Las Vegas - LAS D Gates -- Elite Security Line. No? Yes? Changed?

Wirelessly posted (probably driving while typing: BlackBerry8130/4.3.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

I arrived LAS an hour before my morning mileage run expecting to speed through the D Gates elite passenger line. I am used to having to wait in the regular line before reaching the elite line. Surprise, there is new signage at the D Gates! LAS has permanently eliminated the elite security line at the D Gates. This is bad news for passengers flying every airline from LAS except US, AQ, WN, HA, ATA, and any intenational flights. Allow 90 minutes for security from now on.

EDIT: Please note that the elite lines were reinstated after FTers complained to Randy Walker, the director of LAS. ^

Ugh, bad news indeed :td:.

Ugh indeed :(

So any LAS regulars have any guess as to how long security will take on a Thursday morning in early May for an 8:30 UA flight?

Well, isn't that a bowlful of suck?

Leave it to one of the busiest airports in the US to shoot down its elite/FC lane. Why they insist on making this process even tougher is idiotic and beyond me to comprehend.


TSA: Keeps working (against us) everyday!




BN

OP, what exactly did the new signs say? The F line was still there on Jan 21st when I went through.

Joy joy joy. Was hoping to use it next month on my flight out on a Friday morning and maximize sleep.

Regular line only took about 10 minutes to go through on Jan 21st though at about 1:30. The people behind me in line thought it was going to take them 45 minutes and I told them it was only a ten minute line at that point. Line had stretched down to where the elevator is.

Also went through yesterday, the 25th. F/C line is still there, and just like every week, they don't really care about whether you're actually in F (Zone 1 does just fine fine).

On a more positive note, lately the ID checkers have been funneling F line pax to the crew checkpoint if any of the other pax checkpoints get too full. I think that after the pandemonium of CES (where the F line took 30 minutes just to get an id check), someone decided something had to be done.

Hope the elite line is back.

Went thru D gate on Wed 1/23 @ approx. 3 PM. Maybe 10 minutes at the most, from turning the corner and getting the first view of security to putting on my shoes. The ID checkers are now just about at the start of the conveyor, staffed by TSA. They were back at the end of the rope maze in November, staffed by rent a guards. I noticed a line at the far right, with a wheelchair pax going thru, I guess that is the F line. Other pax also going thru, as it was pretty empty.

IF this is in fact true, I suggest an email is in order to Randy Walker, the airport's director. Director@mccarran.com
PM me if you want the phone # for his office, not sure if it's on the McCarran website.

This would be bollocks, because according to the TSA checkpoint wait time calculator (http://waittime.tsa.dhs.gov/index.html), LAS checkpoint D has 20-40 minute wait times (check Sunday mid-day). Much worse than typical offenders like ATL, JFK or DEN.

Ugh indeed :(

So any LAS regulars have any guess as to how long security will take on a Thursday morning in early May for an 8:30 UA flight?

You should be on HA, Terminal 2; not UA, Terminal 1 D Gate! ;)

True. :)

If HA flew LAS-SNA/LGB/ONT I'd be more than happy to!

True. :)

If HA flew LAS-SNA/LGB/ONT I'd be more than happy to!

AQ used to and may restart it. Its sad when AQ > UA/US on this route and C Gates > D Gates. eek.

Let's see...only one real "club" at the airport (US Airways) and it's outside of security...and NOW they've eliminated the F/Elite security line. I think this really does make LAS the worst major airport for frequent fliers in America.

No surprise...LAS is one of the worst major cities in America too.

Let's see...only one real "club" at the airport (US Airways) and it's outside of security...and NOW they've eliminated the F/Elite security line. I think this really does make LAS the worst major airport for frequent fliers in America.

No surprise...LAS is one of the worst major cities in America too.

For those of us fortunate enough to fly in/out of T-2, and use the most excellent VIP F Lounge between gates 3 & 4 that you don't know about: LAS is a PLEASURE! :cool:

And Las Vegas is a great vacation destination/place to live for lots and lots of people. Many of them friends of ours!

I bet if you hung with us we could show you a good time!

Aloha!

Let's see...only one real "club" at the airport (US Airways) and it's outside of security...and NOW they've eliminated the F/Elite security line. I think this really does make LAS the worst major airport for frequent fliers in America.

CO is opening up an President's Club in Concourse D sometime this year. Will be a great addition for DL/NW/CO folks.

Keep the F line and we're in good shape. Concourse D as a building is one of the better facilities out there in the country.

Let's see...only one real "club" at the airport (US Airways) and it's outside of security...and NOW they've eliminated the F/Elite security line. I think this really does make LAS the worst major airport for frequent fliers in America.

No surprise...LAS is one of the worst major cities in America too.

I fail to see the basis for any of your arguments.

I fail to see the basis for any of your arguments.

Not everybody is as lucky as us to pal around LAS/McCarran and Las Vegas itself with as fun a friend as you, Mrp Alert!

Like I said in Post #15: I bet OxyChaz would have a good time if he hung out with us! And you. And Sunnyhere. And DebUA1k. Etc, etc!

See ya in February!

Is there any airport in USA with a slower Checked Baggage Delivery service?

Hmm...this might force me back on to WN's one-stop service from DAL-LAS instead of flying AA direct. Wait...WN's now running about $75 more expensive for the dates I want...that's a few hands of BJ that I'd be wasting! ;)

Let's see...only one real "club" at the airport (US Airways) and it's outside of security...and NOW they've eliminated the F/Elite security line. I think this really does make LAS the worst major airport for frequent fliers in America.

No surprise...LAS is one of the worst major cities in America too.

Funny. I avoid LAX in favor of SFO when flying transpac because LAX sucks so bad. I've always considered EWR as the worse in the country.

You sound like someone who left/lost too much money in LAS.

IF this is in fact true, I suggest an email is in order to Randy Walker, the airport's director. Director@mccarran.com
PM me if you want the phone # for his office, not sure if it's on the McCarran website.

This would be bollocks, because according to the TSA checkpoint wait time calculator (http://waittime.tsa.dhs.gov/index.html), LAS checkpoint D has 20-40 minute wait times (check Sunday mid-day). Much worse than typical offenders like ATL, JFK or DEN.

Thanks for posting this....folks, if you want the Elite line back, you need to hit the Director's office and hit it hard - emails, phone calls, etc - and don't let up until the line is back. Also, if you're a regular to Vegas, especially if you get flight comps, please tell your casino host to call the airport director's office as well and pressure them.

They do these things because they think no one will notice or care - they need to learn otherwise.

Let's see...only one real "club" at the airport (US Airways) and it's outside of security...and NOW they've eliminated the F/Elite security line. I think this really does make LAS the worst major airport for frequent fliers in America.

No surprise...LAS is one of the worst major cities in America too.

You did make a spelling error did you not?
Surely you meant to say L.A. not LAS... that of the Watts riots, Rodney King etc etc C (the first two examples that came to mind .. give time I could come up with 20 more) :rolleyes:

mike

The weekend before New Years I hit up the F line. Except instead of going to the right to cut the already assembled mess I accidently went left into the SSS line upon the request of the ill-advised gate minder... They went through everything... I had a 3.4 OZ bottle of sunscreen.. Gone! And once they were done frisking me and my GF... A chubby young femme du gov asked me why I had gone into the SSS line.
I told her I enjoyed the company of bareley employable idiots. She looked at me for a second like I had just shot the president. Damn... Only in a perfect world. I love TSA... Especially at McCarran. That is too bad the F line is done.

A friendly reminder:

The topic is the missing elite line at LAS D, not which is the worst airport :) And OMNI topics need to be in OMNI, please.

cblaisd
Senior Moderator

A friendly reminder:

The topic is the missing elite line at LAS D, not which is the worst airport :) And OMNI topics need to be in OMNI, please.

cblaisd
Senior Moderator

So I sent a note to Mr. Walker (the Director of Aviation at McCarran) and this is how he responded.

It was a difficult decision to eliminate the premium line. This was done because of the airlines inability/unwillingness to make the line work. This line started out as a first class line. It was subsequently changed to a premium line for first class and premium class customers. Unfortunately the line degraded into a line for any class of customer a D Gate airline has; late customers, re-booked customers or any other class of customer an airline felt so inclined to send to the line. On busy days the line actually became longer (distance and time) than the regular line. The length of the line would extend out the door toward the garage. This requires additional manpower to manage the line, manpower which the airlines are not willing to provide.

To illustrate the point, this past week one of my staff flew out internationally on a D Gate carrier and was eligible to use the premium line. When he saw the length of the line he concluded the regular line would take less time. He spotted the person he would be behind in the premium line and tracked his progress against this person. He was correct, he got through security faster in the regular line.

