I have just returned from a 40,000 mile, three continent marathon with numerous flight segments both domestic and international. Here in the US FAA regulations now require continuous screening at the gates, as I found out. The fact the boarding pass says CLR is irrelevant if they are looking for selectees.

At the start of every US flight boarding, the agent explained the entire continuous screening process to the passengers in detail. On several flights, seat numbers were called but the selected passengers took their time showing up. So who gets elected to fill the gap? First class and frequent flyers! They are always first in line.

As a result, I saw elites and premium passengers hovering back with other FF's (usually about eight to ten) until someone got snagged for the screening, then rushing forward to get on board before another passenger was selected. This happened at every single US airport. I boarded as soon as I could, and only got selected for the screening once.

Is anyone else seeing this or is it my imagination?

[This message has been edited by FoothillFlyer (edited 11-20-2001).]