Stansted Fast Track - Is it worth it?

tilly78_2

Hi

I am due to fly out of Stansted on a charter flight in a couple of weeks times on a Sunday morning. Flight leaves just after 8.


My last experience of Stansted was awful and all I can remember is there not being enough buses for the long stay carpark and having to wait a while then rush.


I am booked in again for the long stay (I am dreading it) and am now stressing that by the time I get to the terminal then queue for check in and finally to security there will be a really long queue and will be then rushing to the gate - no time for a cuppa.


I have noticed they do a fast track option - is this worth it? especially if anyone has flown on a sunday morning.... is the airport rammed and security a mission?


Thank you

michele-p

I have fast tracked a few times, you can decide on the day, and buy it at the money change desk right beside the fast track entrance. Last time we went through at about 8 am it was heaving, but that was last summer holidays. It took around 30 minutes to get through without fast track.

The long stay isn't always bad, but it feels it if you're running late. Best best, give yourself plenty of time, so less stress!

richardw

Aim to be at the priority check in desk 10 mins before it opens, then go straight to fast track security and go in the new lounge. Treat yourself to avoid this airport hell and get your holiday off to a good start.

eDicky

Where's the new lounge Richard? Can it be used to avoid the marathon shopping nightmare somehow..?

richardw

Plan your route http://mag-umbraco-media-live.s3.amazonaws.com/4264754/stansted-departures-map.pdf it is the corridor on the left of Pret to look out for.

peachyprice

Absolutely yes OP, it'll be the best £5 spent in that hell hole.

peachyprice

eDicky wrote: »

Where's the new lounge Richard? Can it be used to avoid the marathon shopping nightmare somehow..?

AFAIK there is no way to avoid running the gauntlet, you still have to waste 10 mins of your life you'll never get back wading through slow moving traffic, avoiding products being thrust into your face and the finale of the animal pen to actually get to the lounge.

(I'm not too keen on Stansted )

eDicky

richardw wrote: »

Plan your route http://mag-umbraco-media-live.s3.amazonaws.com/4264754/stansted-departures-map.pdf it is the corridor on the left of Pret to look out for.

Hah, the Escape Lounge - appropriate name!

I wonder if it's possible to sneak through the Harris+Hoole coffee bar somehow, would be the perfect shortcut....

peachyprice

eDicky wrote: »

Hah, the Escape Lounge - appropriate name!

I wonder if it's possible to sneak through the Harris+Hoole coffee bar somehow, would be the perfect shortcut....

I went through STN on Friday and checked, just for you.

There is no shortcut, there is a fire exit but it appears to be alarmed and keypad entry.

Unless of course there is a back way out of the loos!

Doshwaster

eDicky wrote: »

Hah, the Escape Lounge - appropriate name!

I wonder if it's possible to sneak through the Harris+Hoole coffee bar somehow, would be the perfect shortcut....

I used the Escape lounge for the first time a few weeks ago. It was OK but I probably wasn't there long enough to get sufficient value for money.

richardw

Doshwaster wrote: »

I used the Escape lounge for the first time a few weeks ago. It was OK but I probably wasn't there long enough to get sufficient value for money.

Dosh wasted it seems.