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 Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (Madeira)
Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC) is Madeira’s main airport, serving Funchal and the surrounding islands. Sited on an engineered platform cantilevered above the sea and hillside, the airport handles a mix of scheduled flights to mainland Portugal and Europe plus a significant seasonal charter market. The single passenger terminal manages both arrivals and departures; domestic (Schengen) and international operations are handled from the same building with clearly marked piers for different routes.
Ground transport options include regular airport shuttle services and local bus connections into Funchal, an on-site taxi rank and multiple car hire desks in the arrivals hall. The airport is located near the municipality of Santa Cruz, approximately 15–20 minutes drive from Funchal city centre under normal traffic conditions. Given the island’s topography and weather-driven operating constraints, passengers should allow extra time for possible schedule changes during high winds or winter months.
Security Information
Security screening at FNC follows standard Schengen-area procedures for departures: removal of liquids over 100 ml into a transparent bag, laptops and large electronics presented separately, belts and shoes may be requested depending on the scanner. For flights to non-Schengen destinations (for example the United Kingdom), passport control (immigration) is completed in the departures or arrivals hall depending on direction; this is separate from the security checkpoint. During peak periods (summer holiday weeks and bank holidays) queues form at the single main security checkpoint, so allow additional time. The airport occasionally operates additional staffing or opens extra lanes when traffic spikes, but weather-related operational changes can also affect throughput.
Terminal Guide
Passenger Terminal
Passport Control
ImmigrationAccessibility
Step-free access from drop-off and car parks to check-in and security. Accessible toilets and assistance services available; request help at airline check-in counters or the information desk in arrivals.
Good to know
Single terminal building with limited circulation space. During peak seasons extra staff may open additional lanes. Weather and runway conditions can affect scheduling.
How It Works
Book online
Select FastTrack for FNC for your travel date and complete the payment. You will receive a confirmation voucher by email.
Receive confirmation
Save or print your booking confirmation and have your boarding pass and ID ready on the day of travel.
Head to the FastTrack entrance
At departures follow signage to the 'Priority / Fast Track' lane next to the main security area and present your voucher/booking reference to staff.
Cleared through security
Use the dedicated lane for security screening. After clearance proceed to passport control if required and to your departure gate.
What's Included
Included
- Priority access to a dedicated security screening lane (where available)
- Assistance and lane guidance from on-site staff
- Faster throughput for hand luggage and carry-on screening
Not Included
- Priority or expedited passport control/immigration (unless explicitly stated)
- Priority boarding or gate access
- Lounge access or fast-track baggage reclaim
Required Documents
- Valid boarding pass for a departing flight from FNC
- Government-issued photo ID (passport or national ID for Schengen departures)
Restrictions
- Not valid for arriving passengers unless product explicitly includes arrivals fast track
- Not valid for intra-island transfers unless stated
- Availability may be limited for very early morning or late-night flights when lanes are reduced
- Weather or operational restrictions may suspend FastTrack access temporarily
Hours & Booking Rules
| Terminal | Opens | Closes | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Terminal | 00:00 | 23:59 | Operating hours aligned to first and last scheduled departures; some lanes may be closed overnight if no departures are scheduled. |
| Passport Control | Varies | Varies | Immigration desks open in line with scheduled non-Schengen arrivals; hours vary by day and season. |
Booking Rules
FastTrack provides priority access through the security screening lane for the date and time purchased. Passenger must present a valid booking reference or voucher, boarding pass and government-issued ID or passport. FastTrack is typically valid for departing passengers only unless otherwise specified. Children in the same travelling party are usually accepted under the same booking; confirm at purchase.
Lead Times
- Minimum booking: 1 hours before travel
- Recommended: 24 hours before travel
Refund Policy
Refundable
Full refund permitted up to 24 hours before the booked date/time. Non-refundable or partial refunds may apply if cancelled within 24 hours of the booked time or if passenger fails to attend. Refunds subject to provider terms.
Is FastTrack Worth It at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (Madeira)?
FastTrack can significantly reduce waiting time at Funchal’s single security checkpoint, especially during the summer months when a high volume of charter flights and holiday traffic coincide. Because the terminal footprint is compact, even small queues can impact onward plans — FastTrack provides a dedicated lane through screening and can be particularly helpful if you’re travelling with hand luggage only and need to get to the gate quickly.
Local tip: If you have a flight to the UK or another non-Schengen destination, remember you may need to pass passport control as well as security. Book FastTrack for security but allow extra time for immigration when travelling to non-Schengen countries; if you’re unsure, check your boarding pass or airline messaging for passport checks.
Average Wait Times
Who benefits from FastTrack at FNC
Leisure travellers
Families and holidaymakers benefit from reduced queue times during the busy summer charter season and bank holidays.
Business travellers
Those on short trips or tight schedules can reduce time in queues and improve reliability when travelling to/from the mainland.
Families & seniors
Travellers with young children or reduced mobility can make the security process smoother with a dedicated lane and staff assistance.
Short connections
If you have tight connecting times at FNC, FastTrack can ease movement through the security bottleneck.
Travel Tips
Allow extra time for non-Schengen flights
If your destination is outside Schengen (for example the UK), include time for passport control as well as security when planning arrival to the terminal.
Have documents ready
Keep boarding pass and ID to hand before you reach the FastTrack entrance to speed verification.
Pack liquids correctly
Place liquids in a single transparent 1-litre bag and remove laptops from bags to avoid delays at screening.
Expect weather-related changes
Madeira’s airport can be affected by strong winds; check flight status before leaving for the airport and allow extra time for disruptions.
Pricing
From £5.99 per person
FastTrack vs Standard Security
| Feature | FastTrack | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Priority security lane | Yes | No |
| Passport control (immigration) priority | No | No |
| Guaranteed maximum wait time | No | No |
| Dedicated on-site staff | Yes | No |
| Online booking and confirmation | Yes | No |
Common Mistakes at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (Madeira)
- Assuming security at FNC is always fast — seasonal spikes and charter peaks create long queues.
- Not accounting for passport control when travelling to non-Schengen destinations (UK, some charter routes).
- Arriving at the very last minute expecting same-day lane availability — security opens per flight schedule and may be busy.
- Leaving liquids or electronics packed incorrectly and then being delayed at screening.
- Relying solely on local buses without checking timetable; they run to schedules that can make transfer times tight.
What If...?
- Weather closures or wind-related operational restrictions can delay flights and temporarily suspend FastTrack access — staff follow safety directives.
- Some charter or very early morning flights may open only a single lane; FastTrack may be provided as an escorted priority but availability can be limited.
- If you connect from Porto Santo (PXO) by regional flight, your transfer path differs and FastTrack purchased for FNC departures may not apply to intra-island transfers.
- Immigration fast lanes are not always available — FastTrack typically covers security screening only, not passport control for non-Schengen arrivals/departures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Page Information
Last updated:
Written by FastTrack Editorial Team · Source: Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (Madeira) official website
FastTrack at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (Madeira)
FastTrack security information for Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (Madeira). Check availability for your travel date.