To address this issue we developed a plan to limit the line to first class and first level premium customers. For example, a platinum elite for Delta (I am a silver elite). We developed a set of rules and presented this plan to the D gate carriers to sign. Only Northwest was willing to sign the document indicating their willingness to comply with the new rules. Unfortunately Northwest does not have sufficient seat capacity at this airport to justify a dedicated premium line.


RANDALL H. WALKER
Director of Aviation
McCarran International Airport
702-261-5150
director@mccarran.com

__________________________________________________ ______________
So help me out here, the TSA and airport officials would rather inconvenience top-tier flyers who most likely spend more to travel and for airport services than casual travelers? :confused:

So I sent a note to Mr. Walker (the Director of Aviation at McCarran) and this is how he responded.

It was a difficult decision to eliminate the premium line. This was done because of the airlines inability/unwillingness to make the line work. This line started out as a first class line. It was subsequently changed to a premium line for first class and premium class customers. Unfortunately the line degraded into a line for any class of customer a D Gate airline has; late customers, re-booked customers or any other class of customer an airline felt so inclined to send to the line. On busy days the line actually became longer (distance and time) than the regular line. The length of the line would extend out the door toward the garage. This requires additional manpower to manage the line, manpower which the airlines are not willing to provide.

To illustrate the point, this past week one of my staff flew out internationally on a D Gate carrier and was eligible to use the premium line. When he saw the length of the line he concluded the regular line would take less time. He spotted the person he would be behind in the premium line and tracked his progress against this person. He was correct, he got through security faster in the regular line.

To address this issue we developed a plan to limit the line to first class and first level premium customers. For example, a platinum elite for Delta (I am a silver elite). We developed a set of rules and presented this plan to the D gate carriers to sign. Only Northwest was willing to sign the document indicating their willingness to comply with the new rules. Unfortunately Northwest does not have sufficient seat capacity at this airport to justify a dedicated premium line.


RANDALL H. WALKER
Director of Aviation
McCarran International Airport
702-261-5150
director@mccarran.com

__________________________________________________ ______________
So help me out here, the TSA and airport officials would rather inconvenience top-tier flyers who most likely spend more to travel and for airport services than casual travelers? :confused:

What a bunch of BS. Perhaps if Walker walked down to the D gates he would see that line is often empty, because it not marked and many elite pax cann ot find it.
Plus they dont even open it until 630am.

So by Walker's logic the main reason to eliminate the line is because its too busy????:rolleyes: Idiot.

mike

So I sent a note to Mr. Walker (the Director of Aviation at McCarran) and this is how he responded.



Wow, that was a quick response. Kudos to him.

I believe it is the airlines who phony up the $$$ for the added cost of staffing elite lines. Should not be much - no more than the ID checker, and maybe someone to direct people when the lines are long?

For whomever was at CES, how were the lines leaving? If F was 40 minutes... a few years ago I left after CES and it took more then 2 hours. Really. (silly me, did not know that the "First class" line would take 1P). They vowed "never again" but what can they do, there's just not enough space for scanners. Its not like security was tight when I ended up getting through.

Mid morning on Monday is my next exit from LAS. Just an ordinary weekend. Any guess as to wait time I should allow, those of you who go through frequently?

This is total BS. I have flown through the D terminal over a dozen times in the last couple of months and the elite line usually has no one in it. Without the elite line I'm certain I would have missed at least a couple of my flights home. I didn't think the Las Vegas airport could become any bigger a nightmare than it already was, but I guess I was wrong.

Ok, I guess I am in the minority......I stopped using the first class line because I could get through the regular line quicker. So, I really will not miss the line.

What a bunch of BS. Perhaps if Walker walked down to the D gates he would see that line is often empty, because it not marked and many elite pax cann ot find it.
Plus they dont even open it until 630am.

So by Walker's logic the main reason to eliminate the line is because its too busy????:rolleyes: Idiot.

mike

Actually, I have to give him some credit here - first, he responded to the complaint. Second, he recognized there was a problem and attempted to implement a solution and the airlines refused to sign off on it.

Frankly, I disagree with his limiting the line to F only - it should be F and all Elites, but not the others. Also, I dispute the airline actually sent customers to that line, rather the customers insisted they could use it when they were not permitted to do so.

I believe there is an opportunity to achieve some middle ground - the line should be restricted to only the F/Elite customers of the airlines using that concourse, and only airlines who actually have F/Elite customers. If an airline wants to escort a late customer, they must do so by having their agent bring that customer to the front of the main line and escort them to the ID check. Customer who show up at the line without the proper credentials are turned away at the beginning of the line, not the end - that's how FLL handles the Elite line in T1.

I'm going to respond to his email with the counter-offer, but we should be prepared to hear a response which states the airlines refuse to adhere to a strict policy on the line, and if so, direct our ire in their direction.

Of course everyone used the First Class line...

The ID Checkers didn't care who used it. :rolleyes:

I did use it last week, and now they had a "Line 9" sign up and a First Class line. It sounded like the airlines can send people to "Line 9" but I'm not sure why.

[QUOTE=wboll;9150743]So I sent a note to Mr. Walker (the Director of Aviation at McCarran) and this is how he responded.

It was a difficult decision to eliminate the premium line. This was done because of the airlines inability/unwillingness to make the line work. This line started out as a first class line. It was subsequently changed to a premium line for first class and premium class customers. Unfortunately the line degraded into a line for any class of customer a D Gate airline has; late customers, re-booked customers or any other class of customer an airline felt so inclined to send to the line. On busy days the line actually became longer (distance and time) than the regular line. The length of the line would extend out the door toward the garage. This requires additional manpower to manage the line, manpower which the airlines are not willing to provide.

To illustrate the point, this past week one of my staff flew out internationally on a D Gate carrier and was eligible to use the premium line. When he saw the length of the line he concluded the regular line would take less time. He spotted the person he would be behind in the premium line and tracked his progress against this person. He was correct, he got through security faster in the regular line.

To address this issue we developed a plan to limit the line to first class and first level premium customers. For example, a platinum elite for Delta (I am a silver elite). We developed a set of rules and presented this plan to the D gate carriers to sign. Only Northwest was willing to sign the document indicating their willingness to comply with the new rules. Unfortunately Northwest does not have sufficient seat capacity at this airport to justify a dedicated premium line.
QUOTE]

I agree with the others: what a stupid response! Where to begin?

- I never saw an airline "send" passengers to the elite line.
- Enforcement problems are those of the elite line checker, who often didn't seem to care who was in the line.
- The elite line was often empty (or WAY shorter) than the normal line, I NEVER once saw it longer than the normal line.

I think the director is coming up with convenient excuses, none of which ring true with my LAS trips (approx. 8 per year for the past 3 years). By the way, as a Platinum on Northwest, he sure doesn't seem to appreciate our business!

It's probably more productive to complain to the airlines than to the airport.

It's probably more productive to complain to the airlines than to the airport.
It sounds like complaints to both are called for. But of course I would expect each to blame the other and provide conflicting information.

Of course everyone used the First Class line...

The ID Checkers didn't care who used it. :rolleyes:

I did use it last week, and now they had a "Line 9" sign up and a First Class line. It sounded like the airlines can send people to "Line 9" but I'm not sure why.

This will be addressed in my response to LAS - part of the reason the existing process was broken was due to the failure of the ID checker to verify eligibility for that line, and remove those who were ineligible. They should consider fixing the existing process before either eliminating it or changing it.

So I sent a note to Mr. Walker (the Director of Aviation at McCarran) and this is how he responded.

*SNIP*
Thanks for posting that response wboll. I fly out of D terminal once a week at LAS and was just there last Friday and used the First Class line. I have never seen it longer than the other line, especially since they just redid the lines a few weeks ago. I will be sending in a letter and encouraging all of my coworkers to do the same. The security in LAS has always been slow at best and the First Class line was my only saving grace many a Friday trying to make it home for the weekend :td:

So I sent a note to Mr. Walker (the Director of Aviation at McCarran) and this is how he responded.

It was a difficult decision to eliminate the premium line. This was done because of the airlines inability/unwillingness to make the line work. This line started out as a first class line. It was subsequently changed to a premium line for first class and premium class customers. Unfortunately the line degraded into a line for any class of customer a D Gate airline has; late customers, re-booked customers or any other class of customer an airline felt so inclined to send to the line.

Repeatedly, I have witnessed multiple airlines stamping first class on late pax bp. Additionally, every visitor to the US lounge received this stamp. While I understand Mr. Walker's argument and the needs of the airport, this policy does not work. Perhaps LAS is a candidate for CLEAR or some other pre-screening program. This new policy stinks and it sounds like there is little we can do other than lobbying our respective airline's elite contact lines with emails in support of restoring the F line at LAS. BTW, ^ to NWA for sticking up for their top tier Pax.

