Keflavik Airport's 'Fast Track' security service is a decade old

Keflavik Airport is currently advertising a 'Fast Track' security service, offering passengers a way to expedite their passage through security checks. However, contrary to the impression of a new offering, the service has actually been available for about ten years.

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This service has been available at Keflavik Airport for about a decade. From when it started until about a year ago, it was only available to passengers of airlines that were parties to the service, often for passengers traveling in business class or similar.

Isavia, the airport operator, clarified that while the service itself is not new, it has recently been made accessible to all passengers who wish to use it, provided they pay the associated fee. Previously, this expedited security screening was primarily available only to passengers of specific airlines or those traveling in business class.

The 'Fast Track' service allows passengers to book a specific time slot to move through security more quickly. The cost for this convenience is 2,480 Icelandic krónur (ISK) per passenger, regardless of age. The airport's advertising suggests passengers can "skip the line and enjoy more time," implying they can spend more time in the departure lounge before their flight.

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In recent years, we have noticed that there has been demand for this service generally from passengers, as they are accustomed to being able to purchase such a service at many foreign airports.

Guðjón Helgason, Isavia's information officer, explained that the service has been present at Keflavik Airport for approximately a decade. For most of that time, it was exclusive to partner airlines or their premium customers. The decision to open it up to all passengers stems from a growing demand observed in recent years, as travelers have become accustomed to similar services at airports worldwide. Helgason assured that even if 'Fast Track' becomes heavily utilized, staff will manage queues to ensure minimal wait times.

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If the load on the fast track is high, security screening staff will manage the queue so that it is distributed across more than one screening line after entering the gate, so that a minimum waiting time can be ensured.