Originally Posted by
KCnAtl
Wow! I don't see this as "protection money" at all. I see it as paying for enhanced/expedited service. Much as one would pay for a FC ticket or FedEx over USPS or Daily parking over economy.
As one who flies out of ATL more than 45 weeks a year, this could offer me enormous time savings - well worth the money IMHO.
And I don't understand Delta's threat to eliminate the Medallion line - if this program reduces the load on the Medallion line - then Delta and its customers benefit without Delta having to pay for or DO anything. I have seen the Medallion line snake all the way down into baggage claim on a Monday morning - and per another thread, hi-tail it over to the North concourse to either the elite line there or the T-Gate line.
If everyone signs up for one of these "protection money" rackets and all who qualify get in, then all we'll end up with is a copy of what we have now but with a lot more private information in the hands of parties that can't necessarily be trusted to handle it well. Perhaps for some interim period a CLEAR-type arrangement will enhance your experience, but it won't do that for me -- especially if it comes at the expense of the airlines' current premium traveller (i.e., frequent flyer status and business/first class) security lines.