Wirelessly posted (probably driving while typing: BlackBerry8130/4.3.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

I arrived LAS an hour before my morning mileage run expecting to speed through the D Gates elite passenger line. I am used to having to wait in the regular line before reaching the elite line. Surprise, there is new signage at the D Gates! LAS has permanently eliminated the elite security line at the D Gates. This is bad news for passengers flying every airline from LAS except US, AQ, WN, HA, ATA, and any intenational flights. Allow 90 minutes for security from now on.

Wow I just left on the 15th and used it. That's crazy!

CO is opening up an President's Club in Concourse D sometime this year. Will be a great addition for DL/NW/CO folks.

Keep the F line and we're in good shape. Concourse D as a building is one of the better facilities out there in the country.

One of the better facilities out there in the country?!?!? There are plenty of better concourses in the country that DL flies out of!

Repeatedly, I have witnessed multiple airlines stamping first class on late pax bp. Additionally, every visitor to the US lounge received this stamp. While I understand Mr. Walker's argument and the needs of the airport, this policy does not work. Perhaps LAS is a candidate for CLEAR or some other pre-screening program. This new policy stinks and it sounds like there is little we can do other than lobbying our respective airline's elite contact lines with emails in support of restoring the F line at LAS. BTW, ^ to NWA for sticking up for their top tier Pax.

US does not use Terminal D and from what I understand this only affects Terminal D.
The one at Terminal B is still operating I think? Can anyone confirm this. I'll know for sure on Friday, my upgrade to SFO just went through on US

It's probably more productive to complain to the airlines than to the airport.

Good point opus17. I sent an email to Customer Service on aa.com and received the following this morning:

Dear DFWSkylink,

We appreciate your recent email to AAdvantage Customer Service.

While I wish I could help, my colleagues at the Executive Platinum Service Desk are best equipped to resolve this matter for you. My area of responsibility is AAdvantage account issues, whereas Service Desk representatives provide personalized service with respect to airline reservations, upgrades, award claims, etc.

You can access the U.S.-based Service Desk from many global locations.
For detailed instructions, visit usa.att.com/traveler (long distance charges apply). Alternatively, if you are not able to call the toll-free 1-800 Service Desk number, please contact your local American Airlines reservations office.

Let me take this opportunity to request that you double-check the physical address on file in your AAdvantage account. Simply login to www.aa.com with your AAdvantage number and password. Select 'My Account'
and click on the tab, 'My Information and Password.' Thank you.


Regards,

<Name Removed>
AAdvantage Customer Service
American Airlines


:mad:Typical American. I guess I'll call today and complain that way. I much prefer it in writing. I also did send something to the director at McCarran last night but haven't heard back on that yet.

Perhaps LAS is a candidate for CLEAR or some other pre-screening program. This new policy stinks and it sounds like there is little we can do other than lobbying our respective airline's elite contact lines with emails in support of restoring the F line at LAS. BTW, ^ to NWA for sticking up for their top tier Pax.

My thought also.

Remember that Clear pays substantial concession money to an airport....

All the more reason for me to avoid LAS

All the more reason for me to avoid LAS
This is the reason that this is an AIRPORT issue rather than an AIRLINE issue. I have been meaning to head to LAS but now that just got a bit less attractive.

I went from D on Friday morning and there was an F security line, however I was told to use the normal line as it would be quicker, she was right and whilst the Y line moved quickly the F line was at a standstill

As of 2 pm Monday no F/elite line at D gates. I sent an email to Mr. Walker and got the same response. This is a huge competetive disadvantage to Alaska Airlines versus US Airways, which flies out of the B gates. I emailed Alaska to let them know.

The story about the F line getting too long makes no sense. I suspect this is a political thing between LAS and the airlines and would expect the line to reappear shortly, perhaps with the airlines kicking in some bucks to pay for additional manpower.

QL

It looks like the B (?) gates (US Airways) still have a First Class line -- at least the overhead signage was still there as I exited the concourse today on arrival.

It looks like the B (?) gates (US Airways) still have a First Class line -- at least the overhead signage was still there as I exited the concourse today on arrival.

This change has only occurred at the D gates so far. The A/B lines are unaffected and can be an alternate conduit to C or D as outlined here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=646215).

US does not use Terminal D and from what I understand this only affects Terminal D.
The one at Terminal B is still operating I think? Can anyone confirm this. I'll know for sure on Friday, my upgrade to SFO just went through on US
You are not affected by this change. Enjoy your upgraded flight.

As of 2 pm Monday no F/elite line at D gates. I sent an email to Mr. Walker and got the same response. This is a huge competetive disadvantage to Alaska Airlines versus US Airways, which flies out of the B gates. I emailed Alaska to let them know.
I got the exact same response back yesterday from the Director at McCarran. Seems like a cut and paste job. I replied back with comments and concerns and questions and they have yet to answer back since then. Will update if he says anything else useful.

The story about the F line getting too long makes no sense. I suspect this is a political thing between LAS and the airlines and would expect the line to reappear shortly, perhaps with the airlines kicking in some bucks to pay for additional manpower.

QL

In my experience I agree. Maybe I'm just lucky when I fly out of Vegas but I've seen the regular line fill up every turn, go all the way down past the gift shop, turn left and curve past the airplane memorabilia. I walk around that, cut down the left, and there are usually no more than 3 people ahead of me in the first class line. If it's REALLY busy, they've even sent me down left to the wheelchair/crew line (without being asked).

You know, it occurs to me that it might be possible to see if Randy might be able to address this with the LAS folks and the airlines.

Perhaps someone might want to post a note with such a request in Only Randy Petersen referencing this link, and asking for advice and perhaps assistance.

I used the line on 1/22 with no problems. I noticed yesterday, 1/29, that the sign was gone but walked up anyway.

The TSA ticket checker was still in the same place and was checking some folks on the other side of the rope. I waited a couple of minutes and she took my BP. Then some TSA jackass comes running over to me and starts screaming that am trying to cut the security lines. I asked what the deal was as I'd used the line many times over the last year and he informed me that it was no more. Even the ticket checker was surprised, she didn't know that it was gone and said she thought there just weren't many premium passengers yesterday.

You know, it occurs to me that it might be possible to see if Randy might be able to address this with the LAS folks and the airlines.

Perhaps someone might want to post a note with such a request in Only Randy Petersen referencing this link, and asking for advice and perhaps assistance.

I took my own advice:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=785113

I took my own advice:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=785113

Randy's posted some ideas about how everyone can help, and he's looking into it :)

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9163686&postcount=3

I used the line on 1/22 with no problems. I noticed yesterday, 1/29, that the sign was gone but walked up anyway.

The TSA ticket checker was still in the same place and was checking some folks on the other side of the rope. I waited a couple of minutes and she took my BP. Then some TSA jackass comes running over to me and starts screaming that am trying to cut the security lines. I asked what the deal was as I'd used the line many times over the last year and he informed me that it was no more. Even the ticket checker was surprised, she didn't know that it was gone and said she thought there just weren't many premium passengers yesterday.

Did they still let you go through or did the TSA make you move to the back of the Y line?

Also, would it be best to try to meet with the station managers of the airlines that fly out of the D gates? If I have extra time at the airport tomorrow, monday or tuesday I will try to meet with some higher up UA employee at LAS and see what is going on. As a LAS UA 1K perhaps I might have some ability to meet with the station manager. We will see.

MANY thanks to those working on this issue ... the FClass line has been more important to me at LAS than any other airport.

I sent an email to the Director which offered a compromise suggestion and outlined some of the reasons it's important to keep this lane open. No response so far...

Did they still let you go through or did the TSA make you move to the back of the Y line?The woman checking IDs had already initialed my BP so they let me through. But the sbag TSA creep kept hassling me so I went straight to a TSA sup and let him have it.

That the airport directors office responded, even if it was a cut and paste job. (Very Good)
That an employee of the directors office recognized that a shoter line that feed multiple WTMD's may go faster than a longer line with one WTMD. (Outstanding, prompt this genius).
I just this process all the time for all airport lines, as probably most FF's do. We look at the line and go to the one we think will work best. Just because I can do something does not mean I must.

Ant to the person who asked is there any airport worse than LAS at delivering luggage? This was not a rhetorical question since IMHO the answer is PHL, but LAS is closing the gap.

I called the LAS airport director today, while waiting in the cattle line. Left a message and someone from his staff called me back, and pretty much reiterated the contents of the e-mail reply. So, they're definitly claiming that the ball is in the airline's court to agree to restrict a first class line to true first class and top-tier elites -- apparently there was a lot of "abuse" of the line.

