New Priority Security at HEL.
Jun 21, 2016, 7:21 am
#16
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Seat 1L these days :)
Programs: AF Platinum/AY LUMO/SK EBG/baEC S/HYATT Globalist/MR LTP/A3 *G/HH Dia/IHG plat
Posts: 7,957
I am under the understanding that HEL fast track is open to ALL STAR GOLD members when flying ANY star alliance flight! Hence the star gold logo? Someone correct me if Im wrong
Jun 21, 2016, 8:44 am
#17
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Platinum, TK Elite, BT VIP, AA, BA, SK, DL, NT, WB + hotels
Posts: 8,745
I've never used the upper floor security (I rarely travel with bags, so during T2 rush hours or when I park at P3, I simply go through T1 security, which seems to be deserted most of the time) but I believe that after security, you need to descend a flight of stairs next to WDF and then ascend another flight mere steps away to reach the lounge. Would they be able to have people enter the lounge right after security, without the step march? Steps are good for your health, of course...
Jun 21, 2016, 2:05 pm
#20
Moderator, Finnair
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MMX (CPH)
Programs: Eurobonus Diamond, QR Gold, AY+ Platinum, A3*G, Nordic Choice Lifetime Platinum, SJ Prio Black
Posts: 14,171
Jun 21, 2016, 9:27 pm
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA / San Francisco, CA
Programs: BA Gold, TK Elite Plus
Posts: 1,150
Priority Checkin now open at 201-something, where BA used to be so opposite end of the hall. Priority security as it has been before, no change yet.
Jun 24, 2016, 8:50 am
#22
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Platinum (oneworld Emerald), Bonvoy/Radisson/Hilton Gold
Posts: 149
Interesting move! I hope this mean no queue for priority anymore. And yes, access straight to the upper level and to the Schengen lounge would be marvellous without having to zigzag through the people downstairs, like ffay005 suggested.
Jun 24, 2016, 6:37 pm
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA / San Francisco, CA
Programs: BA Gold, TK Elite Plus
Posts: 1,150
I doubt WDFG will allow a shortcut. Or more like - I doubt Finnair will pay for one.
Jul 5, 2016, 7:13 am
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA / San Francisco, CA
Programs: BA Gold, TK Elite Plus
Posts: 1,150
Priority security up and running. Escalators up and down, no complaints at all. Very convenient to prio checkin and multiple lanes available. Genuine improvement.
Jul 5, 2016, 7:17 am
#25
Join Date: May 2013
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Plat (OWE), SK EBG (*A Gold), KQ Plat (STE+), Accor Plat
Posts: 3,157
I guess this was a smart move from the airport's point of view as well as it must have been difficult to get the flow of "normal" passengers to go upstairs. Priority passengers are easier to get there and free a lane downstairs for "normal" passengers.
Jul 5, 2016, 7:50 am
#26
Ambassador: Finnair Plus
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: HEL
Programs: AY+ Plat, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Discoverist, Priority Club Plat Amb, Miles and Smiles Elite
Posts: 5,293
I've always wondered how empty the upstairs security is even at busiest times.
Jul 5, 2016, 7:58 am
#27
Join Date: May 2013
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Plat (OWE), SK EBG (*A Gold), KQ Plat (STE+), Accor Plat
Posts: 3,157
The main security lines were crowded as well, but the upstairs security, economy section, absolutely empty. Finavia people should guide people to use the upstairs facility as well.
Jul 5, 2016, 10:18 am
#28
Moderator, Finnair
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MMX (CPH)
Programs: Eurobonus Diamond, QR Gold, AY+ Platinum, A3*G, Nordic Choice Lifetime Platinum, SJ Prio Black
Posts: 14,171
Despite all the clever wait statistics they never got people to go anywhere but main hall. And those who had cued in main hall was eager to skip the rope and go into priority line when they could.
All they need now to make the joy complete is to connect this security to the lounge directly!
(I just had the "joy" of using ARN terminal 5 prio security - sure there is a dedicated line but you first have to pass check-in desks 1-90 before reaching it, then you need to go through a taxfree maze that reaches half-way to F pier, only to do a 180 and walk all the way back to get to the SK-lounge.)
Jul 5, 2016, 11:23 am
#29
Join Date: May 2015
Location: ATL/MCO
Programs: Costco Executive, RaceTrac Sultan of Soda, Chick-fil-A Red
Posts: 5,661
I was let thru with my Avianca Brazil *Gold traveling in Y. The dragon manning the entrance asked for the card and I asked why, he said "to check if it's valid" I said Gold status is valid if printed black on white on my bp (O6*G). He then let me thru.
