BAEC check-in/fast track security perks when travelling with non-status companion
Oct 10, 2014, 1:52 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2013
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 42
BAEC check-in/fast track security perks when travelling with non-status companion
I normally do most of my travelling solo, though at the beginning of November, I have a LHR-LAX trip with my brother. I'm BA Gold, he has no status, and I bought both tickets in the same booking.
I know I am allowed to use the business/first check-in desks, and the fast track security lanes. In this situation, will my brother also be allowed to use both of these with me, or will he have to go to a regular check-in desk/security queue? We're arriving at LHR at the same time (we're travelling economy, and yes, I'm already regretting it)
Specifically with the south security lanes at LHR, will the boarding card-reading machines let my brother through into the fast track lane? Or is the trick to just duck under the tensa barrier and ignore staff?
I know I am allowed to use the business/first check-in desks, and the fast track security lanes. In this situation, will my brother also be allowed to use both of these with me, or will he have to go to a regular check-in desk/security queue? We're arriving at LHR at the same time (we're travelling economy, and yes, I'm already regretting it)
Specifically with the south security lanes at LHR, will the boarding card-reading machines let my brother through into the fast track lane? Or is the trick to just duck under the tensa barrier and ignore staff?
Oct 10, 2014, 2:01 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Programs: MUCCI; BAEC Lifetime Gold; Marriott Bonvoy Emeritus Titanium; Hertz#1, Avis President’s Club
Posts: 3,217
No problem at all although you have to go to the manned gate to Fast Track Security as the self scanner system will not realise your brother is your guest.
Oct 10, 2014, 2:09 am
#4
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 4,029
Oct 10, 2014, 9:08 am
#6
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Ipswich
Posts: 7,543
I don't understand how the automatic gates work in this respect. I've been through several times with the lowly-blue Mr W without problems. We don't always follow each other through the same gate, nor do we go through different gates at the same time. Haven't done it for a few months now, so things could have changed, but I can only assume the gates aren't (weren't?) smart enough (or set up) to know who's entitled to Fast Track.
Oct 10, 2014, 9:21 am
#8
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Buckinghamshire
Programs: BAEC Gold Guest List, Hilton Honours Diamond, Accor Gold
Posts: 2,303
Are you both travelling in the same Cabin? I had an issue with a friend of mine when boarding in BCN. I checked at the desk and indeed only I was allowed to board Fast Track as I am Silver (travelling in Y). He had to join the normal queue. Seems they allow you to Fast Track a guest at security, bring them into the lounge, then wave bye bye at the gate. It's a scrum anyway.
Oct 10, 2014, 9:24 am
#9
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: US of A
Programs: Delta Diamond, United 1K, BA Blue, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum
Posts: 1,775
c-w-s said a few weeks/months ago that gates have now been programmed to recognised status and shoo away those who are trying to sneak in without being entitled to do so. When guesting someone, it is suggested to use the manned station. For the avoidance of inconvenience of others in case things don't work at the gates, if nothing else.