Originally Posted by
ralfp
Even if airlines rent the floor space where the lines form, how should that give them control over any part of access to the screening process?
By TSA's own policy admissions, you do not enter the Security C/P until you have passed the TSA TDC. They have also stated that they do not care about the elite line privileges granted by the airlines at various airports. If they want to take ownership of all of the lines to their TDC, then they can control the entire access process. As long as a valid leasing contract already exists between the Airline and the Airport for the floor space prior to the federal government's "eminent domain" floor space, then YES, the airlines have the privilege of managing that space accordingly.
Does an airline's control over the gate and jetway give it control over [the (asinine) TSA gate screening process?
I have witnessed GAs walk over to the TSOs performing gate searches, back when they were doing them at BWI, and advise them that the process was in danger of causing a delayed departure. At that point, the TSOs finished the current "selectee" and packed out. There have been anecdotal posts in this forum by both other travelers and TSO members stating that this is the correct policy that TSA has negotiated with the airlines. So, it would appear that, yes, the Airlines do have a smidgen of control over the asinine gate check secondary policies.
Are there any other examples where private control of the area in front of a place where the government provides a service, especially a law enforcement or public safety-related service, grants the private entity the right to control access to that service?
Sure - look at most government offices in leased office buildings. The PRIVATE security company can decide, on whatever whim they wish, that badged employees are allowed to enter before John Q. Public.