Heathrow introduces paid-for Fast Track Arrivals

Whilst this won’t be of interest to our readers with UK, EU, US or other passports which can use the e-gates at London Heathrow, the airport has brought in a Fast Track Arrivals service for those who still have to use a manned desk. This includes UK families with young children.

You can find out more on the Heathrow website here.

The price is £25 per person during off-peak times and £35 per person at peak. Peak hours vary by terminal.

The service is available from 6am to 9pm.

Bookings can be cancelled for a refund up to 8pm the day before arrival.

Is it worth it? I don’t know – I don’t know what the waiting times are like at Heathrow for non-UK/EU passport holders. However, I know if New York JFK allowed me to pre-book a ‘no queue’ immigration slot for £25, I’d be there.

Here’s what Heathrow has to say about it:

What is Heathrow Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control?

Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control offers a separate lane to guide you to the entrance to passport control, especially convenient if you don’t have access to E-Gates.

Before passengers land at Heathrow Airport, they have the option to pre-book a 1-hour time window, subject to availability and offered on a first-come first-served basis. The cut-off time to book Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control is 20:00 on the day prior to your scheduled arrival date.

How does the service work?

When you reach passport control, follow the signs to the Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control entrance where you will be greeted by the Fast Track host. Once your booking is confirmed by the Fast Track host, you will be permitted access to a separate lane within the passport control hall. 

How do I make a booking for Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control?

You can make a booking through Heathrow.com. You can pre-book up to 12 months in advance, and no later than 20:00 the day before your scheduled date of arrival into Heathrow Airport. Please note you will not be able to book and pay on-site at the Airport.

Who is Fast Track Arrivals available to?

This service is available to passengers arriving at all Heathrow terminals, including any airline, passport type or cabin class.

You may already be eligible to use Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control with your airline. Please consult your airline before booking.  If you book Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control and you are also eligible under their airline’s eligibility criteria, no refund will be offered by Heathrow, unless requested by 20:00 on the day before your booking date. 

What are the times slots available for purchase to access Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control?

Hourly windows are available to book, with the first window being available between 06:00-07:00 and the last window from 20:00-21:00, subject to operational requirements and availability.

If for any reason you miss your allocated time, we will endeavour to ensure access to Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control, however this cannot be guaranteed, and a refund will not be offered if we cannot accommodate you outside of your pre-booked time slot.

What is the maximum number of people I can book Fast Track Arrivals for?

You can book up to a maximum of 6 people (including both adults and children) in one booking by selecting the required party size, subject to availability. You will receive one email confirmation per party to the email address provided in the booking form.

All members of the booking will be required to arrive at the Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control entrance at the same time. You will still be able to access Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control without all passengers on the booking being in attendance, however any passengers who arrive separately will not be given access to Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control.

What is the cost of booking Fast Track Arrivals?

The charge to book Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control per passenger is £25.00 during off-peak times and £35.00 during peak times. Peak periods vary between terminals and time periods. Infants and children will also require a booking.

Peak times for Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control are as follows:

• Terminal 2: 06:00 – 09:00 and 18:00 – 21:00
• Terminal 3: 06:00 – 10:00 and 14:00 – 21:00
• Terminal 4: 06:00 – 09:00 and 12:00 – 21:00
• Terminal 5: 06:00 – 09:00 

What do I do when I arrive at Heathrow?

You will be required to present your booking confirmation email (including the booking reference number) to the Fast Track host at the Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control hosting desk to verify your purchase.

Once you have satisfied these primary checks you will be granted entry into the Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control lanes before being seen by the UK Border Force team. Access to Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control will not be permitted without booking confirmation. 

What happens if I arrive outside of my booking time on the day?

Passengers are advised to book a time slot in line with their airline’s scheduled arrival time into Heathrow. Please ensure your booking allows adequate time for aircraft disembarkation and travel time to the passport control hall. 

If for any reason you miss your allocated time, we will endeavour to provide access to Fast Track Arrivals Passport Control, however, this cannot be guaranteed, and a refund will not be offered if the wrong time slot is booked.