Is Airport Fast Track Worth It?

The Short Answer

For most travellers at busy airports during peak times, yes — Fast Track is worth it. At an average cost of £5-£12, it typically saves 15-40 minutes of queuing. That works out to less than 50p per minute saved — comparable to the value most people place on their leisure time.

The Maths: Cost Per Minute Saved

When Fast Track Is Definitely Worth It

• Peak travel periods — School holidays, bank holidays, and summer weekends see the longest queues. This is when Fast Track delivers the most value.
• Early morning flights — The 5am-8am rush at major airports creates significant queues. Fast Track lets you sleep 20-30 minutes longer.
• Travelling with children — The stress reduction alone is worth the price for most families.
• Tight connections — If you have a minimum connection time, Fast Track provides essential insurance.
• Business travel — Time has a direct monetary value. At £0.33-£0.50 per minute, it's a sound business expense.

When Fast Track Might Not Be Worth It

• Off-peak, small airports — If the standard queue is already 5-10 minutes, the time saved is minimal.
• Late-night flights — Evening departures (after 8pm) typically have shorter security queues.
• Airports with new CT scanners — Some airports have upgraded to faster scanning technology, reducing standard queue times.

The Hidden Value: Stress Reduction

Beyond pure time savings, Fast Track provides certainty. You know you'll be through security quickly. This peace of mind is difficult to price but is consistently cited by travellers as the primary reason they buy Fast Track.

The question isn't whether 20 minutes of your time is worth £7 — it's whether the certainty of a stress-free start to your trip is worth £7.

Use Our Calculator

Not sure if Fast Track is right for your specific trip? Try our personalised recommendation quiz — it takes 30 seconds and gives you a tailored answer based on your airport, travel time, and party size.