As many of you probably know, US-bound flights from Amsterdam go through a mini-interrogation/interview process at the gate prior to security and boarding (oddly enough, not from the UK). I have always been under the impression that SkyTeam Elites were able to bypass the usually long queues for this "service" but a friend a few days ago said she was refused access with her KLM/AF silver card (ST Elite). She was unceremoniously told to go the back of the line, and endured many stares along the way.

I personally have been able to use the elite line in the past; only once have the agents actually asked me to prove my eligibility (in that case, flying business on NW to SEA). At beginning of the summer, flying to IAH on CO I also used the elite line without any problems.

Is there official policy regarding the elite line to bypass the interrogation queue? Or experiences? Thanks.