Elite Security Line @ DCA?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: NYC,USA
Programs: UA 1P, AA EXPLT 1MM, HHonors Silver, Marriott PLT Premier, SPG Gold, Hyatt PLT, Avis PC
Posts: 359
Elite Security Line @ DCA?
Were my eyes decieving me this morning, or did they just open up 2 more security lines for elite passengers at DCA?
~M
~M
#2
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
Programs: UA 1K MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 66,954
Hmm, that would be most interesting if true and certainly something to be thankful for.
Still, in general I haven't had terrible experiences with DCA security lines, even when they stretch from the entrance of one pier to another. That's because a US employee always comes down the line shouting out, "Anyone on the 8:30 flights or earlier, please step to this line!"
Still, in general I haven't had terrible experiences with DCA security lines, even when they stretch from the entrance of one pier to another. That's because a US employee always comes down the line shouting out, "Anyone on the 8:30 flights or earlier, please step to this line!"
#3
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: KUSA
Programs: Whatever AMEX Plat comes with... I buy on price.. Spirit Big Front Seat, want First/buy First
Posts: 1,441
Yes, it opened up today. I posted about this a week or two ago.
Apparently passengers on the next Shuttle departure can also use this elite lane. A new Shuttle ticketing counter was supposed to open today as well.
Apparently passengers on the next Shuttle departure can also use this elite lane. A new Shuttle ticketing counter was supposed to open today as well.
#4
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: Star Alliance Gold, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, Marriott Silver, Avis Rock Star
Posts: 1,217
Yep,
They moved the old shuttle check-in and added 2 new metal detectors in its former place. Should make things much better getting through there. To the best of my knowledge there has never been a preferred checkpoint at DCA other than over in the old terminal which serves NW/Alaska and a couple of other carriers.
They moved the old shuttle check-in and added 2 new metal detectors in its former place. Should make things much better getting through there. To the best of my knowledge there has never been a preferred checkpoint at DCA other than over in the old terminal which serves NW/Alaska and a couple of other carriers.
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: NYC,USA
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Thanks, this is huge for me. The security lines these past couple friday afternoons have been madness, easily takes about 45 minutes to get through. Unfortunately for me, I'm usually flying stand-by on the earlier flights, so I rarely get to jump to the front of the line.
#6
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA Gold, Amex Plat
Posts: 4,007
The elite security line and new Shuttle check-in at DCA were open for business this morning. Just as I arrived at the airport around 8:45 this morning, however, TSA closed the two preferred lanes, telling me that they will only be open during peak times. There was no wait at the regular lines, but the Shoe Carnival was in full force, unlike in prior weeks.
Regardless, the preferred line is a welcome addition to the DCA US Airways pier. I've experienced my share of 20-minute+ security lines there numerous times, so it'll be nice to breeze through the special checkpoint and on to the gate when the airport is at its busiest.
Regardless, the preferred line is a welcome addition to the DCA US Airways pier. I've experienced my share of 20-minute+ security lines there numerous times, so it'll be nice to breeze through the special checkpoint and on to the gate when the airport is at its busiest.
#7
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: mystic island, nj, USA
Posts: 2,377
Got to love the Trained Shoe Analysts.
Living breathing proof that the average American would rather FEEL secure then be SECURE
Living breathing proof that the average American would rather FEEL secure then be SECURE
#8
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Trying to live half a life on the road.
Programs: UA Premier Exec, SPG Plat, MR Silver. And a wee bit of everyone else.
Posts: 86
Rookie question about security lines. Are *A Gold members eligible to use the elite line at US checkpoints (eg at CLT)? TIA.
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
I went through there at about 2:00 on the 14th, and no extra lines were open, nor were they needed.
#10
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA Gold, Amex Plat
Posts: 4,007
Originally Posted by Zudnic
Rookie question about security lines. Are *A Gold members eligible to use the elite line at US checkpoints (eg at CLT)? TIA.
#11
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Indianapolis, IN USA
Posts: 2,061
Yup - saw it last night (03/16/05):
445p - 622p
BOS - DCA
US 2043
750p - 939p
DCA - IND
US 556
445p - 622p
BOS - DCA
US 2043
750p - 939p
DCA - IND
US 556
#12
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1,558
Originally Posted by bowdenj
Yup - saw it last night (03/16/05):
445p - 622p
BOS - DCA
US 2043
750p - 939p
DCA - IND
US 556
445p - 622p
BOS - DCA
US 2043
750p - 939p
DCA - IND
US 556
#13
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Newport, RI USA
Posts: 110
Elite Security Line at DCA
Yeap, open in late afternoon, used it last night. However, I noted that of the three or four people working the one open Elite portal, only one was in TSA uniform, other workers were wearing civies. Appears to me that supervisors may have been asked to help out on the Elite line when it was needed and opened.
#14
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: SDF - Louisville, KY
Programs: US-SP; HH-Diamond; Marriott-Plat; Hertz 5*; Avis First
Posts: 57
Lines not bad at Security - but gate 35A another story!
I was through DCA yesterday around 12:30pm. Although the ticket counter upstairs and the shuttle counter downstairs were packed with pax, the security lines were not too bad. The elite line had only a few people and there were a couple of plain clothes personnel allowing the preferred pax to go through. I was even able to enjoy a quick bite at Legal Seafood.
Boarding at gate 35A is another story! They need to get that straightend out - what a mess! Trying to board 10 flights in a 30 minute period - you can only imagine the chaos and frustration of everyone crammed in the area - not too swift US Airways!!
Boarding at gate 35A is another story! They need to get that straightend out - what a mess! Trying to board 10 flights in a 30 minute period - you can only imagine the chaos and frustration of everyone crammed in the area - not too swift US Airways!!
Last edited by bostinboggs; Mar 20, 2005 at 7:39 am
#15
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: EWR and KGL (with occasional home/work trips to NRT/ITM)
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Posts: 708
So that what they were doing for the old shuttle counter!
I did not know that even though I fly in and out of DCA every other weeks with shuttles..
Although these are nice addition, I never really had problems with the security lines; perhaps due to my usual flight time.
I did not know that even though I fly in and out of DCA every other weeks with shuttles..
Although these are nice addition, I never really had problems with the security lines; perhaps due to my usual flight time.