service and priority handling from From €18.00 per person, it offers a measurably better experience.
Common Mistakes at Brussels South Charleroi Airport
- Booking FastTrack without checking your terminal — FastTrack is only available in the Main Terminal. Terminal 2 does not offer FastTrack.
- Assuming CRL is small so security will always be quick — peak windows can still have long queues.
- Relying on last‑minute coach timings: coach delays or traffic can drop you into a peak security queue.
- Forgetting liquids rules after buying duty‑free — items may be subject to carry‑on restrictions for some destinations.
- Thinking FastTrack covers immigration/passport control for non‑Schengen flights (it does not).
- Trying to use FastTrack when travelling on a separate ticket for a tight connection — luggage recheck can prevent access.
What If...?
- If your airline operates from Terminal 2, FastTrack cannot be used. Check your terminal before purchasing.
- FastTrack lane may be closed outside core operating hours or during staff shortages; always have plan B.
- Passengers transferring on separate tickets who must reclaim and recheck bags may not be allowed to use FastTrack for the second departure.
- During strikes or major operational disruptions FastTrack access can be suspended or merged with the standard lane.
- Large groups (school trips, sports teams) are sometimes routed through the standard lane even if individuals hold FastTrack access — coordination with airline/airport staff is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have a question? Browse all FastTrack FAQs
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Written by FastTrack Editorial Team · Source: Brussels South Charleroi Airport official website
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