Gatwick Airport FastTrack — Key Facts
Gatwick Airport (LGW) offers online FastTrack booking starting from From £16.00 per person. Average FastTrack wait is Under 5 minutes, saving ~10 minutes compared to standard screening. Available at 2 terminals.
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 Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick is the UK's second-busiest airport, located 45 km south of central London. The airport has two main passenger terminals — the South Terminal and the North Terminal — connected by a free inter-terminal shuttle train (operates 24/7, journey ~2 minutes). Gatwick handles a mix of short-haul European flights, medium-haul services and a selection of long-haul routes; carriers include easyJet, British Airways, TUI Airways and various leisure and scheduled operators.
The South Terminal is the larger of the two and is arranged around a central departures level with satellite piers for gates. The North Terminal is slightly smaller with a compact departures area and its own security hall. Ground transport options are comprehensive: the Gatwick Express provides a non-stop rail link to London Victoria (approx. 30 minutes), Thameslink and Southern offer frequent services to multiple London stations, and there are long-distance coaches, local buses, taxis and extensive short- and long-stay parking facilities.
Security Information
Standard UK security rules apply. At departures you must present a valid boarding pass and a form of photo ID when requested. Liquids must be in containers of 100 ml/100 g or less and presented in a single, clear, resealable bag. Laptops and larger electronic devices should be removed from hand luggage and placed in a tray unless directed otherwise by staff. Passengers may be subject to random additional screening including hand-searches and swab tests for explosives. Arrivals passport control includes staffed desks and automated eGates for eligible nationalities; FastTrack products at Gatwick are focused on expedited departure security lanes rather than immigration in most cases.
Terminal Guide
South Terminal
SouthNorth Terminal
NorthSouth Terminal Arrivals
North Terminal Arrivals
Accessibility
Step-free access to security hall and accessible lanes available. Airport staff can assist passengers with reduced mobility; notify your airline or FastTrack provider in advance if you need assistance.
Good to know
FastTrack lane located adjacent to the main security lanes in the South Terminal departures hall. Service is subject to availability and may be temporarily suspended during exceptional circumstances.
How It Works
Book FastTrack
Purchase FastTrack online or via the provider and receive a booking reference and barcode by email.
Arrive at Terminal
Go to the departures hall of the terminal listed on your booking. Have your booking confirmation and boarding pass ready.
Present Voucher
Show your digital or printed voucher/booking reference at the FastTrack lane entrance. Staff will scan and grant access.
Proceed Through Priority Lane
Use the FastTrack lane to pass through security with expedited processing. Continue to your gate as usual.
What's Included
Included
- Access to priority security lane at the booked terminal
- Dedicated FastTrack lane staff
- Priority screening for carry-on luggage
Not Included
- Priority or fast-track immigration / passport control on arrival (unless specifically stated)
- Airport lounge access
- Assistance for checked baggage or escorted transfers (unless separately purchased)
Required Documents
- Valid boarding pass for same-day departure
- Valid photo ID (passport or UK photocard driving licence as applicable)
Restrictions
- Not valid for airport employees or crew
- Group bookings of 9+ may require separate arrangement
- May be suspended during security alerts or staff shortages
- Does not apply to arrival immigration in most cases
Hours & Booking Rules
| Terminal | Opens | Closes | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Terminal | 00:00 | 23:59 | FastTrack lane availability may vary overnight or during planned closures; check your booking confirmation or Gatwick notifications for temporary changes. |
| North Terminal | 00:00 | 23:59 | Lane opening hours are aligned with flight schedules; early and late flights may have limited FastTrack availability. |
| South Terminal Arrivals | 00:00 | 23:59 | Immigration desks and eGate availability depend on staffing levels and flight arrivals; times may vary. |
| North Terminal Arrivals | 00:00 | 23:59 | Times may vary with flight schedules and staffing. |
Booking Rules
FastTrack grants single-entry access to the priority security lane at the booked terminal and on the date shown. A valid boarding pass for a departing flight the same day is required. FastTrack is not a substitute for document checks; always carry required travel documents. Availability is subject to staff levels and security procedures; FastTrack may be temporarily closed in exceptional circumstances.
Lead Times
- Minimum booking: 1 hours before travel
- Recommended: 24 hours before travel
Refund Policy
Refundable
Free cancellation up to 4 hours before departure. Non-refundable after that.
Is FastTrack Worth It at Gatwick Airport?
FastTrack at Gatwick is valuable if you want to reduce uncertainty around security queues — particularly during weekday mornings, summer peaks and busy bank holiday weekends. Business travellers and families with children or tight connections will save time and stress by using the priority lane. FastTrack is available at both the South and North Terminal security halls and is commonly used by passengers flying with major short- and medium-haul carriers based at Gatwick.
Local tip: If you must transfer between terminals allow at least 30–40 minutes for the transfer plus security if you need to re-clear. The free shuttle is quick but can have queues at peak times; if you have an extremely tight connection consider booking a later flight or allowing extra time for transfer and security.
Average Wait Times
Who benefits from FastTrack at Gatwick?
Business travellers
Minimise waiting time and preserve time for work or meetings by using the priority lane.
Families
Faster security reduces stress when travelling with children and simplifies moving between gates.
Tight connections
Ideal when you have limited time between flights or a late arrival into the airport.
Passengers needing accessibility
Priority lanes and assistance reduce walking and waiting for passengers with reduced mobility; pre-arrange assistance when needed.
Travel Tips
Save your barcode
Have your FastTrack booking reference or barcode ready on your phone or printed before you reach security — it speeds up entry.
Allow transfer time between terminals
If transferring between North and South terminals allow at least 30–40 minutes for the shuttle and re-clearance through security.
Pack liquids correctly
Place liquids (≤100 ml) in a clear, resealable bag and remove electronics from bags when prompted to keep your FastTrack experience quick.
Check opening hours
FastTrack availability can vary by time of day; check your confirmation and the airport website for temporary changes during early/late flights.
Pricing
From £16.00 per person
FastTrack vs Standard Security
| Feature | FastTrack | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Priority security lane | Yes | No |
| Faster queue times | Yes | No |
| Access to eGates at immigration | No | Yes |
| Lounge access | No | No |
The Verdict
FastTrack wins on 2 of 4 features at Gatwick Airport. With dedicated service and priority handling from From £16.00 per person, it offers a measurably better experience.
Common Mistakes at Gatwick Airport
- Assuming FastTrack lets you skip ID checks — you still must present a boarding pass and ID when requested.
- Arriving at the terminal with liquids in containers larger than 100 ml and expecting to be waved through.
- Not allowing enough time to transfer between North and South terminals before re-clearing security.
- Purchasing FastTrack but not saving or printing the booking reference/barcode — have it ready on your phone.
- Expecting FastTrack to cover passport control on arrival — most FastTrack products at Gatwick apply only to departure security.
What If...?
- FastTrack lane temporarily closed: during exceptional security alerts or very low staff levels the FastTrack lane can be closed and customers will be directed to standard lanes.
- Group bookings: very large groups (e.g. 9+ passengers) may require an advance group FastTrack booking rather than individual passes.
- Transfers requiring re-entry to the UK: passengers arriving from outside the UK who must pass UK border control may face separate queues that FastTrack departure lanes do not affect.
- Early-morning and late-night flights: while security is generally open 24/7, specific FastTrack service availability can vary by time and may be limited for very early or late flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have a question? Browse all FastTrack FAQs
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Written by FastTrack Editorial Team · Source: Gatwick Airport official website
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