No Fast Track security @ LHR T3 for EXPs?
Nov 17, 2018, 3:58 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: QDF
Programs: AA EXP (2MM), Marriott Tit
Posts: 1,036
No Fast Track security @ LHR T3 for EXPs?
AA EXP flying LHR-DFW in W today. Denied access to Fast Track security, because my boarding pass didn't show first/business, and I didn't have an "invitation." (Wasn't even allowed to scan my boarding pass.)
Is this correct/normal?
Is this correct/normal?
Nov 17, 2018, 4:07 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: RDU
Posts: 2,263
That said, I just checked Fast Track cards I have from both BA and AA.
AA's simply says 'as one of our most valued customers'.
BA's specifically calls out first, club world, club europe, BA exec club gold/silver, Oneworld emerald and sapphire
Nov 17, 2018, 4:38 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: QDF
Programs: AA EXP (2MM), Marriott Tit
Posts: 1,036
This recent thread shows that it's really a YMMV situation if you don't have the fast track card which the FA's hand out. Some emeralds say they have been able to use Fast Track, others say they were denied. (LHR Immigration) Fast Track as an Emerald
That said, I just checked Fast Track cards I have from both BA and AA.
AA's simply says 'as one of our most valued customers'.
BA's specifically calls out first, club world, club europe, BA exec club gold/silver, Oneworld emerald and sapphire
That said, I just checked Fast Track cards I have from both BA and AA.
AA's simply says 'as one of our most valued customers'.
BA's specifically calls out first, club world, club europe, BA exec club gold/silver, Oneworld emerald and sapphire
Nov 17, 2018, 4:50 am
#5
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: RDU
Posts: 2,263
Nov 17, 2018, 4:36 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: QDF
Programs: AA EXP (2MM), Marriott Tit
Posts: 1,036
Nov 17, 2018, 5:53 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: AA EXP, AA Million Miles, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,586
An invitation is not supposed to be required for Fast Track security. (It is required for Fast Track immigration)
What is unclear from the OW website screenshot posted above is if the policy described there covers both main security and transfer security. Or just main security.
I've only been through the new LHR T3 FCC once on a T3-T3 connection since it opened, and on that instance the non-Fast Track line was shorter than the Fast Track, so I didn't even bother trying FastTrack.
What is unclear from the OW website screenshot posted above is if the policy described there covers both main security and transfer security. Or just main security.
I've only been through the new LHR T3 FCC once on a T3-T3 connection since it opened, and on that instance the non-Fast Track line was shorter than the Fast Track, so I didn't even bother trying FastTrack.
Last edited by bse118; Nov 18, 2018 at 9:00 am Reason: Reading comprehension error on my part.
Nov 17, 2018, 10:16 pm
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,584
Nov 18, 2018, 7:16 am
#10
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 691
The OneWorld website is generally correct, however it appears that if flying BA, there are then some special rules at Heathrow which apply.
https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb...rt/heathrow-t3
Emerald and Sapphire + one guest should have access to Fast Track security at both T3 and T5, which is consistent with the signage at the entrance to Fast Track. I am not sure that this applies to any other airline than BA.
https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb...rt/heathrow-t3
Emerald and Sapphire + one guest should have access to Fast Track security at both T3 and T5, which is consistent with the signage at the entrance to Fast Track. I am not sure that this applies to any other airline than BA.
Nov 18, 2018, 7:38 am
#11
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: DCA | DEN
Programs: AA EXP/2.9mm | Marriott LT Titanium 1.6k nights | NEXUS
Posts: 981
If you aren’t in J just eyeball the seats on the way out. Quite a few will be EU, don’t need the invitation and just leave them behind.
Pick one up and you are good to go. They are no longer hi-viz red. Rather, it just a glossy printout with the logo about 5x5"
Pick one up and you are good to go. They are no longer hi-viz red. Rather, it just a glossy printout with the logo about 5x5"
Nov 18, 2018, 8:59 am
#12
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: AA EXP, AA Million Miles, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,586
Again: the invitations are for fast track immigration. The OP's question was about fast track security. Two different things. No invitation card is supposed to be required for fast track security.
Nov 18, 2018, 10:44 am
#14
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
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Connecting T5 to T3 (flying to JFK) even when flying in coach as an EXP I was allowed to use Fast Track security.
One time a FA gave me a FT card(for immigration) which was not looked at, my EMERALD/EXP status was needed--they have a scanner for bps that lets you into the FT area.
One time a FA gave me a FT card(for immigration) which was not looked at, my EMERALD/EXP status was needed--they have a scanner for bps that lets you into the FT area.
Nov 18, 2018, 12:35 pm
#15
Join Date: May 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, LT Gold
Posts: 3,148
T3 FT Immigration (Arrivals) almost always needs a printed invite card, which are distributed by BA and AA before landing. You can argue with the agent, show them your EXP card or even J boarding pass all day, and they won't usually budge.
As noted above, FT Security is different. I've never been denied, and I never bring the printed invite. Though I did have to pull up my EXP card in my Apple Wallet last month and then explain to the agent that Emerald = BA Gold.
As noted above, FT Security is different. I've never been denied, and I never bring the printed invite. Though I did have to pull up my EXP card in my Apple Wallet last month and then explain to the agent that Emerald = BA Gold.