Heathrow Express

The HEX is far more expensive than the Elizabeth Line.

Is it worth it depends on your travel style. 15 minute ride. In years past I’ve prebooked months in advance… as I would stay in the Paddington neighborhood. Now a days I take the Elizabeth Line to Paddington and then an underground train to whatever neighborhood I’ve booked my accommodation.

No ticket on the Heathrow Express is worth it. Particularly if you are not staying in Paddington.

I am more in Claudia's camp. Saving time is not overly critical with me. Not going to waste a whole day but 30 minutes is pretty marginal -- for us. You are going home --- is 30 minutes critical?

Fast Track eligibility:
https://www.heathrow.com/at-the-airport/airport-services/fast-track/airline-eligibility

I happen to like the HEX - when it is convenient to my lodgings AND, importantly, when I can buy in advance to get a cheaper ticket than day of travel or close-to-day of travel.

Depends on your preference - save money, convenience, speed, comfort. I weigh all factors and each journey may have a different answer.

When an advance ticket was £5, this option was more attractive to me.

The advance standard class tickets are still £10, which is cheaper than the Elizabeth Line, add on a Zone 1 tube fare if needed, and it's still cheaper than the Elizabeth Line.

My particular question is about Fast Track for Heathrow security.
Is that bit worth it??

To unbundle the question - is Fast Track worth it, as a product?

That depends on you- to me no, I'm happy to wait in line, it's not going to get me on the plane sooner, but your view may well vary. A personal decision.

If you buy Fast Track direct from Heathrow it costs £12.50.

The difference in full price fares standard to 1st class is £7, so if you think Fast Track is worth the product then HE 1st class is worth it, as you 'save' £5.50.

If you went on the Elizabeth Line then bought fast track the total cost is £25.40.

HE 1st class is £32- so £6.60 extra for 15 minutes of first class calm. Your decision if that small sum of money is or isn't a worthwhile splurge. Barely more than a coffee at the airport.

Thank you, isn. I want to know particularly about the fast-tracking, if the process is worthwhile, compared to standard security. We only have carry-ons. And you're right, it doesn't seem like toooo much extra if it saves time and stress.

I use Fast Track at Heathrow. Depending on when you use it, there can be virtually no one else so you are through in a few minutes or it can be very crowded and go at a snail's pace.

But then, if Fast Track is slow, that means the regular lines are also slow. If not slower.

The security is the same it's just that you are in a separate area that is supposed to have less passengers waiting. But there are also less machines.

In general, the security screeners at Heathrow are the most strict I've ever encountered. It's the only airport I ever get chosen for a bag search.

I just went through security at LHR at Terminal 2 earlier this week – they've changed the layout since April. Now the Fast Track security scanning part is in the same general area as the regular security (they've removed the wall) – even though the lines/queues start out as they have the past few years, separated by a low wall. The machines are new, too – more-efficient tray system, new luggage scanners (the 3D CT ones we've heard about? maybe there were signs, but I didn't notice any), and new body scanners. It all went quickly, and I didn't have a chance to look around too carefully, but it seemed to us that they would now have the flexibility to send people to more machines if it gets backed up – from either side, fast track or regular – as there is no longer a barrier/wall & it's all in one large, open area. But I'm not sure.

Thank you everyone!!

Laura, how long to get though LHR? A friend who was there in May said it was far better than even a couple years ago.

Mike, it was a breeze going through LHR – especially, as you say, compared with 2022 (when we encountered long lines both entering the UK and leaving – including having to wait in the breezeway (July 2022?) to even enter Terminal 2! which was a zoo inside, so it was smart to limit the crowd size). I've gone to the UK 3 times this year already (I know, lucky me) and only once, late February, was there a long line to scan your passport at the e-gates when entering; the other two times it has taken me literally about 20 seconds to scan my passport after walking straight up to the e-gates. Of course it depends if a lot of planes are arriving at the same time as yours! And all 3 times, leaving has been no problem. A bit of a line to check in earlier this week (not surprising, as it was the bank-holiday Monday, so a busy travel weekend), but still only maybe 10–15 minutes max; then we scanned our own luggage tags (for the first time) and waved good-bye as the door opened and swallowed up our suitcases. And security took 10 minutes max. Then the 15-minute walk to the gate. So altogether less than an hour – way less than the 2–3 hours they say to allow for checking in for an international flight. We do aim to arrive at Heathrow in plenty of time, but it's nice when it's not needed and we have plenty of time to relax near the gate :-)

"We only have carry-ons. And you're right, it doesn't seem like toooo much extra if it saves time and stress.'
I get fast track as an airline frequent flyer. In my experience it's nice to get through a bit faster, but I certainly wouldn't pay for it.