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 Kos Island International Airport "Hippocrates"
Kos Island International Airport (KGS), named 'Hippocrates', is the primary gateway for the island of Kos and serves a mix of scheduled domestic services and extensive seasonal international charters. The airport is located near the village of Antimachia, about 20–25 minutes' drive from Kos Town. The single passenger terminal handles both arrivals and departures and scales operations up heavily during the summer months when package and low-cost carriers operate frequent services.
Terminal layout is straightforward: one main terminal with a compact departures concourse, small airside retail and café options, and a combined baggage reclaim/arrivals area. There are separate passport control counters for non-Schengen arrivals. Ground transport options include taxis available outside the terminal, local bus connections to Kos Town and major resorts (seasonal timetable), and a number of car hire desks in the arrivals hall. During high season additional shuttle services run to popular resort areas.
Security Information
Security screening at Kos is carried out in a single departures checkpoint located at the front of the departures concourse. Expect standard EU/Schengen screening: remove liquids above 100 ml, laptops and large electronics from hand luggage, and follow any staff instructions regarding footwear or coats. In summer months, the checkpoint can become congested—extra staff are deployed but queues still form. Passport (immigration) control is separate for non-Schengen flights and is located in the arrivals corridor after disembarkation. Non-Schengen/extra-Schengen passengers should be prepared for passport checks on arrival and sometimes on departure depending on flight origin/destination.
Terminal Guide
Main Terminal
Arrivals / Immigration
Accessibility
Terminal is single-storey with step-free access. Wheelchair assistance is available on request from airlines; ramps and accessible toilets are provided. Notify your airline in advance for mobility assistance to ensure timely passage through security.
Good to know
FastTrack lane availability is busiest and most reliable during peak summer months (June–September). During extremely busy periods staff may open additional lanes or direct passengers to alternative points.
How It Works
Buy FastTrack
Purchase a FastTrack security pass online or via your travel provider. You'll receive a digital voucher with a QR code and booking reference.
Arrive at the terminal
Go to Kos departures hall as usual. Complete check-in and baggage drop with your airline before proceeding to security.
Show your voucher
At the FastTrack entrance present your digital or printed voucher and boarding pass to the FastTrack attendant.
Use the priority lane
You will be admitted to the dedicated FastTrack lane for security screening. Follow staff instructions and place items on the belt as directed.
Proceed to gates
After screening, rejoin the departure concourse and proceed to your gate. FastTrack does not change boarding procedures—arrive at the gate at the time shown on your boarding pass.
What's Included
Included
- Access to a dedicated priority security lane
- Assisted lane entry with attendant
- Faster passage through standard security screening (subject to security requirements)
- Digital voucher/QR code entry
Not Included
- Lounge access
- Priority boarding or baggage handling
- Guaranteed expedited passport control on arrival
- Immigration assistance for non-Schengen transfers
Required Documents
- Valid boarding pass for travel on the specified date
- Valid government-issued photo ID or passport (required at security and for immigration)
- Digital or printed FastTrack voucher (QR code) for scanning
Restrictions
- FastTrack covers only the airport security checkpoint and does not expedite airline check-in or boarding
- Not valid for flights operated from remote stands that use bus transfers if security entry point differs
- Must be used within the booked date and local operating hours; no time extension on arrival
- Group bookings must be purchased per person unless a group product is specified
Hours & Booking Rules
| Terminal | Opens | Closes | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Terminal | 05:00 | 01:00 | Hours are seasonal and subject to change with airline schedules; FastTrack availability may be restricted on very early/late flights. |
| Arrivals / Immigration | 05:00 | 01:00 | Immigration desks open in line with inbound flight schedules. For non-Schengen flights expect passport control to be staffed for those scheduled arrivals. |
Booking Rules
FastTrack vouchers are valid only for the named passenger on the booking and for the specified date of travel. Each voucher admits one passenger through the FastTrack lane unless a multi-person pass is purchased. The FastTrack service speeds you through the security checkpoint only; it does not include lounge access, checked-baggage priority or guaranteed earlier boarding.
Lead Times
- Minimum booking: 1 hours before travel
- Recommended: 24 hours before travel
Refund Policy
Non-Refundable
Standard policy is non-refundable. Refunds or changes may be considered only if the airport or FastTrack service is closed or unavailable for the booked time; evidence and approval required. Check vendor terms at time of purchase.
Is FastTrack Worth It at Kos Island International Airport "Hippocrates"?
Why FastTrack can help at KGS: the terminal is compact but passenger volumes spike sharply in July and August when multiple charter and low-cost carriers arrive within small windows. FastTrack secures a dedicated lane through the departures security checkpoint so you avoid the slow-moving main queue and reduce stress before your flight.
Local tip: If you are travelling on a non-Schengen itinerary (for example returning to the UK) keep your passport easily accessible — passport checks are often performed both at the gate and at a dedicated immigration desk in arrivals. During peak season consider arriving earlier for check-in and keeping a photocopy/photo of your passport and booking details on your phone.
Average Wait Times
Who benefits most from FastTrack at KGS
Business travellers
Save time during short island trips and avoid unpredictable summer security queues to make tight schedules or meetings on the mainland.
Families
Families with young children or strollers find the priority lane less stressful, with quicker passage through the screening point.
Time-sensitive connections
Passengers with tight onward connections or evening flights benefit from a reduced security delay, especially during busy arrival waves.
Groups & tour parties
Organised groups and holidaymakers on package tours reduce waiting times and maintain group schedules during peak arrivals.
Travel Tips
Check Schengen status
Confirm whether your flight is Schengen or non‑Schengen. Non‑Schengen passengers should have passports ready for both arrival and departure checks.
Allow extra time in peak season
Even with FastTrack, aim to arrive earlier than usual during July–August when multiple charter flights coincide.
Prepare hand luggage
Pack liquids in 100 ml containers in a clear resealable bag and remove laptops/large electronics for screening to speed up the process.
Keep digital voucher accessible
Have your FastTrack voucher and boarding pass readily available on your phone to avoid delays at the FastTrack entrance.
Pricing
From £5.99 per person (seasonal pricing may apply).
FastTrack vs Standard Security
| Feature | FastTrack | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated security lane | Yes | No |
| Faster passage through security | Yes | No |
| Priority baggage handling | No | No |
| Expedited immigration | No | No |
| Lounge access | No | No |
Common Mistakes at Kos Island International Airport "Hippocrates"
- Arriving too close to your departure time during peak summer; queues are longer than expected.
- Not checking whether your flight is classed as Schengen or non‑Schengen — passport checks differ and may be required before boarding.
- Assuming airport shops and services run late — many outlets close earlier outside peak hours.
- Carrying liquids and electronics in hand luggage without following EU security packaging rules, causing delays at the scanner.
- Expecting multiple terminals or complex transfer signage — the single terminal is compact but can be crowded; know your gate early.
What If...?
- Charter block bookings arriving with multiple flights in a short period can create temporary bottlenecks even at the FastTrack lane.
- Late evening flights outside the usual operating window: some ground services (car hire desks, buses) have limited hours and may not be available.
- Non-Schengen transfers that require an additional passport control step — FastTrack purchased for security may not apply to immigration checks.
- Aircraft stand changes: in high season a flight may be assigned a remote stand requiring bus transfer, which bypasses airside conveniences.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated:
Written by FastTrack Editorial Team · Source: Kos Island International Airport "Hippocrates" official website
FastTrack at Kos Island International Airport "Hippocrates"
FastTrack security information for Kos Island International Airport "Hippocrates". Check availability for your travel date.