priority screening for fed employees?
Jan 25, 2014 | 6:04 pm
#31
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 1,006
Just got off the phone with the TSA Contact Center. Phone: 1-866-289-9673 The gentleman I spoke with said there are only four ways to use Priority Screening: 1) Senator or Congressman, 2) Active duty military, 3) Enrolled in a Trusted Traveller program (NEXUS, Global Entry, etc.) or 4) Airline Frequent Flyer Program Status. And that the employee ID (PIV) card was not acceptable identification.
Federal employees cheating the system! Gotta love 'em!
Federal employees cheating the system! Gotta love 'em!
)
Jun 1, 2014 | 12:31 pm
#32
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 1
I am a Federal employee and have gotten to pass through the priority screening with my PIV card without exception in a number of different airports. However, the reactions from the TSA employees has been mixed.
Before I knew it was a (possible) option, I was actually pulled out of a long - maybe 45 minute wait - security line and shuffled into the 2-minute wait employee line by a TSA employee, who was astounded that I didn't know. Other reactions have ranged from "of course, go ahead" to "well, I don't know, you can try it" to polite indifference.
Yet I have never been turned away. I always just show them my PIV card and ask. If it works, it's a perk. If one day it doesn't, well, I always leave enough time to get through regular screening anyway.
Edited to add: I still have to go through regular screening with x-rays and metal detectors. The only thing I've ever gotten to skip is a long line.
Before I knew it was a (possible) option, I was actually pulled out of a long - maybe 45 minute wait - security line and shuffled into the 2-minute wait employee line by a TSA employee, who was astounded that I didn't know. Other reactions have ranged from "of course, go ahead" to "well, I don't know, you can try it" to polite indifference.
Yet I have never been turned away. I always just show them my PIV card and ask. If it works, it's a perk. If one day it doesn't, well, I always leave enough time to get through regular screening anyway.
Edited to add: I still have to go through regular screening with x-rays and metal detectors. The only thing I've ever gotten to skip is a long line.
Oct 9, 2014 | 11:55 am
#33
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: PDX
Programs: Alaska MVPG, UA 1P, 1 MM, Delta, , SW, HHonors
Posts: 97
90% success rate using PIV for priority access
I have been using my federal PIV card now for ~2 years when I am not flying my lifetime status carrier (United).
Until 2 days ago, I had 100% success in accessing other airline priority lines using it as my ID. At O'Hare Tuesday, the line monitor (no troll, just a very nice young woman trying to do her job) denied me access (Terminal 3). Regular line was running 20+ minutes. I just walked down two access points, tried again, and was waved through to priority line.
So whatever written policies may exist, operationally the federal PIV cards do reliably get you access to priority boarding lines, including in D.C. area. Just used it last Friday at Reagan National so appears large number of federal employees there has no effect.
Until 2 days ago, I had 100% success in accessing other airline priority lines using it as my ID. At O'Hare Tuesday, the line monitor (no troll, just a very nice young woman trying to do her job) denied me access (Terminal 3). Regular line was running 20+ minutes. I just walked down two access points, tried again, and was waved through to priority line.
So whatever written policies may exist, operationally the federal PIV cards do reliably get you access to priority boarding lines, including in D.C. area. Just used it last Friday at Reagan National so appears large number of federal employees there has no effect.