Big Pushback From TSA when using the priority Lane At IAH
#16
Original Poster



Join Date: Jun 2017
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They mentioned that but they have the pre check machine on the American Spirit side and let me keep my shoes on after showing my boarding pass
#18
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Numerous tiny airports like LAN and ITH also list "Priority benefits". I wouldn't assume that distinction always includes a priority security lane for AA Elites.
#19


Join Date: Nov 2015
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There is a priority lane at MIA. Has been there every time ive flown thru the pandemic, granted we dont use it but its there.
#20




Join Date: Aug 2010
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I'm a very frequent traveler at IAH and actually consider the priority lane at A to be gone since 2020. It used to be marked and clearly set apart. Since 2020, while the space is still there, its clearly not intended for use as the signage is gone and there are usually stanchions and ropes blocking access. I haven't tried to use it because of this. Had been patiently waiting in line with everyone else lately, but I just got a Clear membership through my UA 1K status so it's now a non issue for me.
#21




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#22
Original Poster



Join Date: Jun 2017
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Posts: 774
I'm a very frequent traveler at IAH and actually consider the priority lane at A to be gone since 2020. It used to be marked and clearly set apart. Since 2020, while the space is still there, its clearly not intended for use as the signage is gone and there are usually stanchions and ropes blocking access. I haven't tried to use it because of this. Had been patiently waiting in line with everyone else lately, but I just got a Clear membership through my UA 1K status so it's now a non issue for me.
#23
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#24


Join Date: Feb 2002
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I've definitely seen them recently at LGA, JFK, and MIA. I have pre-check but my complaion doesn't. Interestingly AA doesn't grant Pre-check to companions on the same PNR, so had to send her through the priority lanes while I went to pre-check to avoid shoes/laptop hassles. (UA does grant pre-check to same PNR companions, don't know if it's for elites only or for everyone).
#25
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Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Houston , TX
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Posts: 774
I should consider giving the other checkpoint in terminal A a try. According to my calculations it would be a 5 minute walk back to the American gates. Im not trying to argue with a TSA officer once in a while and make someones job more stressful.
#26
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 31,464
To be honest I don't know why you wouldn't be doing that already. I've never even remotely thought of going through the A security near AA gates that doesn't have TSA Pre. The walk is quick and offers some nice plane spotting and also usually a pianist or band playing.
#27
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Also, if you're traveling with family etc. they may not have it. When we missed our I-D connection, it was because I had 2 UK based kids with me and they didn't have Pre.
#29




Join Date: Sep 2006
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Many elites in the US or traveling frequently to the US (myself included) are ineligible for TSA-PRE or Global Entry. The closest we are get to TSA PRE is Clear (and there are still restrictions - my spouse couldnt get CLEAR until she got a SSN).
#30
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IAH manages to be a pretty uniformly ...... experience across all terminals. Terminal D, despite having 5 people in security at any given time manages to slow the process down to watching paint dry. With the traffic and E check in shut down, B and C are a total zoo.



