Is Gatwick Airport Fast Track worth paying for? If you’re travelling through Gatwick with children, catching an early flight or flying during the school holidays, a dedicated security queue might make your journey easier.
But there’s an important catch: Gatwick’s normal security queues can already be very efficient. Paying extra for Fast Track doesn’t automatically mean you’ll save a lot of time.
In this guide, we’ll explain how Gatwick Fast Track works, what it costs, the differences between North and South Terminal, and when we’d recommend spending the extra money.
Gatwick Airport Security Fast Track is worth considering during busy travel periods, particularly for families who want a more predictable journey through security.
At quieter times, we’d usually save the money and use the standard security lanes.
Our verdict: Useful convenience, but not essential for everyone.
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What Is Gatwick Airport Fast Track?
Gatwick Airport Fast Track gives eligible departing passengers access to a dedicated priority queue at airport security.
It is available at both Gatwick North Terminal and South Terminal.
You still go through the normal security screening process. Fast Track doesn’t exempt you from security checks, and it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll walk straight through without waiting.
How does it work?
- Choose your Gatwick departure terminal.
- Select the date and time you plan to pass through security.
- Book your Fast Track ticket.
- Keep your confirmation available on your phone.
- Follow the Fast Track Security signs when you arrive.
- Present your booking and proceed through security screening.
Fast Track doesn’t mean you can arrive at the airport later. Always follow your airline’s check-in and bag-drop guidance, even if you’ve booked priority security.
How Much Does Gatwick Fast Track Cost?
Gatwick Airport has advertised Security Fast Track from approximately £6 per person when booked online. This is a guide price rather than a guaranteed price for your journey.
The final cost may depend on your departure date, booking channel and availability. Check the current price before paying.
| Passengers | Illustrative total at £6 each |
|---|---|
| 1 adult | £6 |
| 2 adults | £12 |
| 2 adults + 1 child | £18 |
| 2 adults + 2 children | £24 |
Children aged two and over generally require their own Security Fast Track ticket. Children under two can use the lane free when accompanied by a paying adult, subject to the current booking terms.
For a family of four, paying around £24 might seem reasonable if security is particularly busy. But if the normal queue takes only a few minutes, the money could be better spent elsewhere.
Is Gatwick Airport Fast Track Worth It?
Our view is that Gatwick Fast Track is a convenience purchase rather than something every passenger needs.
The biggest advantage is access to a dedicated queue, which can reduce uncertainty during busy periods. The downside is that standard security may already be quick.
| Situation | Our recommendation |
|---|---|
| School summer holidays | Worth considering |
| Busy weekend departure | Consider Fast Track |
| Early flight with children | Potentially useful |
| Quiet midweek departure | Often unnecessary |
| Travelling on a tight budget | Standard security is usually the sensible starting point |
| Planning to use an airport lounge | May help make the most of your time after security |
When we’d pay for Fast Track
- Travelling with children during school holidays.
- Flying at a busy departure time.
- Wanting to reduce the uncertainty of queueing.
- Planning to use a pre-booked airport lounge.
When we’d save the money
- Travelling during a quieter period.
- Being comfortable using standard security.
- Keeping airport extras to a minimum.
- Not expecting a significant difference in waiting times.
We’d consider Fast Track for a family holiday during a busy period, but we wouldn’t book it automatically for every Gatwick departure.
Think of it as paying for convenience, not guaranteed major time savings.
Gatwick North Terminal vs South Terminal Fast Track
Security Fast Track is available at both Gatwick terminals. The purpose of the service is broadly the same: access to a dedicated priority security queue.
Gatwick North Terminal Fast Track
Passengers departing from North Terminal should select North Terminal when booking and follow the relevant Fast Track signs after check-in or bag drop.
Gatwick South Terminal Fast Track
South Terminal passengers should book the South Terminal service and follow the security signage for that terminal.
Always check your departure terminal with your airline before booking. Terminal arrangements can change.
If you’re also booking parking, an airport hotel or a lounge, make sure all your arrangements work with your departure terminal.
Gatwick Fast Track vs the Family Security Lane
Families travelling with young children or pushchairs may be able to use Gatwick’s dedicated Family and Assistance security facilities.
These facilities are designed to make the security process easier for passengers who need additional space or assistance.
| Family Security Lane | Paid Fast Track |
|---|---|
| Designed for eligible families and passengers needing assistance | Designed to provide access to a priority security queue |
| Not a paid priority product | Requires a ticket or qualifying entitlement |
| Focuses on accessibility and a suitable screening experience | Focuses on reducing time in the standard queue |
If you’re travelling with a baby or pushchair, check the airport’s current family security arrangements before purchasing Fast Track purely for convenience.
Can You Buy Gatwick Fast Track on the Day?
Gatwick has offered same-day Security Fast Track purchases, subject to availability.
However, booking in advance may offer better value and avoids relying on same-day spaces being available.
If you’re travelling during school holidays, we would check availability before departure rather than assume you can purchase a ticket at the airport.
How to Book Gatwick Airport Fast Track
You can check Fast Track availability through the official Gatwick Airport website or participating booking providers such as Holiday Extras.
Before paying, check:
- Your correct departure terminal.
- The date and time of your booking.
- The number of adults and children travelling.
- Current ticket prices.
- Cancellation and amendment conditions.
- How you will receive and present your booking confirmation.
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Gatwick Security Fast Track vs Passport Control Fast Track
These are two different airport services, and it’s important not to book the wrong one.
| Security Fast Track | Passport Control Fast Track |
|---|---|
| For departing passengers | For eligible arriving passengers |
| Used before entering departures | Used when passing through arrivals passport control |
| Dedicated security queue | Dedicated passport control lane |
| Separate booking and conditions | Separate booking and conditions |
If you’re flying out of Gatwick and want to get through departure security more quickly, choose Security Fast Track.
If you’re arriving back at Gatwick and want to use a priority passport control service, check the separate Passport Control Fast Track eligibility and booking rules.
Gatwick Airport Fast Track FAQs
Is Gatwick Fast Track worth the money?
It can be worthwhile during busy periods, particularly for families. At quieter times, standard security may be quick enough that Fast Track offers little additional benefit.
Does Gatwick Fast Track skip security checks?
No. You still complete the required airport security screening. Fast Track gives you access to a dedicated queue.
Is Fast Track available at both Gatwick terminals?
Yes. Security Fast Track is available at North Terminal and South Terminal. Select the correct terminal when booking.
Do children need Fast Track tickets?
Children aged two and over generally require tickets. Children under two may accompany a paying adult free of charge under the applicable terms.
Can I buy Fast Track on the day?
Same-day purchases may be available, subject to capacity. Check the latest availability and prices before travelling.
Can I arrive later if I have Fast Track?
No. Fast Track is not a reason to reduce the time allowed for check-in, baggage drop or reaching your departure gate.
Is Gatwick Fast Track the same as priority boarding?
No. Fast Track is an airport security service. Priority boarding is an airline service that may allow you to board your aircraft earlier.
Our Final Verdict: Should You Book Gatwick Fast Track?
For most travellers, Gatwick Fast Track is optional rather than essential.
If you’re flying during the school holidays, travelling with children or simply want a more predictable journey through security, the additional cost may be worthwhile.
However, Gatwick’s standard security queues can be efficient. We wouldn’t recommend paying for Fast Track solely because you expect to save a large amount of time.
For a busy family departure, we’d consider booking Fast Track. For a quieter journey, we’d usually keep the money for the holiday itself.
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