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 Heraklion International Airport 'Nikos Kazantzakis'
Heraklion International Airport 'Nikos Kazantzakis' (HER) is the main air gateway to the northern coast of Crete and the island’s busiest airport. Located about 5 km east of Heraklion city centre in Nea Alikarnassos, the single terminal handles a mix of scheduled domestic services (Aegean/Olympic Air) and large volumes of seasonal international charter and low-cost carrier flights (easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI, Transavia, Condor and others). The airport experiences a pronounced summer peak from April to October, when daily movements increase substantially.
The airport operates a single passenger terminal with clearly separated departure and arrival levels. Check-in desks and airline desks are landside; security screening sits between check-in and the departures concourse. Arrivals and passport control (immigration) are handled on the arrivals level — Schengen and non‑Schengen flows are separated when required. Ground transport links include public bus services (KTEL routes) to Heraklion city and the port, metered taxis at the official rank, and car rental desks in the arrivals hall. The airport is a short drive from the city centre (approx. 10–15 minutes) and well connected to major tourist resorts on the north coast.
Security Information
Departing passengers pass through a central security hall after check-in. Standard screening includes X-ray of carry-on baggage, metal detectors / body scanners and random hand searches. Liquids rules are standard EU: containers must be 100 ml or less and fit inside a single transparent 1-litre resealable bag. Duty-free bag screening follows current EU regulations. During the high summer season, queues can build at peak departure times (early morning and late afternoon charter waves). For arrivals from non-Schengen countries, passport control (immigration) is in the arrivals area; Schengen arrivals bypass passport control.
Terminal Guide
Main Terminal
Nikos Kazantzakis TerminalArrivals & Immigration
Accessibility
Accessible route to security with step-free access. Wheelchair assistance must be requested in advance from your airline; airport staff will assist through security.
Good to know
FastTrack lane is operated by airport security/ground handling teams; availability is subject to seasonal staffing and flight schedules. Queueing arrangements may change on busy days.
How It Works
Book FastTrack
Purchase a FastTrack pass online or via an authorised reseller for your flight and date. You will receive a booking confirmation and QR code.
Arrive at Airport
Check in with your airline as usual and proceed to the departures level. Keep your boarding pass and booking confirmation ready.
Show Your Pass
At the dedicated FastTrack lane entrance present your booking confirmation (printed or digital) and boarding pass to the lane attendant.
Use the Priority Lane
Pass through the priority security lane — staff will guide you through X‑ray and screening faster than the standard queue.
What's Included
Included
- Access to a dedicated priority departures security lane
- Assistance and direction from airport/ground staff at lane entrance
- Faster processing of carry-on screening
Not Included
- Priority immigration/passport control (arrival) unless specifically stated
- Priority boarding or guaranteed early boarding onto the aircraft
- Baggage handling, lounge access or expedited checked-baggage processing
- Assistance for oversized carry-on items that require manual screening beyond standard procedures
Required Documents
- Valid photo ID (passport or national ID depending on destination)
- Boarding pass for the named flight
- FastTrack booking confirmation (printed or digital)
Restrictions
- Only valid for the flight/date printed on the booking confirmation.
- Not valid for passengers travelling on airport staff/crew passes.
- May be limited or suspended on days of irregular operations or when security services redirect lanes.
- Large groups and charters may impact lane availability at peak times.
Hours & Booking Rules
| Terminal | Opens | Closes | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Terminal | 06:00 | 22:00 | Hours extended during peak summer months; FastTrack may have reduced hours outside scheduled commercial flights. |
| Arrivals & Immigration | 06:00 | 00:30 | Immigration desks open in line with scheduled non‑Schengen arrivals; hours may be reduced overnight outside scheduled flights. |
Booking Rules
FastTrack provides access to a dedicated departures security lane only. It does not guarantee priority at boarding gates or expedited immigration clearance. The pass is valid for the named flight and date on the booking confirmation. Present a printed or digital booking confirmation and your boarding pass at the FastTrack lane.
Lead Times
- Minimum booking: 1 hours before travel
- Recommended: 24 hours before travel
Refund Policy
Non-Refundable
Non‑refundable; changes permitted up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time subject to availability. Refunds may be considered for airport closure or official flight cancellations — proof required.
Is FastTrack Worth It at Heraklion International Airport 'Nikos Kazantzakis'?
FastTrack is particularly valuable at HER during the peak summer months when large charter and holiday flights lead to congested security queues. With a FastTrack pass you use a dedicated screening lane and typically reduce security waiting to under five minutes — ideal for travellers with tight connections, early/late outbound flights, or families with children.
Local tip: If you’re travelling in high season, book FastTrack for departure rather than relying on airline status alone — charter flights often create sudden spikes in queues. If arriving in Heraklion and connecting to a domestic flight the same day, check whether your connection requires re-clearing security and consider FastTrack for departures.
Average Wait Times
Who benefits from FastTrack at HER?
Business travellers
Ideal for those travelling on tight schedules who need to minimise time at the airport and maintain reliable connections.
Families
Families with young children or heavy hand luggage save time and stress by using a faster security lane.
Late/short‑connection flyers
Passengers with short connection times or late check‑ins can reduce the risk of missing flights during peak charter waves.
Travel Tips
Book early in high season
During July–September book FastTrack in advance — availability can be limited on high-volume days.
Prepare your liquids
Pack liquids in 100 ml containers inside a clear 1‑litre bag to speed up screening and avoid delays.
Allow time for transfers
Taxis and buses can be delayed during peak arrival times; factor extra time to get to the terminal before your FastTrack slot.
Keep your confirmation handy
Have your FastTrack booking confirmation and boarding pass ready on your phone or printed to show at the lane entrance.
Pricing
From £5.99 per person
FastTrack vs Standard Security
| Feature | FastTrack | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated security lane | Yes | No |
| Expedited immigration | No | No |
| Lounge access | No | No |
| Reduced wait time at security | Yes | No |
| Same‑day purchase availability | Yes | Yes |
Common Mistakes at Heraklion International Airport 'Nikos Kazantzakis'
- Assuming queues will be short because HER is a regional airport — summer peaks can produce long waits.
- Bringing liquids over 100 ml in carry-on and having them confiscated at screening.
- Heading to the wrong entrance: some charter check-in desks are placed at different check-in rows — follow signage to the main departures security hall.
- Not allowing extra time when travelling early morning or late afternoon charter waves.
- Expecting FastTrack to include priority immigration or boarding (it normally covers only security screening).
What If...?
- During very busy charter days the airport may open additional screening lanes — FastTrack lanes can temporarily merge with other priority queues.
- If your outbound flight is a remote stand (bus boarding), you may still use FastTrack for security; boarding will be by bus after security as usual.
- Passengers in transit arriving from non‑Schengen countries who must clear passport control and then re-clear security should check whether FastTrack is available for the departure security checkpoint.
- Large groups/charter passengers can occasionally occupy priority lanes if escorted by airline/ground staff; FastTrack benefit may be reduced on those specific flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Page Information
Last updated:
Written by FastTrack Editorial Team · Source: Heraklion International Airport 'Nikos Kazantzakis' official website
FastTrack at Heraklion International Airport 'Nikos Kazantzakis'
FastTrack security information for Heraklion International Airport 'Nikos Kazantzakis'. Check availability for your travel date.