Let me introduce you to the Fast Track crowd. First, there’s Dave, who bought it because he’s “too important” to wait, only to speed through so fast he has time for three pretzels and a nap. Then there’s Linda, panicking she’ll miss her flight to Alicante, though her gate is five metres away. And finally, Kevin, who just likes spending money on things that feel exclusive, even if the only exclusive thing is a slightly shinier floor.
I’ll admit: I tried it once, like a fool chasing a dream. I strolled up to the Fast Track entrance, flashed my QR code, and expected a red carpet. Instead, I found myself in a line that was shorter, sure, but still a line. The real magic? I saved maybe eight minutes. Eight minutes I spent staring at a WHSmith and wondering if the mini Toblerones were a good investment.
Now, here’s the sting: Fast Track costs around £5 to £8 per person, depending on when you book. For a family of four, that’s a whole Pizza Hut dinner. And if you’re flying at 6 a.m. on a Tuesday, there’s nobody at the airport except a few sleepy pigeons. You could waltz through security doing the Macarena and no one would stop you.
East Midlands Airport Fast-Track
When Fast Track Actually Works
Don’t get me wrong—Fast Track isn’t always a scam. If you’re flying during peak chaos (think half-term, school holidays, or any Friday afternoon), the standard queue can balloon like a stressed-out pufferfish. I’ve seen photos of the security hall in August where people look genuinely sad, like they’ve been asked to pay for a bag of crisps with a smile. In those moments, Fast Track is your smug best friend.
Also, if you’re disabled, elderly, or travelling with kids who have the patience of a caffeinated squirrel, the extra peace of mind is worth its weight in duty-free gin. The lane is wider, quieter, and staff tend to be slightly more smiley. It’s not a miracle, but it’s a small mercy.
