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Who can use elite security lines?
I have 2 questions regarding security lines in airports where the security check point covers all airlines.
If you have elite status in one airline but have a boarding pass for a discounted Y ticket, can you use your elite card to enter the elite security line? If an elite flyer travels with his/her spouse, who is not an elite flyer, can the spouse also use the elite line? |
give it a whirl. this is clearly unchartered territory. just like walking the streets of ny, if you look like you belong chances are you won't get bothered. whatdya got ta lose?
[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 02-10-2002).] |
In my experience, yes to both. My wife and I've been on cheap tickets, checked in on the 1st class line and went thru the elite security line. I'm elite, she's not.
What I haven't done is use an elite card on AA when traveling on CO to access a "universal" elite security line. Don't think it's fair, but that's me. |
I suppose it is kinda like the "Geeee I dunno" deal. I was taking a flight over Thanksgiving from ORD and waited in a line for 30 mins and went nowhere. My wife getting pi***d said, what is that short line for? I responded with, that is for First class or elite flyers. She said, well, you fly a lot. I said, well, I'm not elite anymore.
We stood in the first class line and was never questioned. Check in reduced from 2hrs to 5 mins. |
Wow, good points here. I always assumed the elite line was for the Airline that "owned" security in a given airport. DL in Atlanta, AA in DFW, USAir in CLT, etc. So, what gives? |
Each airline makes it's own rules at the airport. If it's Airline A's terminal, I wouldn't expect to get through with Airline B's card. Indeed, it's the boarding card they look at for getting through the line.
I've seen two people traveling together get through without any problems though as long as one of them qualified for the elite line. But as each terminal has their own rules, I doubt you will find any good answers that apply everywhere. |
Here's the official NW position:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Qualifying First or World Business Class customers will simply need to show their boarding pass or a receipt or printed itinerary with a ticket number or a paper ticket indicating a premium booking class. WorldPerks Platinum Elite or Gold Elite members will need to either show their boarding pass or a combination of their Platinum Elite or Gold Elite card and an e-ticket receipt with a ticket number, an itinerary including a ticket number or a paper ticket. Customers may be accompanied through the exclusive lanes by their spouse, immediate family, or up to two ticketed travel companions.</font> |
who the heck cares about specific rules? give a shot. why the heck not. throw caution directly and squarely into the wind. act like you know the rules (even if you are clueless) and waive elite cards from every possible airline, rental car company, and supermarket in the air as you pass. the worst thing that can happen is you get caught.
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"who the heck cares about specific rules?"
OK, I know I'm anal but this bothers me a little bit. Nothing to do with elite vs. non-elite; more concerned about I'll just do whatever I want regardless of what might be best for the community. |
you're right. you are anal.
if you don't know the specific rules (and you are assuming the security guard will know), why not just test it out? if you have elite status i don't think they will bust your chops. and, if they do, they will explain the relevant rules for your next visit and you will just have to go to the other line. am i way off base? when in doubt, i always error on the side that will provide me with the best service. why error on the other side? if you are wrong, the authority will explain why for next time. no harm, no foul. [This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 02-11-2002).] |
In SEA, the C concourse elite line works if you have AS mvp gold status, AA exp/plt (finally) and hx PDX shuttle tickets. I used my PLT card on Saturday to get through on my 167 dollar web special to SAN on AS.
As for spouses, my partner got through the line last month on my exp (still waiting for that card http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ) boarding pass. IMHO, they are not checking that closely. lala |
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