Anyway, I've already contacted CO Insider to press my case (no reply yet). I guess some other angles to try in addition to the airlines directly are casino hosts (I won't be coming as often if I have to wait in the line, so tell the casino bosses they better do something), employers (so they can pressure the airlines -- we'll book our F travelers on US, because they still have a FC line).

Well, isn't that a bowlful of suck?

Leave it to one of the busiest airports in the US to shoot down its elite/FC lane. Why they insist on making this process even tougher is idiotic and beyond me to comprehend.


TSA: Keeps working (against us) everyday!




BN


Wasn't TSA that ordered it.

Funny. I avoid LAX in favor of SFO when flying transpac because LAX sucks so bad. I've always considered EWR as the worse in the country.

You sound like someone who left/lost too much money in LAS.

Most likely the case.

Probably just a temporary situation

__________________________

"McCarren tower, . . . Janet 6 departing" . . . . :D

My email to AA has not gotten a response, but my email to Randy Walker received a cut and paste response similar to those described earlier

Does anyone on Flyertalk have any spare land we could use to make a deal to get our lines back?
http://www.liberty-watch.com/volume01/issue07/coverstory.php

My sources now tell me the line should be back within a week or so. Keeping fingers crossed!

I just flew from TUS to LAS to ORD last night. Came in on a US plane in Terminal A and had to switch to a UA plane in Terminal D. I go to the elite line as always and the tsa person tells me that this line is only for crew and wheelchairs. I ask where the Premium/Elite line is now and he tells me to go one over to the next line which is also empty. I walk over to that line and a TSA person who walks over asks the person I spoke with what did that guy want. The guy I spoke with says he wanted the Elite line. The new TSA agent comes over to me and says you can not go through this line, can't you people understand that everyone has to go through the same line. We dont care who you are. Go over to the main line and wait. (Keep in mind this was AFTER my id and boarding card were checked and I was getting ready to go through the scanner...) So had to go back out and over to the regular line. (I found arguing with TSA when they are not 100% wrong does not help :) ).

Jan 13 when leaving LAS via TermD, there were no signs for 'other than standard' security. However, once up and over the bridge, there was one sign saying something like "aisle 9 checkin" (I fail to remember the wording exactly). I inquired of the two personnel in charge of this lane, flashing only my MP Visa card which does say "Platinum Class" (ouuuh...). They told me I qualified for this special security line. Went right to front, bypassing a 30min wait.

Jan 13 when leaving LAS via TermD, there were no signs for 'other than standard' security. However, once up and over the bridge, there was one sign saying something like "aisle 9 checkin" (I fail to remember the wording exactly). I inquired of the two personnel in charge of this lane, flashing only my MP Visa card which does say "Platinum Class" (ouuuh...). They told me I qualified for this special security line. Went right to front, bypassing a 30min wait.

I saw the segregated line at D terminal at LAS a few days ago as well. (I think is just said "Lane 9".) Thought about jumping in it, but I only have a gold airline card and there was virtually no one in the regular line. But I did notice a few people going through Lane 9 and I didn't even notice them checking for any special ID at all.

I saw the segregated line at D terminal at LAS a few days ago as well. (I think is just said "Lane 9".) Thought about jumping in it, but I only have a gold airline card and there was virtually no one in the regular line. But I did notice a few people going through Lane 9 and I didn't even notice them checking for any special ID at all.

I've never needed a special ID in the past if the BP says First Class or Platinum, IK or the like.

Just went thru the D SECURITY at LAS and the "F" Line is back!! New signage. Very clearly marked near the "Triple S" Lane 9.
The TSA guy I spoke to said they only had it down for a awhile while they re-did the signs and lane procedures.
Whew! The thought of having to fly out of here and never know how long to plan was enough to make me consider moving! :D

Glad to hear it is back. It WAS NOT there yesterday when I left LAS for ANC, T1-D26.

OTOH, there were no lines at security. In fact, they handed me a card (yeah, I know what you're all thinking:rolleyes:;) ) as I entered security. When I read it, I was floored. The guy who handed it to me had time stamped it. When I passed through the detector, I gave the card to the agent, who also time stamped it. They were doing a survey of how long it took for me to go through the system. There was no line at any point & I breezed through in a matter of a couple of minutes.

Now think about the logic. No one who doesn't have other commitments leaves Vegas on Saturday, especially the day before the Super Bowl. It is the busiest day of the entire year in Vegas. So, they were skewing the system to reflect the fact that the terminal was practically empty, so there would be no to very short lines to report. TSA making itself look good, not gonna happen:td::td:

Just went thru the D SECURITY at LAS and the "F" Line is back!! New signage. Very clearly marked near the "Triple S" Lane 9.



Thanks! Do you recall the wording of the new sign? F or status or ...?

Thanks! Do you recall the wording of the new sign? F or status or ...?
Don't recall the exact wording because I was so overwhelmed with joy at the F Lane being there, but the signage was for both FIRST CLASS and PREMIUM pax. There were a lot of bullet points listing requirements for using the lane. The ceiling sign was also back next to the LANE 9 sign.

Well, the airport was adamant about restricting use of the line to First Class passengers and top-tier elites only. Reportedly most of the airlines didn't go along. I'm not sure how the airport and the airlines came to an agreement. Would definitely be interested to hear from whoever goes by there next exactly what the entry requirements are. And perhaps more importantly, whether there is somebody actually enforcing them.

I went by Terminal D tonight when I got into LAS. It seems as if the line is open again but it does look to be first and top tier elite only based on the signage.

Don't know how much they will enforce it?
Sign at the beginning of the line (near the little gift shop)
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/fgentry/FC1.jpg
Overhead sign that is now there on the far left (sorry for the bad lighting, I had to use the digital zoom to get in close)
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/fgentry/FC2.jpg

Wonder what would happen if you tried to use a top-tier HA card ;)

The F line at the D gates was up and running on Sunday, 3 February.

For AA, one needed to be in F or Oneworld Emerald.

I went by Terminal D tonight when I got into LAS. It seems as if the line is open again but it does look to be first and top tier elite only based on the signage.

Don't know how much they will enforce it?
Sign at the beginning of the line (near the little gift shop)
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/fgentry/FC1.jpg
Overhead sign that is now there on the far left (sorry for the bad lighting, I had to use the digital zoom to get in close)
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/fgentry/FC2.jpg

DFWSkylink thanks for the pics. Kinda funny NWA is missing off that list. And what is VA EleVate? Is that anyone that is signed up for their program?

Regardless - great to see it back up. I am flying back home (to LAS) tonight and was going to take with the UA station manager about this issue and explain to them that I would not fly UA on my outbounds until this was fixed (and instead fly US, which has an F line).

As for the poster that asked about Hawaiian top tier elite, they fly out of terminal two so it is not needed on this sign.

DFWSkylink thanks for the pics. Kinda funny NWA is missing off that list. And what is VA EleVate? Is that anyone that is signed up for their program?

Regardless - great to see it back up. I am flying back home (to LAS) tonight and was going to take with the UA station manager about this issue and explain to them that I would not fly UA on my outbounds until this was fixed (and instead fly US, which has an F line).

As for the poster that asked about Hawaiian top tier elite, they fly out of terminal two so it is not needed on this sign.

I didn't even notice NWA missing. Ironic seeing as how in an earlier post the Director at McCarran said they were the only airline that agreed to his new terms.

So I sent a note to Mr. Walker (the Director of Aviation at McCarran) and this is how he responded.

<majority of letter removed to save space>
To address this issue we developed a plan to limit the line to first class and first level premium customers. For example, a platinum elite for Delta (I am a silver elite). We developed a set of rules and presented this plan to the D gate carriers to sign. Only Northwest was willing to sign the document indicating their willingness to comply with the new rules. Unfortunately Northwest does not have sufficient seat capacity at this airport to justify a dedicated premium line.

Sign at the beginning of the line (near the little gift shop)
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/fgentry/FC1.jpg


What the #### are they thinking? AA and UA require 100K, Delta and Continental 75K, Alaska 40K or 50K. Frontier Assent (sic) 15K and is not even the top tier. Virgin Elevate requires 0 miles ????.

Another well thought out program by the LAS airport staff. Nice job coming up with this.

citril, yeah I love the fact that anyone flying VX can use the line. Sounds like it's time to shoot off another email to the director.

Actually you do miss the point that anyone in FC can use it - so you don't have to be top-tier. Plus Vegas upgrades are pretty easy to come by IME anyway.

Trek,

I agree upgrades are pretty easy to come by when I'm traveling east on mainline AA. However, not so easy when going somewhere in the west because I'm usually on America Eagle, AS code share, Allegiant or TED.

As you know, TED upgrades are pretty hard to come by, even for 1k's like you. :)

Trek,

I agree upgrades are pretty easy to come by when I'm traveling east on mainline AA. However, not so easy when going somewhere in the west because I'm usually on America Eagle, AS code share, Allegiant or TED.

