Sabiha Gökçen International Airport FastTrack — Key Facts
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) offers online FastTrack booking starting from From ₺1650.00 per person. Average FastTrack wait is Under 5 minutes (when lane is available), 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 Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is Istanbul’s second major international airport, located on the city’s Asian side near Pendik and Kurtköy. It serves as a base for several low-cost and scheduled carriers—most notably Pegasus Airlines and AnadoluJet—handling a mix of domestic, regional and international traffic. The airport grew rapidly after opening and operates a single primary passenger terminal with separate domestic and international concourses that handle check-in, security and passport control under one roof.
The terminal is organised with check-in halls on the landside and departures security and gates on the airside. Transport connections include HAVAIST airport shuttle services to central Istanbul districts (Taksim, Kadıköy), municipal IETT buses, taxis, car hire and private transfer services. There are also rail connections in the wider Pendik area (Marmaray and commuter lines) with onward shuttle/taxi transfers to the terminal. On-site passenger facilities include a range of cafes, duty free (for international flights), family facilities and several airline lounges.
Security Information
Departing passengers clear security screening after check-in and baggage drop. Security lanes screen carry-on baggage, electronics and liquids (100 ml limit in 1L transparent bags for international flights). Typical screening is walk-through metal detectors with random hand-searches and X-ray inspection of carry-on items. International departures proceed through security then passport control (for non-Schengen/foreign arrivals) before reaching the gates. Expect additional checks when travelling with oversized cabin items or when selected for secondary screening. FastTrack gives access to a dedicated, priority security lane that bypasses the main queue—present your digital voucher or QR code and a valid boarding pass.
For arriving international passengers, passport control is handled at dedicated immigration desks. FastTrack products at SAW generally cover security for departures; dedicated priority immigration lanes are less common and may be operated by airlines or at special events only.
Terminal Guide
Main Terminal – Departures (Domestic & International)
Main Terminal – Arrivals (International)
Transfer & Transit Security
Transfer SecurityAccessibility
Main terminal and security area are wheelchair accessible. Assistance is available on request; notify your airline or the airport assistance desk in advance.
Good to know
FastTrack is intended for departing passengers with a same-day boarding pass. During very busy periods the operator may limit entry to a set number of passengers at a time.
How It Works
Book online
Purchase a FastTrack pass for Sabiha Gökçen for your travel date and receive a mobile voucher or printable QR code.
Arrive at the terminal
Check in with your airline and drop checked bags as usual. Keep your boarding pass and ID ready.
Present voucher at the FastTrack lane
Show your mobile or printed voucher plus boarding pass and ID to access the dedicated FastTrack security lane.
Proceed to gates
After expedited screening clear passport control (if applicable) and proceed to your departure gate in good time.
What's Included
Included
- Access to a dedicated FastTrack security lane at departures
- Assistance from lane staff where provided
- Digital voucher/QR code redemption
Not Included
- Priority check-in or bag drop (unless the product specifically lists it)
- Priority boarding or guaranteed earlier boarding
- Lounge access
- Immigration fast-track for arrivals (unless explicitly stated)
Required Documents
- Valid boarding pass for a departing flight from SAW on the booking date
- Government-issued photo ID (passport for international departures)
- Mobile voucher or printed QR code provided by the seller
Restrictions
- Not valid for flights departing from other Istanbul airports (IST)
- Not valid during temporary lane closures or emergency security measures
- Some airlines’ premium status lanes are separate and not accessible with third-party FastTrack passes
Hours & Booking Rules
| Terminal | Opens | Closes | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Terminal – Departures (Domestic & International) | 00:00 | 23:59 | Lane availability may be reduced during overnight maintenance or exceptional events; FastTrack may be temporarily closed during security incidents. |
| Main Terminal – Arrivals (International) | 00:00 | 23:59 | Immigration desks operate to match flight arrival times; temporary closures possible during system outages. |
| Transfer & Transit Security | 00:00 | 23:59 | Transit processing hours follow flight schedules; FastTrack access may be limited during peak connection windows. |
Booking Rules
FastTrack passes are valid for one-time entry to the FastTrack security lane for the specified date and flight. You must present a valid boarding pass for a departing flight from Sabiha Gökçen on the same day and a photo ID. FastTrack passes do not guarantee expedited check-in, bag drop or boarding unless explicitly stated.
Lead Times
- Minimum booking: 2 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 Sabiha Gökçen International Airport?
Why buy FastTrack at SAW: queues at Sabiha Gökçen can build quickly, particularly early morning, late evening and around peak LCC flight banks. If you’re tight on time (short check-in to departure windows), travelling for business, or travelling with young children, FastTrack reliably reduces the time spent in security lines and lowers stress before your flight.
Local tip: If you’re travelling from central Istanbul, allow extra time for traffic to the Asian side—use the HAVAIST shuttle or a Marmaray/rail link plus short taxi if you want a more predictable transfer. Also confirm which terminal/concourse your airline uses (Pegasus and many low-cost carriers operate primarily from SAW) so you head straight to the right check-in area.
Average Wait Times
Who benefits from FastTrack at SAW?
Business travellers
Minimise time in queues to protect working hours and make short transfers or early flights more predictable.
Families
Reduce stress and waiting time when travelling with children, strollers and extra carry-on items.
Tight connections
Useful for travellers with short ground times who need a predictable, fast route through security.
Travel Tips
Check which Istanbul airport
Confirm your flight terminal and airport code—SAW is Sabiha Gökçen on the Asian side (IATA: SAW); IST is the new Istanbul Airport on the European side.
Use HAVAIST for predictable transfers
HAVAIST airport shuttle buses connect SAW to central hubs such as Taksim and Kadıköy and are often more reliable than a taxi in heavy traffic.
Pack liquids correctly
For international departures, keep liquids ≤100 ml in a transparent 1L bag to avoid delays at security.
Allow extra time for road travel
Account for Istanbul traffic—plan longer transfer times from the city center to the Asian-side SAW terminal.
Pricing
From ₺1,650.00 per person
FastTrack vs Standard Security
| Feature | FastTrack | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated security lane | Yes | No |
| Passport control / immigration priority | No | Yes |
| Priority check-in / bag drop | No | Yes |
| Reduced wait times through security | Yes | No |
| Guaranteed entry during extreme peaks | No | No |
The Verdict
FastTrack and standard screening are evenly matched on features at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, but FastTrack consistently delivers a smoother, less stressful experience from From ₺1650.00 per person.
Common Mistakes at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
- Confusing SAW with Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and arriving at the wrong airport.
- Underestimating road travel time across Istanbul—allow at least 90–120 minutes from central areas during peak times.
- Assuming FastTrack includes airline check-in, bag drop or priority boarding—FastTrack covers the security lane only unless explicitly stated.
- Carrying liquids larger than 100 ml in hand luggage for international departures and being delayed at security.
- Not checking which entrance/zone your airline uses in the terminal and joining the wrong queue
What If...?
- FastTrack lane temporarily closed during security incidents, system outages or staffing shortages—staff may redirect holders to the regular queue.
- Some FastTrack products are valid only for departing passengers; they may not include priority passport control on arrival unless explicitly stated.
- Groups larger than the product booking size may be split across lanes if the FastTrack lane has limited capacity—confirm group access when booking.
- Airline- or lounge-operated priority lanes (for status passengers) are separate from third-party FastTrack products and may not accept external vouchers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have a question? Browse all FastTrack FAQs
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Page Information
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Written by FastTrack Editorial Team · Source: Sabiha Gökçen International Airport official website
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