The Trick to Skip the General Airport Security Check

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Edgar Loper

Updated: 26 May 2026 ·

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The Trick to Skip the General Airport Security Check

Airport control
photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

When the long-awaited vacation period arrives, we dream of packing our bags and flying off to our favorite destination, but sometimes getting to that place can be a real headache. Airports are crucial hubs of air traffic, and every day thousands of people walk through the terminals eager to find the flight that will take them to their well-deserved vacation.

This large influx of people can pose a problem when going through security checks and will cause you to spend a lot of time in long hours waiting for airport security personnel to check your luggage. This can test your patience and turn into a nightmare, but there are some methods to speed up this process and skip the general airport security check.

Discover Fast Track

fast track
fast track photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

One of the most utilized resources by experienced travelers who do not want to waste hours in security lines is Fast Track or Express Lane. This high-speed service is offered at most airports and provides an exclusive route to pass through the check quickly, accelerating the process of reviewing your belongings.

In most airlines, it is an additional service that you must pay for after purchasing your ticket, but there are others that include Fast Track for their premium passengers, such as Vueling or TimeFlex. It is important to know that not all airports offer this service, so it is advisable to check it before embarking on your journey to avoid missing your flight or long lines.

The option to use preferred lanes at security checks is often available on long-haul flights, on larger capacity planes to expedite passenger entry, and at airports with a high influx of people daily. In Spain, finding the express lane depends on the airline, terminal, and airport.

At Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez, you can find VIP access to the Iberia security check in Terminal 4, although it is important to know that this service is only available from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM. At Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, Iberia's Fast Track is open 24 hours a day and is located in Terminal 1.

How to Pass Through Security Quickly

airport waiting room
airport waiting room photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

In some cases, you can access the express lane by purchasing a specific ticket that includes this service. Additionally, some airlines offer this option as part of a loyalty program for regular customers or for those traveling in first class.

With certain airlines, there is the possibility to purchase this service upon arriving at the airport, a perfect option for those who arrive at the terminal and discover large crowds. Once there, it is essential to locate the fast track to make the most of it.

This service is specifically indicated to avoid confusion and has defined lanes for clients who use it. Once there, you will be asked for your boarding pass and identification to verify your information, and you will then pass through the check quickly without waiting in lines or feeling stressed. The efficiency of the express lane will make your trip an efficient and hassle-free experience.

Fast Track is available at airports around the world, allowing you to avoid security checks where long lines form. This does not mean that you do not have to put your luggage through the conveyor or that no one watches your belongings; the express lane is meant to provide priority access to these mandatory elements, which you must go through before boarding the plane.