Originally Posted by
bennos
My understanding is that it is generally up to the airports and airlines to agree as to how the security lines are arranged, up until the document checker (at which point TSA governs how things operate until you are through security).
Conjecture, but it may simply be that since AF doesn't operate from any dedicated terminals in the US (not even dedicated SkyTeam terminals I think), other airlines may not be willing to agree to "cut the line" privileges for AF P passengers.
Departing from US airports, I can only talk about Lufthansa, Swiss, BA, United and American. Not the ME3. Lufthansa and Swiss *do* offer "line cutting". Personal assistants accompany passengers through security to the lounge and come and pick them up from the lounge before departure, asking passengers whether they prefer to board early or late.
They also do that at other airports in the world, at least the ones where I have used them (NRT, PVG, HKG, EZE, MEX, GRU, GIG, JNB, YUL, DXB, AUH, DOH, ...)
British Airways, Emirates, Qatar, but also United and American - nothing, nowhere. Although I have had occasions where I was a very regular F pax on EK from Paris they virtually accompanied me to the plane: I was running late because stuck in a blocked street by Porte de Bercy, they phoned me to know whether I was coming, I had the station manager's mobile, kept her informed of my progress, she met me with my BP at the curb and got me through passport control and security in no time. The (almost crazy) taxi driver and her helped me to establish a new record, Porte de Bercy to sitting in my seat on board the A380, Emirates PJ donned, in 27 minutes ^. But not sure that is normal service.