As you know, TED upgrades are pretty hard to come by, even for 1k's like you. :)

Hopefully there are changes to TED on the way. There is a good thread in the UA forum about a change to the TED fleet as early as late March/early April. In fact my TED flight yesterday from DEN had the normal A320 audio channels and not the TED channels. When I asked the purser about it she has said that she has seen minor changes (just as I have) the last few weeks.

A 8 seat F cabin would be great (while 12 F seats would be best).

Going to places in the West you could always ride US - I rarely miss an upgrade out of LAS as a silver... And if I do miss it is normally an afternoon flight to CA - like today to SNA at 350pm. Not sure if I would have gotten it. I am booked with the fiancee (another Silver) and we both missed. I am thinking if we weren't booked together one of us might have gotten the upgrade, however the exit row isn't too bad for the 45 minute flight.

On a side note and more On-topic, I am debating if I should email the director about the fact that VX and Frontier top tier elites can use the F line (with 0 and 15K miles required).

Good news on the F line as well. Thoes signs indicating the line extend all the way out to the common area, so it looks like we should be able to use the line and not have to stand in the normal line at all. (i.e. the line that goes to the crew/wheelchair line).

So...what the heck is the deal re: NW? So a Plat that misses an upgrade is not allowed in the line? Pretty lame, LAS! :td:

So...what the heck is the deal re: NW? So a Plat that misses an upgrade is not allowed in the line? Pretty lame, LAS! :td:

IIRC, NW refused to sign the new program from the LAS director - hence, they were left off the list.

You should vent at the NW station manager, not LAS.

IIRC, NW refused to sign the new program from the LAS director - hence, they were left off the list.

You should vent at the NW station manager, not LAS.

In the post (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=9150743) by wboll earlier, he pasted the letter from the Director who stated Northwest was the ONLY one willing to sign then later when it comes out, they are left out.

The email I got back from the director didn't mention Northwest at all, or any other airline by name actually.

What the #### are they thinking? AA and UA require 100K, Delta and Continental 75K, Alaska 40K or 50K. Frontier Assent (sic) 15K and is not even the top tier. Virgin Elevate requires 0 miles ????.

Another well thought out program by the LAS airport staff. Nice job coming up with this.

I wouldn't worry about VA too much, they don't even make elevate membership cards, so nobody can possibly have that!

Still it's all pretty boneheaded...

I wouldn't worry about VA too much, they don't even make elevate membership cards, so nobody can possibly have that!

Still it's all pretty boneheaded...

True, they don't mail out cards, but I wonder if the VA website allows you to print your card after joining...

Wirelessly posted (probably driving while typing: Opera/9.50 (J2ME/MIDP; Opera Mini/4.0.10031/264; U; en))

I wouldn't worry about VA too much, they don't even make elevate membership cards, so nobody can possibly have that!



Still it's all pretty boneheaded...



True, they don't mail out cards, but I wonder if the VA website allows you to print your card after joining...

I have a nice paper elevate card that I printed myself. It looks like I will be flashing that instead of my top tier bd/aa cards or lower tier aa/us/ua cards from now on. Weird world we live in.

Excellent! I'm sure that checkpoints are inconsistent, but I'll ask anyway. If one shows a VA Elevate card with a boarding pass from another airline, I wonder if the ID checkers would accept or refuse the pairing...

Wirelessly posted (probably driving while typing: Opera/9.50 (J2ME/MIDP; Opera Mini/4.0.10031/264; U; en))



I have a nice paper elevate card that I printed myself. It looks like I will be flashing that instead of my top tier bd/aa cards or lower tier aa/us/ua cards from now on. Weird world we live in.

Excellent! I'm sure that checkpoints are inconsistent, but I'll ask anyway. If one shows a VA Elevate card with a boarding pass from another airline, I wonder if the ID checkers would accept or refuse the pairing...

Would be great...I signed up for eleVAte the day it came out and if having that little piece of paper means saving myself the security line I'm all for it. If anyone could test it out before I'm back in LAS in a few weeks, I'd appreciate it (and no chance of an upgrade since I'm flying on a DL ERJ down to LAX).

So...what the heck is the deal re: NW? So a Plat that misses an upgrade is not allowed in the line? Pretty lame, LAS! :td:NW Platinum Elites are on the list, as of today.

Glad to hear it is back. It WAS NOT there yesterday when I left LAS for ANC, T1-D26.

OTOH, there were no lines at security. In fact, they handed me a card (yeah, I know what you're all thinking:rolleyes:;) ) as I entered security. When I read it, I was floored. The guy who handed it to me had time stamped it. When I passed through the detector, I gave the card to the agent, who also time stamped it. They were doing a survey of how long it took for me to go through the system. There was no line at any point & I breezed through in a matter of a couple of minutes.

Now think about the logic. No one who doesn't have other commitments leaves Vegas on Saturday, especially the day before the Super Bowl. It is the busiest day of the entire year in Vegas. So, they were skewing the system to reflect the fact that the terminal was practically empty, so there would be no to very short lines to report. TSA making itself look good, not gonna happen:td::td:If I had time, I would have screwed with them by pocketing the card, exiting back to landside, piddling around land-side maybe getting some food and/or Starbucks, enter the line again and then getting the original card stamped some time later.

If I had time, I would have screwed with them by pocketing the card, exiting back to landside, piddling around land-side maybe getting some food and/or Starbucks, enter the line again and then getting the original card stamped some time later. ^ :D

Am at McCarren (sp?) right now awaiting my delayed Delta flight to NY. Pleased to report that the D Gates First class and top tier elite line is here and running well! ^

Went through LAS yesterday, and there is now a large sign in front of the "First Class" security line for Terminal D stating which elite levels may use it. UA 1K, along with AA EXP, Delta/CO top-tier etc are included.

What's more, the airport authority now has someone staffing the line checking people's boarding passes to make sure they have said status. Gone are the days when any elites--1P, 2P, AA PLT etc--could get through the line no questions asked.

I realize that the 1Ks-only policy actually always existed, but it remains a big disadvantage to all UA elites when such a limited First Class line exists in a market where no FC product exists!

Interestingly, the allowed tier levels for each airline are different. For example, all of Frontier's "Ascent" members (lowest tier, 15K miles per year) and above can access the line, while apparently anybody in Virgin America's EleVAte program members are also on the "allowed" list. Unfortunately, EleVAte does not have membership cards, so I doubt the printout of my membership # is going to help me when I try to access the line when flying on UA.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=783553

See in particular the post about making one's own VX card.

As a 1K, I think this is GREAT news, and long overdue. That being said, I'd be whining if I was a 1P...

I'm through LAS quite a bit--the line was a joke--anyone could go through--you didn't even need to be a 3P or even belong to a FF program to go through...The wait was often as long as the general line.

That being said, I'd read previously (within the last month or so) that the entire F-class line was gone at D in LAS...I'm so glad to hear it's back--I'll be going through there twice in March, an insane time of the year there with NCAAs, the NASCAR race, spring break, etc. It's a welcome 'renewed' "enhancement".

I went through there on Wed 2/13 at around 10am and I did see the sign but no one was doing any enforcement. There were only a few people in the line ahead of me..the regular line was much larger of course (overall the airport was not that busy though).

Interestingly, the allowed tier levels for each airline are different. For example, all of Frontier's "Ascent" members (lowest tier, 15K miles per year) and above can access the line, while apparently anybody in Virgin America's EleVAte program members are also on the "allowed" list. Unfortunately, EleVAte does not have membership cards, so I doubt the printout of my membership # is going to help me when I try to access the line when flying on UA.

Might be due to the amount of $$$ that carriers pay, I'm not sure.

Also, there are a lot fewer Frontier Ascent members than 2Ps and 1Ps, I'd imagine.

For a few weeks recently, the FC line was removed altogether. Glad to hear it's back.

See in particular the post about making one's own VX card.
You can make such cards for pretty much any airline...

As a 1K, I think this is GREAT news, and long overdue. That being said, I'd be whining if I was a 1P...

As a 1P, I'm not unhappy at all. It's actually really refreshing to see *any* enforcement of elite lines at *any* airport. For example, I'd say that about 60% of the pax who use the "elite" line at SFO are booked in Y, do not have any status, and neither do their travel companions.

When I was thru there 4 weeks ago, there was no signage welcoming 1K's. The checker didn't particularly want to let me thru, but I kept walking and didn't wait long enough to let him put up a fight.

I'm glad the LAX TSA priority line still includes 2P's! Most of the time I pass through there's not much of a line anyway, but leaving LAX on 2/3/08, there was a mob in the regular lines; they stretched all the way up to the person checking ID's! The F/Premier line was a real perk that afternoon (and there was someone there checking boarding passes/status).

