
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 Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport
Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) — also known as Punta Raisi — is the principal airport serving Palermo and western Sicily. It handles a mix of scheduled domestic and international flights, with strong seasonal traffic through the spring and summer months. The airport is managed by GESAP and features a single main passenger terminal (Terminal 1) housing both arrivals and departures facilities.
Terminal 1 is compact and easy to navigate: check-in is on the ground level, security screening and departures are on the upper level, and arrivals are on the lower level next to baggage reclaim. Transport connections include the dedicated Prestia e Comandè airport bus to Palermo city centre (approximately 50 minutes), regular intercity coach services, car rental desks in the terminal, and taxi ranks immediately outside arrivals. Road access via the A29 makes the airport convenient for passengers travelling to western Sicily towns such as Trapani and Monreale.
Security Information
Security screening at PMO follows EU standard procedures. Passengers queue at a single security hall for carry-on X-ray screening and walkthrough metal detectors. Liquids must be in 100 ml containers in a single transparent bag, and laptops/tablets should be removed from bags and placed in separate trays. During peak summer months the standard security lane can become congested for early morning and late-afternoon departures; FastTrack provides access to a dedicated priority lane to minimise queuing time. For flights to non-Schengen destinations, passport control is located in the arrivals area and is staffed according to flight schedules.
Terminal Guide
Terminal 1
Main Terminal (Punta Raisi)Arrivals — International (non-Schengen)
Accessibility
Terminal 1 is accessible — step-free routes, lifts between levels, adapted toilets. Notify your airline or transfer desk if assistance is required.
Good to know
FastTrack lane is typically staffed during peak scheduled departure times. During low-traffic hours, the FastTrack lane may be merged with priority lanes for premium passengers.
How It Works
Book FastTrack
Purchase FastTrack for PMO for the date of your departing flight. You will receive a confirmation with a QR code or reference number.
Arrive at the airport
Go to Terminal 1, complete check-in with your airline, then proceed to the departures level and follow signs for FastTrack/priority security.
Show booking and boarding pass
Present your FastTrack voucher/QR code and boarding pass to staff at the FastTrack lane entrance.
Pass through priority screening
Use the dedicated FastTrack lane for X-ray and screening. Repack and rejoin the departures area with more time for gates and amenities.
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 FastTrack security lane at Departures (Terminal 1)
- Staffed lane entry and priority processing through X-ray and metal detector
- Quick guidance from on-site staff where provided
Not Included
- FastTrack does not include lounge access
- Does not guarantee expedited immigration or customs processing for arrivals
- Does not change airline check-in or boarding cut-off times
- Transfers between aircraft are subject to airline/transfer desk rules
Required Documents
- Valid boarding pass for departing flight (paper or mobile)
- Valid government-issued ID or passport as required for travel
Restrictions
- Not valid for cargo or crew
- Not valid beyond the specific date and flight listed on the booking
- Group bookings of 8+ may require bespoke arrangement
- Service availability may change during strikes or exceptional operations
Hours & Booking Rules
| Terminal | Opens | Closes | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | 04:00 | 00:30 | Hours vary by airline schedule; security opens earlier for early-morning departures and may close after the last flight. |
| Arrivals — International (non-Schengen) | Scheduled with inbound flights | Scheduled with inbound flights | Immigration counters open/close according to incoming non-Schengen flight schedules. |
Booking Rules
FastTrack access is valid only for the named passenger on the booking and for the flight/date indicated. A valid boarding pass for a departing flight from PMO on the day of use is required. FastTrack does not change airline check-in or boarding deadlines and is not a substitute for immigration control.
Lead Times
- Minimum booking: 1 hours before travel
- Recommended: 2 hours before travel
Refund Policy
Refundable
Refunds available up to 24 hours before the service. Non-refundable within 24 hours of the booked time except where FastTrack provider cancels; see vendor terms for full details.
Is FastTrack Worth It at Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport?
FastTrack is particularly valuable at PMO during the high season (late spring–early autumn) and during peak departure windows when multiple charter and low-cost carriers operate simultaneously. A brief FastTrack pass can save 10–30 minutes compared with the regular lane and reduce stress when travelling with luggage or tight connections.
Local tip: If you’re travelling early in the morning or late at night when check-in desks are busy, book FastTrack to guarantee a quicker passage through screening and more time to reach airline desks. If you have a short connection in Palermo, confirm with your airline whether transfer security is required — FastTrack can significantly reduce the risk of missed connections.
Average Wait Times
Who benefits from FastTrack at PMO?
Business travellers
Minimise time in queues and use extra time to work or get to meetings — ideal for early departures or tight schedules.
Families
Easier processing when travelling with children and hand luggage; reduces the stress of crowded security lines in high season.
Short connections
Passengers with limited transfer times benefit from priority screening to reduce the risk of missed connections.
Accessible travellers
Complementary to assistance services — FastTrack helps reduce time spent moving through the terminal.
Travel Tips
Arrive early
Even with FastTrack, arrive at least 90 minutes before short-haul flights and 2 hours before long-haul departures to allow for check-in and boarding.
Prepare your carry-on
Place liquids and electronics in easy-to-access parts of your bag to speed up X-ray screening.
Book transport in advance
The Prestia e Comandè airport bus is frequent, but summer traffic can add time. Reserve taxis or private transfers if you need guaranteed arrival times.
Keep your voucher handy
Save your mobile QR code and a screenshot of the confirmation; staff may request either digital or printed copies.
Pricing
From £5.99 per person
FastTrack vs Standard Security
| Feature | FastTrack | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated security lane | Yes | No |
| Faster processing at major peak times | Yes | No |
| Priority at airline check-in or boarding | No | No |
| Includes immigration clearance | No | No |
Common Mistakes at Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport
- Assuming FastTrack replaces passport control for non-Schengen arrivals; immigration checks are still mandatory where applicable.
- Not checking airline check-in cut-off times — FastTrack speeds security but does not extend airline check-in deadlines.
- Carrying liquids or prohibited items in hand luggage that cause secondary screening delays.
- Arriving with a printed voucher only to find you need the mobile QR code or reference number — keep both available.
- Expecting FastTrack to include lounge access or priority boarding — those are separate services.
What If...?
- If your departure is operated by a partner airline on a different carrier’s flight number, FastTrack access is usually valid but confirm with the vendor ahead of time.
- During severe staffing shortages or exceptional circumstances (strikes, emergencies), FastTrack lane availability may be altered; always allow extra time.
- For group bookings of 8+ passengers, dedicated arrangements may be required—standard FastTrack passes for individuals might not apply.
- Late check-ins where the airline has already closed counters: FastTrack cannot override airline boarding policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Page Information
Last updated:
Written by FastTrack Editorial Team · Source: Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport official website
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