techie

Can you use a different terminal to enter at JFK and then connect airside? If not, and Fast Track is really that bad then you should make your feelings known to BA, TSA and airport authorities. It may not be a lot of good on its own, but if people don't complain...

KARFA

No, and fast track at T8 really is that bad. I doubt BA would care since BA operate exclusively from T7. T8 is predominately AA.

Often1

There is tremendous confusion, perhaps generated by too many snappy acronyms.

1. "Fast Track" and other terms used by air carriers are simply air carrier premium lines which offer faster access to standard security lines. That is all. It is only expedited because there are fewer people in the line to reach the TSA podium. But, the expedited processing is not available.

2. "Global Entry" is CBP's expedited processing for inbound passengers to the US. It is not directly related to outbound security processing. If you are at a Pre-Clearance station, it may have Global Entry (most now do).

3. "Pre-Check" is TSA's expedited security feature. It is available as part of GE or separately. As of 2/1, TSA has advised that it has been terminated for those who have not paid for it through one of the Trusted Traveler programs (which could include joint Canadian programs). Pre-Check means not removing shoes or jackets, laptops or small liquids and not using MMW technology. On average, Pre-Check processes passengers at 7-8x the speed of the standard lines, whether "fast track" or not. It is not a perk which a carrier may provide to its favored passengers.

The growth of Pre-Check has led to the slow demise of Fast Track lanes. Put simply, most US-based frequent fliers have figured out that it is the reduced security and speed of processing which makes it worth it. Thus, it is off to Pre-Check and not Fast Track for them.

T8191

Thanks for that exposition, Often1 ... now I have to consider whether we go for GE

The older we get, the less we want to stand in line for ages.

EuropeanPete

I'd say a single visit to JFK T7 landing after one of the CX flights, or a single trip to LAX customs is justification enough for GE. It also makes MIA connections possible in case you're looking at any non-BA Caribbean or Mexican destinations.

T8191

it tends to be the 'creative routing' sectors within the US (having departed from DUB) that leads my thinking. With friends in both PHX and ANC, and the everlasting temptations of Hawaii, this tends to lead us to DUB-CLT/PHL-LAX etc. We would energeticallly avoid anything to do with JFK, but I take your point on that. Never had a problem at LAX, I must admit, but perhaps we've been lucky!

I might make an appointment at PHX when we're there fir a couple of weeks in Mar/Apr, if I can find the parking lot in the maze of that airport!! It will, equally, be interesting to see what we get on our BPs for PHL-PHX when they're printed at DUB.

Blueboys999

A solution might be on the horizon

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/screening...s-75-and-older

Often1

There should be no impediment to using an electronic BP for domestic segments once you have entered the US. But, in any event, if for some reason a paper BP issued outside the US does not contain the Pre-Check logo, try reprinting it after you are through CBP on arrival in the US (or after domestic arrival if on a Pre-Clearance flight). Most carriers, and AA in particular, have kiosks scattered around which will operate based on your PNR (make certain to use your AA PNR), ticket #, or CC matching ticketed name.

T8191

Close, but not close enough. Why is a 72-yo more dangerous?

Interesting ... I don't do the electronic fandango, but a re-print is an interesting idea. Thanks for that.

Markie

I usually find that you can get an electronic boarding pass too, with the Pre logo on, before leaving the UK. Sometimes, if you cannot log in on the AA app, you can download the boarding pass after check-in at the airport.

T8191

I assume I have to wave my iPad, then? OK, I'll give that a try!

dylanks

The CBP office is near the baggage claim area in T4. Short term parking is on either end of T4, with the turnoff at the start of the departures level on either side. There are a pair of cylindrical structures on either end of the building which are the ramps to/from the parking levels. Feel free to message me if you have any questions, it's pretty straightforward, and definitely an easy location for an interview. Also, even if you cannot get an appointment, just make one for the future and then try to drop in while you're there.

T8191

Thanks, dylanks ... and I hope we can meet for a beer or two (but no more!) while we're in AZ

chp

I know someone who has just got TSAPre on their boarding pass for DUB-PHL. As, has been said, there is no TSAPre in Dublin is this essentially useless?

NWIFlyer

Yes, totally and utterly useless! It's a pretty unhelpful feature of AA's version of Sabre, and it appears whatever your departure airport and on pre-print, electronic, and airport printed BPs.