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 Malta International Airport
Malta International Airport (MLA) is the country’s principal airport, located in the town of Luqa approximately 7 km southwest of Valletta. The airport handles short- and medium-haul scheduled services across Europe and seasonal charter traffic; it is the base for Air Malta and is served by a range of low-cost and flag carriers.
The passenger facility is a single-terminal complex with consolidated check-in, security and arrivals halls. After check-in passengers proceed through the Departures Hall where security screening leads to an airside concourse with a mix of contact stands and remote bus gates. The compact layout makes connections straightforward, but summer peak periods can create congestion at security and departure gates. Ground transport options include Malta Public Transport buses linking the airport with Valletta and other towns, licensed taxis, private transfers and car hire; transfer time to Valletta is typically around 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
Security Information
Security at MLA follows EU regulations: all hand baggage is screened, liquids over 100 ml in open-view 1 L bags are not permitted through security, and electronics larger than a smartphone should be placed in separate trays. Passengers must present a valid boarding pass and government-issued ID (passport or national ID card for Schengen/EU nationals) at check-in and immigration. The airport operates a dedicated priority/fast lane at Departures security — this lane is often staffed only during peak periods and may be subject to capacity limits. Arrival passport control is standard EU Schengen immigration for non-EU nationals; FastTrack products typically do not include arrival immigration processing unless specifically stated.
Terminal Guide
Terminal 1 - Departures
Terminal 1 - Arrivals
Accessibility
Main security hall and FastTrack lane are step-free with wheelchair access. Airport assistance can be requested at check-in desks or by prior arrangement with your airline.
Good to know
FastTrack provides access to a priority lane at Departures security only. Lane availability is subject to capacity and may be temporarily closed. FastTrack does not include airline check-in, boarding priority, or security screening for hold baggage.
How It Works
Book FastTrack
Select the date of travel and number of passengers; complete booking online and receive a confirmation with QR code or voucher.
Prepare documents
Have your FastTrack voucher/QR, airline booking reference and government ID or passport ready before arriving at the terminal.
Use the priority lane
At Departures present your voucher and boarding pass to the FastTrack attendant and follow the priority queue to the dedicated security lane.
Proceed to gate
After security, continue to the departure gates as normal; FastTrack does not include boarding or lounge access.
You can buy at the airport — but here's why travellers prefer to book ahead
Buy at the airport counter
- Clunky airport website, not mobile-friendly
- Booking confirmation via email only — no wallet pass
- Limited payment options (often no Apple Pay / Google Pay)
- Queue at the counter to buy on arrival
- No guaranteed availability — may be sold out
- Rigid or no refund policy
- Language barriers at the counter
- No customer support if something goes wrong
Book with FastTrack
- Mobile-first booking — takes 30 seconds
- Instant QR code + Apple Wallet / Google Wallet pass
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, all major cards
- Book from anywhere, days or hours ahead
- Guaranteed entry — your slot is reserved
- Full refund policy with clear conditions
- 24/7 customer support in English
- Skip the counter entirely — go straight to the lane
What's Included
Included
- Access to a dedicated priority lane at Departures security
- On-site FastTrack attendant to verify voucher/QR
- Reduced queuing time through security screening
Not Included
- Airline check-in or baggage drop
- Priority boarding or seat upgrades
- Guaranteed faster immigration on arrival
- Lounge access or fast-track through vehicle checkpoints
Required Documents
- Valid FastTrack booking confirmation (mobile or printed)
- Valid boarding pass for departing flight on the same date
- Government-issued photo ID or passport
Restrictions
- Not valid for remote-stand bus boarding times — only for terminal security screening
- Not valid for non-travellers or airline staff
- Subject to temporary closure during exceptional operational circumstances
Hours & Booking Rules
| Terminal | Opens | Closes | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 - Departures | 04:00 | 23:00 | Hours vary by season and airline schedules. FastTrack availability may be reduced outside peak periods; confirm on booking. |
| Terminal 1 - Arrivals | 00:00 | 23:59 | Passport control opens according to inbound flight schedules; special staffing applies for irregular operations. |
Booking Rules
FastTrack is valid for the named passenger(s) and a single pass through the Departures security priority lane on the booked date. FastTrack does not replace airline check-in or boarding priority. You must present a valid booking confirmation (print or mobile), a valid boarding pass for the same day and a government-issued ID.
Lead Times
- Minimum booking: 1 hours before travel
- Recommended: 24 hours before travel
Refund Policy
Refundable
Full refund available up to 24 hours before the booked date. No refund for no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours of the scheduled FastTrack time. Refunds subject to supplier terms.
Is FastTrack Worth It at Malta International Airport?
FastTrack is particularly valuable at Malta International during the high season (late spring to early autumn) when multiple early-morning and late-evening flights coincide and security queues grow quickly. Buying FastTrack saves time at Departures security and reduces stress when travelling with family, carry-on luggage or tight connections.
Local tip: If travelling to Valletta after arrival, buy a pre-paid taxi or book a transfer in advance during cruise and festival seasons — bus services are frequent but can be crowded. Also check your airline’s check-in deadline: priority security does not change airline check-in and boarding cut-off times.
Average Wait Times
Who benefits from FastTrack at MLA
Families with children
Faster security makes travelling with prams, carry-on luggage and young children less stressful and reduces time standing in line.
Business travellers
Save precious time on quick trips and avoid delays before meetings or tight connections.
Holidaymakers in peak season
Summer peaks see long queues; FastTrack helps keep your journey on schedule during busy periods.
Passengers needing assistance
Reduced queues and a staff-monitored entrance simplify the security process for passengers with limited mobility (advance assistance booking still required).
Travel Tips
Allow time for check-in
FastTrack speeds security but does not change airline check-in or baggage drop-off times — arrive adhering to your airline’s advised check-in window.
Pack liquids correctly
Place liquids, gels and aerosols in containers of 100 ml or less inside a clear 1 L resealable bag to pass security smoothly.
Have documents ready
Keep your FastTrack voucher/QR, boarding pass and ID accessible to present quickly at the FastTrack entrance.
Plan onward travel
Book transfers or check bus timetables ahead of arrival during cruise season and festivals when taxis can be in high demand.
Pricing
From £5.99 per person
FastTrack vs Standard Security
| Feature | FastTrack | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Priority security lane | Yes | No |
| Access to priority immigration on arrival | No | No |
| Included with airline business/first class ticket | No | Yes |
| Refundable option up to 24 hours prior | Yes | Yes |
| Guaranteed reduced wait during peak periods | Yes | No |
Common Mistakes at Malta International Airport
- Assuming FastTrack covers airline check-in or boarding priority — it only speeds security screening unless otherwise specified.
- Packing liquids over 100 ml in hand luggage and being surprised at the security checkpoint.
- Arriving just before the published flight time thinking FastTrack replaces the airline’s check-in cut-off.
- Confusing Schengen and non‑Schengen gates for transfers — allow extra time if you must pass passport control.
- Expecting FastTrack to speed boarding when aircraft use remote stands and must be reached by bus.
What If...?
- During heavy charter or cruise ship turnarounds FastTrack lanes may temporarily close or reach capacity; always allow contingency time.
- If your flight departs from a remote stand requiring a bus transfer, FastTrack expedites terminal security but not the bus boarding or bus transfer time.
- Arrival priority at passport control is not guaranteed — arrival immigration fast lanes are not routinely offered for all nationalities or flights.
- Late-night or very early flights: FastTrack services may have reduced staffing outside peak operational hours; check booking confirmation for opening times on your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Page Information
Last updated:
Written by FastTrack Editorial Team · Source: Malta International Airport official website
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