I sent an e-mail via the web site complaining about the inconsistent SFO priority line and inquiring about whether there would be more consistency in the future, noting that this factor could influence my future bookings. The site said to expect a response within 14 business days. It's been over 3 weeks, and still no response.

So I just called and asked for Guest Care (though it seemed a regular agent answered). After I explained my inquiry, she put me on hold for 8 minutes. She came back to say that a supervisor was asking around "at headquarters" to find a specific answer.

After another 3 minutes, sounding like she was reading off a script, she replied that all aspects of security screening at SFO Int'l. Terminal A, including staffing levels and potential priority lines, are the responsibility of the TSA and completely outside the control of VX. She also said, "For example, this morning we had 600 people trying to get through security in that terminal, and the line moved very slowly." So that's a reason to not consistently have a priority line?

I thanked her for checking and told her I understand the current arrangement. But I pointed out that it looks different from the customer's perspective when I know that I can fly UA and almost always be guaranteed a separate priority security line. I said I didn't know what was different with UA's relationship with TSA, but suggested that VX should similarly step up to the plate in the future at their home hub.

Conclusion: The lines will continue to be consistently inconsistent, at least until VX moves into its dedicated gates at the renovated Terminal 2.