^

I went through there on Wed 2/13 at around 10am and I did see the sign but no one was doing any enforcement. There were only a few people in the line ahead of me..the regular line was much larger of course (overall the airport was not that busy though).

2/15 9AM checker in place. Made me happy ^

For example, I'd say that about 60% of the pax who use the "elite" line at SFO are booked in Y, do not have any status, and neither do their travel companions.

I don't believe this is true. I go through SFO every couple of weeks and the domestic elite lobby line has always had the bouncer checking BPs and redirecting non-status people over to the regular line, without exception.

I don't believe this is true. I go through SFO every couple of weeks and the domestic elite lobby line has always had the bouncer checking BPs and redirecting non-status people over to the regular line, without exception.

It is true. The bouncer prevents people from using the elite checkin area, but the elite security line is often used as an overflow from the non-elite security line. I regularly see large groups of blue boarding passes in the elite security line.

I can confirm yesterday the sign is up and they are checking cards. Regular line was at least 90 minutes for the D terminal. Thank god I am EXP :D

I was just about to start a new thread......

I was at LAS and saw the new line Thursday night. I was able to use the line as a 1P (although I did have gold boarding jacket, maybe that played into the equation?)

Moving this to the Las Vegas forum.

iluv2fly
Moderator, UA

I can confirm yesterday the sign is up and they are checking cards. Regular line was at least 90 minutes for the D terminal. Thank god I am EXP :DWhat are you basing this 90 minutes on? You didn't wait, did you? In my experience, in that 2-week period when the FC line was gone, I waited in the regular line at least once when the queue was completely full and the line extended all the way down the hallway and back. It was about 20-25 minutes total to get through security. The line moved very fast with all the checkpoints open.

Was in Vegas last week: FC line is intact, as well as more credential-checking bouncers who are now asking for plastic or a ticket with FC emblazoned on it.

I'm glad it's not gone. I'm also glad they're zipping the riff-raff out of the line. It was getting ridiculous.



BN

I went through Gate D security this morning at about 7:30. The first class/premium line is still there. No bouncer at the beginning of the line. I wanted to try the Elevate card trick to see if it would work. However, the first/premium line was moving extremely slowly and there were 23 people in the line so I used the normal line instead (through in 14 minutes).

They have changed the configuration after ID check so the first/premium line must all go though one WTMD. This, combined with one slow ID checker, seemed to be the cause of the slowdown. This same ID checker also checks the Line 9 (selectees, crew, employees) slowing things down even more.

Until they change this setup (which I'm sure they will, given their tendency to screw with things), people should not plan to save much, if any, time using the F line.

Used the First/Elite line at LAS last Monday morning.... it was much quicker (maybe 1-2 minutes) than the regular line which appeared to be moving quickly, but was very long nonetheless. The AS MVPG designation on my boarding pass was enough.... no card needed.

going thru security this monday morning at 5:10 am, the elite line was much longer and moving more slowly than the regular line. The regular line took about 14 minutes.....

Glad to hear the lines are back. Does anyone know how Continental handles marking the boarding pass so the checker can ID a premium passenger? Only asking because I am flying first with no status. Boarding pass says "Elite Access" but no other class designation on BP -- is this enough?

I remember Delta used to stamp a red "First Class" stamp on the BP not too long ago?

Anyone flown Continental recently and can comment?

Thanks...

Glad to hear the lines are back. Does anyone know how Continental handles marking the boarding pass so the checker can ID a premium passenger? Only asking because I am flying first with no status. Boarding pass says "Elite Access" but no other class designation on BP -- is this enough?

I remember Delta used to stamp a red "First Class" stamp on the BP not too long ago?

Anyone flown Continental recently and can comment?

Thanks...
Well, your booking class DOES show on your CO boarding pass. For paid domestic First Class this will likely be "A" or "R", usually next to the flight number. But I don't know if that's what the monkeys are trained to look for, since obviously it varies by airline.

Well, your booking class DOES show on your CO boarding pass. For paid domestic First Class this will likely be "A" or "R", usually next to the flight number. But I don't know if that's what the monkeys are trained to look for, since obviously it varies by airline.

Yeah, that is my fear because just the booking class shows. There is no reference to "First" on the ticket -- however it is emblazoned "Elite Access" but who knows what they are training these people to look for. Just thought Continental might be stamping like Delta (it was actually a very good idea). Thanks.

I fly aa, and there are two types of terminals where one can get bp's: (1) near the check-in counters are dedicated aa terminals; (2) generic terminals located closer to the check-in gates, these work for some 10 different airlines. The bp's printed from (2) sometimes (from my recollection) have only the class letter but not the the word "first."
But at least, now, executive platinum is listed on the sign for use of the "faster" line. (Until this thread, I only surmised that exec plat could use the line--but it was not an "official" policy, since the line stated "first class" only.)

(Until this thread, I only surmised that exec plat could use the line--but it was not an "official" policy, since the line stated "first class" only.)
Before this policy change by LAS, it was like all of the other Elite lines at AA airports I had ever been to. First Class, GLD, PLT, EXP were all able to use it. I used it about once a week last year while I was PLT before I made EXP in November (from flying to LAS every week ironically).

I flew back from LAS last week and was shocked to see the line for security. I normally go to the 1st class/Elite line and I did, but a lady there asked me THREE times if I was Platinum Elite. I answered, "Yes, I am Platinum AND I am first class" to which she asked AGAIN "But are you PLATINUM?" So I repeated myself -Plat and 1st class. She asked AGAIN- "but are you Platinum?"

At this point I was getting a bit irritated and walked back to her, showed her my ticket and then she said "Fine, as long as you're Platinum." I noticed then that the sign was for 1st class and Platinum Elites ONLY, which would really tick me off if I were Gold or Silver.

The part I didn't get was why she didn't listen to me about being 1st Class. It shouldn't matter if you are Platinum or non-affiliated, as long as you have a first class ticket, and the sign did say "First Class and Platinum Elite Members".

As if getting through security there isn't enough of a nightmare, now they've taken away one of the few priviliges we have left as Elite members. I mean, yes, I can get through as a Platinum, but really, does it matter that much to take away the right from Gold and Silver Elites?

To make matters more annoying, when I got to the front of the Elite line I showed my ticket and went to the Elite security area only to have a young man and his friends "jump over" to the Elite line because it was "shorter". Not only did they jump in front of me but took up all the bins. And where was our lady of Perpetual "Are you Platinum?" No where to be found. Not one security member stopped them or even gave them a glance. And when they walked through the scanner and showed their tickets, no one bothered to tell them that this was an Elite line.

Did they know? Yes. I heard one of them laughing about passing as a First Class Passenger when we were through the line and putting on our shoes. I know, I didn't say anything so it's my fault as well, but I didn't feel like getting into a hassle at the security line. Besides they were young. I think it just irked me because the first lady asked me 3 times if I was a Plat and didn't even come near these kids when they jumped into the line she was so desperately trying to keep people away from.

I don't know what's going on at McCarren but they need to be consistant. I'm going back later in March so it'll be insteresting to see what the sign says on the day of my return. I also wonder if this is a sign of things to come in other airports?:rolleyes:

To make matters more annoying, when I got to the front of the Elite line I showed my ticket and went to the Elite security area only to have a young man and his friends "jump over" to the Elite line because it was "shorter". Not only did they jump in front of me but took up all the bins. And where was our lady of Perpetual "Are you Platinum?" No where to be found. Not one security member stopped them or even gave them a glance. And when they walked through the scanner and showed their tickets, no one bothered to tell them that this was an Elite line.

Once you're past the id check, so far as I know there's no defined elite vs non-elite scanners.

That being said, if you were standing in a clearly defined line for a particular scanner and several people cut in front of you (and presumably those waiting in line behind you), a simple "Back of the line" probably would have sufficed. If they simply beat you to the position....

Once you're past the id check, so far as I know there's no defined elite vs non-elite scanners.


The rope was extended from the scanner roller table all the way back to the ID checker, at least it was that way last Friday.

Also last Friday the regular line was moving almost faster than the elite line because there was 5 ID checkers vs 1; and with the rope separating lane 8 to the rest of the lanes I am not sure I will use the first class line again.

The rope was extended from the scanner roller table all the way back to the ID checker, at least it was that way last Friday.

Thanks for that info, I stand corrected. I've never seen the rope. The last time I was there they were still in "transition mode" on the new elite line setup.

......Besides they were young. I think it just irked me because the first lady asked me 3 times if I was a Plat and didn't even come near these kids when they jumped into the line she was so desperately trying to keep people away from.


