Who can use elite security lines?
Feb 10, 2002 | 3:24 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Table Rock Lake, MO
Posts: 223
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?
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?
Feb 10, 2002 | 3:45 pm
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: new york, ny, usa
Posts: 13,536
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).]
[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 02-10-2002).]
Feb 10, 2002 | 4:03 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI
Posts: 102
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.
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.
Feb 10, 2002 | 4:05 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicago....
Posts: 527
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.
We stood in the first class line and was never questioned.
Check in reduced from 2hrs to 5 mins.
Feb 10, 2002 | 4:18 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nashville -Past DL Plat, FO, WN-CP, various hotel programs
Programs: DL-MM, AA, SW w/companion,HiltonDiamond, Hyatt PLat, IHF Plat, Miles and Points Seeker
Posts: 11,405
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?
Feb 10, 2002 | 5:46 pm
#6
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
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.
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.
Feb 10, 2002 | 6:48 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Land of 10,000 Upgrades
Posts: 9,459
Here's the official NW position:
http://www.nwa.com/corpinfo/newsc/20...120010854.html
<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>
Feb 10, 2002 | 10:09 pm
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: new york, ny, usa
Posts: 13,536
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.
Feb 11, 2002 | 8:02 am
#9
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Waimea, HI
Programs: UAL 1K MM
Posts: 752
"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.
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.
Feb 11, 2002 | 8:26 am
#10
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: new york, ny, usa
Posts: 13,536
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).]
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).]
Feb 11, 2002 | 3:03 pm
#11
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: No one cares
Posts: 7,618
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
) boarding pass.
IMHO, they are not checking that closely.
lala
As for spouses, my partner got through the line last month on my exp (still waiting for that card
) boarding pass.IMHO, they are not checking that closely.
lala