Fast Security Line
Apr 12, 2012, 7:17 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Portland, OR
Programs: Alaska Gold 100k
Posts: 959
Fast Security Line
Why is it (at least in Portland) that it takes MVP Gold qualification to be able to use the line, but with Southwest you can get the A-List card with half as many flights (25) and get a Fly By card and have the same access?
Shouldnt MVP only status allow access to this lane? I haven't checked other airlines,mans I happen to be a gold but noticed this in an email WN sent me and it doesent seem fair.
Shouldnt MVP only status allow access to this lane? I haven't checked other airlines,mans I happen to be a gold but noticed this in an email WN sent me and it doesent seem fair.
Apr 12, 2012, 7:36 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: AS MVPG, Hyatt Discoverist, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,399
Every airline decides on its own elite benefits. If you open up the fast lane to more folks, it will no longer be a fast lane. I think that it is fair, but then I'm a MVPG.
There are many times when there is no advantage to using a special lane. I find the special security access to be one of my least valuable benefits. Some airports I fly to don't even have a special lane.
There are many times when there is no advantage to using a special lane. I find the special security access to be one of my least valuable benefits. Some airports I fly to don't even have a special lane.
Last edited by Jeeves; Apr 12, 2012 at 8:28 am
Apr 12, 2012, 8:51 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: PAE
Programs: AS MVP Gold 75k / AS Boardroom
Posts: 168
The number of MVP's in SEA and PDX would basically mean almost every one would qualify for the fast security. Ever watch a pre-board when they call golds? Some flights are downright crazy.
Also AS <> Southwest - thankfully. Southwest is mostly family and casual travelers that typically don't fly nearly as often. Thus the benefit is extended to their few customers that do fly once in a while - albeit at a lower volume than AS.
Also AS <> Southwest - thankfully. Southwest is mostly family and casual travelers that typically don't fly nearly as often. Thus the benefit is extended to their few customers that do fly once in a while - albeit at a lower volume than AS.
Apr 12, 2012, 9:06 am
#6
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: PAE
Programs: AS MVP Gold 75k / AS Boardroom
Posts: 168
And you won't get turned away at the pre-board either. Also if security express line is important, I'd suggest enrolling in Global Entry. Then you don't have to worry about status - just prior felonies on your record.
Apr 12, 2012, 5:32 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: AS MVPG, CO, NW(now DL), Flying Blue
Posts: 6,554
The Gold, mvp, First, AA Elite, DL elite, Pilot, FA, GA, CSA, HMS Host, airport employee, Folks with strollers/toddlers...(did I miss anybody?) line.... is often more of a mess than the regular line
Apr 12, 2012, 5:46 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: HH Silver
Posts: 2,401
Apr 13, 2012, 12:32 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Portland, OR
Programs: Alaska Gold 100k
Posts: 959
OK folks, I get the point :-). All of you make good points and made me realize "what the heck was I asking for" :-)
I will say, I am a Gold and have been for many years and I find the knowledge that at PDX at least always knowing I can blow through security in 2-10 minutes is a major source of comfort when it comes to planning on what time to leave for the airport.
I will say, I am a Gold and have been for many years and I find the knowledge that at PDX at least always knowing I can blow through security in 2-10 minutes is a major source of comfort when it comes to planning on what time to leave for the airport.
Apr 13, 2012, 12:53 am
#10
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TUS/PDX
Programs: WN CP/A-List, AS MVPG75K
Posts: 5,798
Apr 13, 2012, 3:10 am
#11
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,579
Apr 13, 2012, 4:07 pm
#12
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AS MVP, PriorityPass, Global Entry
Posts: 748
Also, when they get to the processing point, the generally need special processing, so I think they figure if they're pulling employees out to get them finished, get it done ASAP.
On security lines, Delta doesn't allow their MVP equivalent (Silver) use the elite security line, but AA (their Gold) does.
If the line has TSA PreCheck, and you are eligible, then it doesn't matter, and often you end up in an even better line than non-PreCheck elites.
Apr 13, 2012, 8:23 pm
#13
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AA EXP (2.5MM), Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,859
How does Global Entry help you with express security lines? SeaTac doesn't have a little logo/note for Global Entry passengers on it's line.
Apr 13, 2012, 9:04 pm
#14
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,462
This is what I was about to ask: GE is one way to get PreCheck privileges when you are flying a carrier from an airport that has this system, although even then it is no guarantee and is distinct from the elite security lines.
Apr 13, 2012, 9:14 pm
#15
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SEA, SoCal
Programs: AS 75K, DL Plat, AA, WN, Hertz, HHonors, Marriott
Posts: 1,306
Exactly. PreCheck is a true elite line in the sense that kettles can't finagle their way into it.