Laura Bush now works for the TSA? Wow :eek:

About a year ago the first class security check included a "puffer" machine in addition to the regular metal detecting machine--this caused the line to move at a snails pace.

About a year ago the first class security check included a "puffer" machine in addition to the regular metal detecting machine--this caused the line to move at a snails pace.

The puffer machine was still there when I went through the F line a few weeks ago. Fortunately it was on a Saturday afternoon so the lines weren't long or slow.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8800/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

About a year ago the first class security check included a "puffer" machine in addition to the regular metal detecting machine--this caused the line to move at a snails pace.

The puffer machine was still there when I went through the F line a few weeks ago. Fortunately it was on a Saturday afternoon so the lines weren't long or slow.

The puffer machine is lane 9(special screening), FC is lane 8. However because 8 was backed up they sent 5 of us without SSSS markings down 9 this afternoon. The puffer was there but we just walked right through it to the metal detector

Lane 8 seems to be moving at a snail's pace the past two times I've used it including this weekend. So much so, that with only about a dozen people in line, TSA opened the adjacent rope-and-stanchion and announced "All First Class passengers please enter here and use the shortest available lane." :confused: So much for premium passenger priority screening. :eek: The regular line was moving briskly and the people behind me were griping about why they were standing in a slow FC line when the other line was moving so fast. I was wondering the same thing. Not sure why Lane 8 is moving so slowly, that wasn't the case before the "change," but I sure hope TSA gets it sped up - and soon.

Does anyone have any reports of UA 1Ps using this line?

I have a 8:00 AM flight next monday on TED.

How early should I get to LAS?

Also- Is there a way to get to the D gates from the A/B or C gates with out having to clear security again?

Thanks.
Ben

Does anyone have any reports of UA 1Ps using this line?

I have a 8:00 AM flight next monday on TED.

How early should I get to LAS?

Also- Is there a way to get to the D gates from the A/B or C gates with out having to clear security again?

Thanks.
Ben

Embedded in this thread is a report of some experience that the line is limited to 1K only, see this post (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9257361&postcount=95).

Wirelessly posted (probably driving while typing: BlackBerry8130/4.3.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

I arrived LAS an hour before my morning mileage run expecting to speed through the D Gates elite passenger line. I am used to having to wait in the regular line before reaching the elite line. Surprise, there is new signage at the D Gates! LAS has permanently eliminated the elite security line at the D Gates. This is bad news for passengers flying every airline from LAS except US, AQ, WN, HA, ATA, and any intenational flights. Allow 90 minutes for security from now on.

Been flying weekly since December, and the FC line is there, although they close it when the lines are not long. I have seen them turn away non-FC, don't know what they would do to Elite who tried - never plucked up the nerve to try. But when I get FC upgrade, it's real nice!

I went through the D gates on Monday the line stretched all the way back by the Elevators but they moved the line at a very fast pace. It took me only 20 min and i was not standing still once.

Here is what the airport did to make the line quick

1. At least 9 ID TSA ID checkers
2. Multiple Lanes

If only IAD could learn this

I flew out today and for the first time there are airport signs saying that First Class and the top elites of the airlines are allowed to use the security checkpoint at D Gates. It worked well although you basically get dumped at the front of the line

I was able to use this line last Sat. I was connecting to PS out of LAX. The placard by the entrance shows exactly what level of elite you need to be for every airline. Although it didn't mention the TED thing, they gave me no problem. I was careful to hang onto the gold boarding pass jacket I got at JFK.
I think they have come around with this and will abide by the posted rules.

just to confirm, UA 1Ps are 86ed from the first class line. 1K/GS only. :td: Time for me to do a status challenge with an airline who cares.

I take the aa red eye's when I depart las terminal d. And most of the time, after 10 pm, there are so few people going through security that there really is no reason for a fc-elite line at that hour.
There is a sign right near the "generic" check-in terminals on the gate d (and c) security level, which directs fc-elites (and lists several airlines) to use the special security line. At peak times, the d gate line can form a double ess--is there now a fc-elite, bypass line, to get you to security without getting in the "double ess" line first?

just to confirm, UA 1Ps are 86ed from the first class line. 1K/GS only. :td: Time for me to do a status challenge with an airline who cares.

All you need to access the F security line is to be a general member of VX FFP. Join for free at www.virginamerica.com

All you need to access the F security line is to be a general member of VX FFP. Join for free at www.virginamerica.com

you need a VX boarding pass and unfortunately VX does not fly to ORD, SIN, HKG, etc from LAS...

Is it still there for terminal D? The FC Security line I mean.:confused:

As of August 15th it was. Clearly signposted and a breeze...

Thanks!:D

you need a VX boarding pass and unfortunately VX does not fly to ORD, SIN, HKG, etc from LAS...

No... but VX offers refundable tickets if you really need them. FWIW, I have not been refused access with a *Gold BP and my BD elite card when flying UA.

yesterday (sept 7th) they were actually enforcing the "elite line" as i saw pax being "shunted to the regular line" as they were not f/c or top tier.

i will add howver that the set up at las worked very well yesterday.

snake
multiple "fake i/d" ;) check desks (which your are directed to so to keep the snake moving) ^
multiple wtmd's and x-ray machines ^ but it's a free-for-all at that point as you're instructed to use the wtmd with the shortest line so you have pax "line shopping" and clogging the area :td:

No... but VX offers refundable tickets if you really need them. No they don't.

First class line at D gate worked very well on Saturday Sept. 6.

yesterday (sept 7th) they were actually enforcing the "elite line" as i saw pax being "shunted to the regular line" as they were not f/c or top tier.

i will add howver that the set up at las worked very well yesterday.

snake
multiple "fake i/d" ;) check desks (which your are directed to so to keep the snake moving) ^
multiple wtmd's and x-ray machines ^ but it's a free-for-all at that point as you're instructed to use the wtmd with the shortest line so you have pax "line shopping" and clogging the area :td:

Hmmm... I had no problem using the elite security line midday on Sept. 7, which I didn't realize I wasn't entitled to until just now. It appears this 1P just got lucky.

But yeah, I'm not sure I saved that much time anyways.

I used this on Sunday night for a DL redeye. I am a FO (Silver Medallion) and it says on the board only for Platinum Medallion. They didn't really seem to care at all and sent me right through along with two other gueses I was traveling with.

Wirelessly posted (FlyerTalk.com/wap is fun : BlackBerry8830/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

The new WN security checkpoint has opened. I believe the escalator is at the end of the wn check in counter. The old wn security checkpoint is now the new First Class checkin for the D gates. Its across from the existing D gates checkin. There appears to be a walkway from the First Class line to the new C Gates security along the far wall. My next flight is a few weeks away. Perhaps someone else can investigate further.

Wirelessly posted (FlyerTalk.com/wap is fun : BlackBerry8830/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

The new WN security checkpoint has opened. I believe the escalator is at the end of the wn check in counter. The old wn security checkpoint is now the new First Class checkin for the D gates. Its across from the existing D gates checkin. There appears to be a walkway from the First Class line to the new C Gates security along the far wall. My next flight is a few weeks away. Perhaps someone else can investigate further.

On 9/30/08, I noticed the sign for fc for the "d gate" ran along the "c gate" corridor--but at 9:00 pm, there were so few people checking in, that using the regular "d gate" lines in fc or regular, had NO wait times of any kind. I am sure it will be a big + when for flights earlier in the day when huge lines sometimes form.

Used it this morning. Coming upstairs toward the security area, there was a (probably temporary) sign that First Class was down the walkway. I didn't see a sign indicating that you could access the C gates until the end of the hall where I suppose the two chatting TSA agents were supposed to check my BP. I could see you missing if the line is super long and goes right past it. Otherwise, it seems easy enough to navigate.

However, it wasn't all that bad this morning, but it was still nice to go right by the crowd that was forming. The crowd was confined to the the walkway on the other side where I imagine the line begins to wrap on itself when it gets busy.

Went to my usual F line this week, at the far left of security, but noticed no F signage anymore. "Hmmm," I thought. Fortunately, security was not busy. There was however a sign for "Lane 15." I got in it and asked the TSA agent/ID checker what happened to the F lane. "New location at the far right of security." he replied. I didn't get to check it out - but I don't doubt that that's where it is now.

I used the D gates F security - it is now down the walkway to the C gates. It is marked as such. It now provides a much quicker transition for F customers as well - very nice!

I also got the switcharoo surprise on the F security. Interestingly, I noticed that the adjacent C line was completely empty. Is it possible to go through C security and still get to the D gates? I couldn't quite tell from the view I had outside security, and I was in a hurry to catch my flight.

Yes, but TSA is reluctant to do it.

Yes, they did indeed move the F line (Top Elite's only, but the TSA doesn't enforce it though). Here's what you do need to know though...

