Not sure of the AA ORD setup, but don't the pax end up at the same set of metal detectors, just the elite line bypasses the queue? Or do they have a metal detector setup specifically for the AA elites or a different queuing system (see below, FastTrack @ LGW)?

I feel it's in their best interest to get pax through quickly using all resources, but if an AA premium pax comes up and the elite/FC queue is full of non-elites/FC's, that is wrong.

If they are pulling the pax from the front of the regular queue and sending them over to a far lane used for elites when it's slow, that's ok, as it gets more pax through and doesn't burden the elites as the next one in line should be able to proceed through.

I suppose I'll have to look at the thread to see how it's being done.

BTW: Speaking of "Elite Lines", anyone experience the FastTrack lane at LGW? At peak hours, the FastTrack Lane will typically be full of EasyJet (equivalent of Southwest here in the USA) passengers as they enter the regular area/queues with their ID check and then are directed right into the FastTrack queue. The way that is setup, I strongly disagree with the actions of the BAA. If no one was in the FastTrack lane, I could understand sending a few over, but sometimes that queue is as long as the others because other pax, primarily with EasyJet BP's from what I've noticed, end up in this queue.

FastTrack at LGW can be a joke some days, but it's the BAA who is doing this who is responsible for security at LGW. On a bright note, it moves fast - no shoe removal or other silly requests. Note: One ID check.

SDF_Traveler