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 Thessaloniki International Airport 'Makedonia'
Thessaloniki International Airport 'Makedonia' (SKG) is the primary air gateway serving Thessaloniki and northern Greece. Located about 13 km southeast of the city centre in the Thermi Municipality, SKG handles scheduled domestic services, extensive seasonal and year-round European connections and a limited number of intercontinental flights. The airport has seen steady passenger growth driven by tourism to Halkidiki and northern Greece.
The airport operates a single passenger terminal building serving both domestic and international flights. The terminal is organised over two main levels: arrivals and baggage reclaim on the ground floor, departures and check-in on the upper level, with gates and boarding piers extending from a central concourse. Ground transport options include municipal bus services to the city (line 78), dedicated airport express and shuttle services in high season, taxis available outside Arrivals, and on-site car rental desks and short‑/long‑stay parking areas. There is no direct rail link to the airport.
Security Information
Standard EU / Schengen security screening applies. Departing passengers must present a valid boarding pass and a government-issued photo ID (passport or national ID for Schengen nationals) at the security checkpoint. Liquids must be in containers no larger than 100 ml and fit in a single transparent resealable bag (1 litre). Electronic devices larger than a mobile phone should be removed from hand luggage and placed in trays unless security staff advise otherwise. Passengers should allow extra time during peak summer periods (June–September), early morning departures and major holidays.
Terminal Guide
Main Passenger Terminal
Arrivals / Passport Control
Accessibility
Accessible route via lifts and ramps from arrivals level and drop-off forecourt. Priority screening is accessible; staff can assist passengers with reduced mobility — notify your airline or service provider in advance.
Good to know
FastTrack lane availability is staffing dependent and is busiest during peak summer months and morning/evening waves. Present voucher/QR code and boarding pass to staff at the FastTrack entrance.
How It Works
Buy FastTrack
Purchase online for the required date and flight. You will receive a voucher/QR code and confirmation email.
Arrive at the airport
Complete airline check-in (online or at the airline desk). Proceed to the departures level with your boarding pass and voucher/QR code.
Present voucher at FastTrack entrance
Show your voucher/QR and boarding pass to the FastTrack attendant at the dedicated lane to gain expedited access to screening.
Pass through security
Follow instructions from security staff, remove liquids/electronics as required, and proceed to your departure gate.
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 the departures security checkpoint
- Assistance from FastTrack staff at the lane entrance
- Reduced queuing time during operational hours
Not Included
- Priority check-in at the airline desk
- Priority boarding or gate-side priority
- Lounge access
- Immigration / passport control priority unless a specific immigration FastTrack product is purchased
Required Documents
- Valid booking voucher or QR code (mobile or printed)
- Boarding pass for the departing flight (mobile or printed)
- Government-issued photo ID (passport or national ID for Schengen nationals)
Restrictions
- Not valid for group bookings of more than nine passengers without prior arrangement
- Not valid if the FastTrack lane is closed for operational reasons; no guarantee of immediate access during peak overload
- Only valid at the specified checkpoint in the main terminal; not transferable between airports or checkpoints
Hours & Booking Rules
| Terminal | Opens | Closes | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Passenger Terminal | 04:00 | 01:00 | Hours vary by flight schedule; FastTrack lane active aligned with peak departures and may be closed overnight when no scheduled flights require it. |
| Arrivals / Passport Control | 04:00 | 01:00 | Immigration counters open according to international arrivals; some late-night/early-morning international flights may be routed through limited counters. |
Booking Rules
FastTrack is valid only for the date and time purchased and only at the designated security checkpoint on the departures level of the main terminal. You must present a valid boarding pass and voucher/QR code to staff at the FastTrack entrance. Standard airport security regulations (liquids limits, electronics screening, prohibited items) apply. FastTrack does not guarantee immediate access if the lane is temporarily full or closed for operational reasons.
Lead Times
- Minimum booking: 0 hours before travel
- Recommended: 2 hours before travel
Refund Policy
Non-Refundable
Standard bookings are non‑refundable. Refunds or exchanges may be considered if FastTrack lane is unavailable due to airport operational decisions or if the booking is cancelled at least 24 hours before scheduled use; see full terms at point of purchase.
Is FastTrack Worth It at Thessaloniki International Airport 'Makedonia'?
FastTrack is particularly useful at SKG during the summer high season and busy morning waves when multiple European flights are scheduled within short windows. Using FastTrack shortens the time spent queuing at the main departures security checkpoint, reduces stress for families and business travellers, and improves on-time arrival at the gate.
Local tip: The FastTrack lane is located on the departures level adjacent to the main security hall — follow the blue 'FAST TRACK' signage. If you have early morning or late-night flights, check your voucher and the airport noticeboards: sometimes dedicated lanes operate only when staffed for peak departures.
Average Wait Times
Who benefits from FastTrack at SKG
Business travellers
Get through security quickly after a short taxi or hotel ride — maximise productive time in Thessaloniki or prepare for meetings in Athens and Europe.
Families
Reduce stress with children and avoid long queues when travelling to popular summer destinations like Halkidiki.
Short‑turnaround travellers
Passengers with short check‑in windows or tight connections benefit from the shortened security processing time.
Travel Tips
Check gate times
Even with FastTrack, airlines may change gates or boarding times. Confirm departure gate on arrival and allow time to reach distant piers.
Prepare liquids and devices
Place liquids (≤100 ml) in a single clear 1 litre bag and remove larger electronics from your carry-on to speed screening.
Plan your transfer
Public bus 78 runs between the city and the airport; taxis take about 20–30 minutes from the centre depending on traffic. Allow extra time in peak season.
Have vouchers ready
Have your FastTrack QR code or printed voucher and boarding pass ready at the entrance to avoid delays.
Pricing
From £5.99 per person depending on time and season
FastTrack vs Standard Security
| Feature | FastTrack | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated security lane | Yes | No |
| Priority check-in | No | No |
| Reduced security queue times | Yes | No |
| Immigration priority | No | No |
| Lounge access | No | No |
Common Mistakes at Thessaloniki International Airport 'Makedonia'
- Arriving too late and assuming FastTrack guarantees immediate entry — lanes can still queue during peak times.
- Not having a printed or mobile voucher/QR code and a valid boarding pass ready at the FastTrack entrance.
- Packing liquids over 100 ml in a bag and expecting FastTrack to bypass normal security rules.
- Confusing FastTrack security with priority check‑in or boarding — FastTrack covers the security lane only unless otherwise specified.
- Assuming FastTrack covers passport control/immigration for non‑Schengen arrivals — it usually does not unless a specific immigration fast‑lane product is purchased.
What If...?
- Late‑night or very early flights: FastTrack lanes may be closed if there are no scheduled departures requiring the extra staffing — always check operational hours for your flight.
- Charter or seasonal flights: unusually high volumes for specific charter flights (e.g., holiday package movements) can temporarily overwhelm both standard and FastTrack lanes.
- Transfer passengers: if your connection involves leaving the secure zone (e.g., arriving from outside Schengen and departing within Schengen), immigration may be the bottleneck rather than security; FastTrack security won't help with immigration waits.
- Group travel: very large tour groups queued together may still form lines at the FastTrack entrance; group coordination is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Page Information
Last updated:
Written by FastTrack Editorial Team · Source: Thessaloniki International Airport 'Makedonia' official website
Skip the Queue at Thessaloniki International Airport 'Makedonia'
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