The TSA person sitting there will not "call up" people. So, since there is also a regular line from the D gates feeding into this line, simply walk stright up to the TSA. Otherwise you'll be standing there forever!

Only once have a had some "gate lice" say something to me about cutting in front of them. My standard response is "are you also traveling in first class"?

That usually backs them off (-:

Fly more & get a better seat

Yes, they did indeed move the F line (Top Elite's only, but the TSA doesn't enforce it though). Here's what you do need to know though...

The TSA person sitting there will not "call up" people. So, since there is also a regular line from the D gates feeding into this line, simply walk stright up to the TSA. Otherwise you'll be standing there forever!

Only once have a had some "gate lice" say something to me about cutting in front of them. My standard response is "are you also traveling in first class"?

That usually backs them off (-:

Fly more & get a better seat

I can confirm that as of last Thursday the elite screening lane was alive and well, and has moved to the "C" concourse security side. There are premanent signs--"D Gates First Class" and "First Class". The TSA was enforcing either FC seating or top status. Just emember to falk to the LEFT once you are through to get to the "D" tram!

--PP

I can confirm that as of last Thursday the elite screening lane was alive and well, and has moved to the "C" concourse security side. There are premanent signs--"D Gates First Class" and "First Class". The TSA was enforcing either FC seating or top status. Just emember to falk to the LEFT once you are through to get to the "D" tram!

--PP

I was departing on Sunday, 10/26/08 for a 10:50 pm flight and followed the signs, but it seemed to lead to "C" gate check-in--since there were so few people departing at that hour, I went under the divider to the "old" D gate fc check-in. Is this "new" check-in properly operational at peak times?

I was departing on Sunday, 10/26/08 for a 10:50 pm flight and followed the signs, but it seemed to lead to "C" gate check-in--since there were so few people departing at that hour, I went under the divider to the "old" D gate fc check-in. Is this "new" check-in properly operational at peak times?
It does lead to the C gate security. As you are headed down the "chute" the first class lane is to the left, the C gate security is to the right.

--PP

Was through the D gates security screening today and didn't find any F/Elite line. Didn't bother checking on the C side because the line wasn't very long. They've made changes and it appears the C/D gates are merged. It was quite chaotic.

Ok, question for those who might know better than me.

I cross over the 75k MQM threshold on Delta on Sunday night, thus making me Platinum (woo hoo!). DL updates status on Friday evenings, so just as my NW flight from MSP lands in LAS, my DL SkyMiles account will turn over to Platinum.

So, here's the question. I'm flying back home on the 1245a redeye Sunday night/Monday morning. DL's computers will show me as a Platinum. DL owns NW. However, reports on FT say that it might take a few more days for NW's computers to recognize me as a Platinum.

Would it work (if NW's computers don't catch on to my new Platinum-ness within 2 days) to print out my DL summary that says I'm Platinum and use that to access the F line (should I not get the upgrade...)? Either way, security at LAS at midnight is a cakewalk anyway (the only post 1145p flights to my knowledge are AA to DFW, CO to IAH and NW to MSP, so a trio of 757s at worst).

I wouldn't worry about it. There won't be a crowd.

QL

I cross over the 75k MQM threshold on Delta on Sunday night, thus making me Platinum (woo hoo!). DL updates status on Friday evenings, so just as my NW flight from MSP lands in LAS, my DL SkyMiles account will turn over to Platinum.
I just realized that I just missed you at the airport tonight. As for the elite line, it used to close around 11pm. I am not sure how late it is now since they reconfigured the C security entrance.

Elite security line still alive and well? Flying in F on AA this Saturday at 9.35am. If I have carry-on luggage only, what time would it be reasonable for me to arrive at the airport, taking into account the D tram works?

Elite security line still alive and well? Flying in F on AA this Saturday at 9.35am. If I have carry-on luggage only, what time would it be reasonable for me to arrive at the airport, taking into account the D tram works?

Used it at 1130p on Sunday evening before my redeye to MSP.

The D Tram is the killer though that you will want to build in extra time for - add in an extra 10 minutes or so for this.

NickB:
8:30am on a Saturday is plenty of time. You could arrive as late as 9:05, but I would not recommend it.

Used it at 1130p on Sunday evening before my redeye to MSP.

The D Tram is the killer though that you will want to build in extra time for - add in an extra 10 minutes or so for this.

The airport will be empty on Saturday morning. The D tram is being renovated and only one is operating, so at peak times there might be a half-hour wait, but otherwise it's not a problem.

The airport will be empty on Saturday morning. The D tram is being renovated and only one is operating, so at peak times there might be a half-hour wait, but otherwise it's not a problem.

True...forgot how quiet LAS is on Saturday mornings - it's been a while since I've been through there at that time (I think April was the most recent time I was there in the morning).

But yes, the tram wait sucks. Down until the end of March is what the gatekeeper at the PC told me Sunday night.

I will be flying from LAS to CVG on May 15. This trip I have the luxury of flying first class. The D concourse security lines at LAS used to have a dedicated line for first class, but I remember hearing or reading something about it being moved, but don't remember the details (it has been a while since I have flown out of LAS). Anyone know the details?

This question is probably better answered in the Las Vegas forum. I'm sure there are a few FTers there who occasionally fly F and will be happy to answer your question.

scoow
Moderator-in-Training, TS/S

Elite line is still there. More info here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/783553-las-d-gates-elite-security-line-no-yes-changed.html

Watch the signs going to these. It's very easy to miss them.

I just returned from LAS today and spotted the first class line signs and found it without any trouble.

FWIW, enforcement of F-line qualification has relaxed quite a bit since my original post. They generally don't question you at all if you have a status printed on your BP or your elite card handy. Also, with the new B<-->C corridor and unofficial C<--> D security passthrough, one can now pretty much go through any security checkpoint. At the 2 C gate security checkpoints, other airline elites can use the WN A-List security line.

Just an update for anybody wanting to be reassured: The D (and C) First Class security line is working (Sep. 26). Wait time this morning (a Saturday, at about 6:15 a.m.): one person = 20 seconds. The regular line was maybe at 3 minutes or so, all very fast and non-crowded.

Just an update for anybody wanting to be reassured: The D (and C) First Class security line is working (Sep. 26). Wait time this morning (a Saturday, at about 6:15 a.m.): one person = 20 seconds. The regular line was maybe at 3 minutes or so, all very fast and non-crowded.

I would be surprised if any security line is longer than 3 minutes on a Saturday at 6:15 am, especially in Vegas.

I'm flying out of LAS on a Southwest flight taht leaves at 6:50 am on Monday morning. Are there are priority lineds (i have status w/ United and Alaska) and how long should I give to get through security on time?

Thanks

T

I'm flying out of LAS on a Southwest flight taht leaves at 6:50 am on Monday morning. Are there are priority lineds (i have status w/ United and Alaska) and how long should I give to get through security on time?

Thanks

T
You need 1K on United to use the priority lane, so that won't help...

But with a 6:50am flight, presuming you're navigating security an hour before that, you shouldn't see much of a line.

I'm flying out of LAS on a Southwest flight taht leaves at 6:50 am on Monday morning. Are there are priority lineds (i have status w/ United and Alaska) and how long should I give to get through security on time?

Thanks

T

The queue will start to lengthen beginning around 5:15-5:30.

I don't think status on a different airlines is going to do you any good, but it really shouldn't matter much. I've never had more than a 5-10 minute wait thru C Gate security during the 6am hour on a Monday morning. My last time through was in August.

Today at 0530 the lines were :rolleyes:.

I tried to use the fc d gate check-in line on Sunday, 9/27 at around 11 pm. There were so few people in the regular line, that they closed the "special" line and sent fc pax over to the "old" fc check-in area, which airline staff use.
[I made a "guesstimate", that all together there were no more than 25 people in the d gate area (including tsa people:).]

Sunday October 4 - 8:00 a.m.

Going to ORD on UA. Line was operational. Three people ahead of me for the ID check. Two x-ray lanes were operational. Walked up to belt and only one person ahead of me. Took all of one minute.

Sunday October 4 - 8:00 a.m.

Going to ORD on UA. Line was operational. Three people ahead of me for the ID check. Two x-ray lanes were operational. Walked up to belt and only one person ahead of me. Took all of one minute.

I don't know if this is good news. It's pretty scary. If no one is going to Las Vegas, the town will evaporate. It's completely tourist dependent. I'd really miss it.:(

I don't know if this is good news. It's pretty scary. If no one is going to Las Vegas, the town will evaporate. It's completely tourist dependent. I'd really miss it.:(

On the weekend of 9/25, I walked the strip from Mandalay Bay to Paris a few times--the streets were packed with people. I don't know how it is on weekdays.