My primary concerns are economic. This decision could easily cripple my hometown airlines, Alaska and Horizon, which rely heavily on their commuter routes. If we lose the express lines, we will soon lose most of the 100 or so flights a day that operate between SEA/PDX.

Those of you who share this concern please call the FAA Security Hotline at 866-289-9673 and voice your opinion and encourage all your friends to do so as well.

The real issue here is not about the "elite" status, but instead about the business of keeping the airlines in business and making it as easy as possible for the frequent business flyer to stay in the air.

p.s. I know that I have posted this number several places, and will continue to do so. This issue is crucial to all of us--even the infrequent flyer will suffer if the airlines suffer even more.

Randy, this decision will kill the shuttle business. Why would I want to wait on 2 hour lines when I can drive to my destination in the comfort of my car for far less money? The shuttle flights are a major source of revenue for the airlines. This decision will be a major setback financially for the airlines that are still trying to get back to normal operations.

Why? Because hopefully this change is something for the better. The system needs to be fixed. Not just for greedy FF who think they deserve quicker security then those who may be paying even more then them for the flight.

How about fixing the entire system and treat everyone fairly until they fall into the graces of travel after security? How about INSPASS cards or Retna scan lines.

I am a DL PM on DL & CO, what happens when I fly US? We should all wait in the same line and the long should not be long. Fix the problem. Let our top leaders go through a quick line and we all suffer. All for one or none at all when it comes to distributing my secuirty fee.

If you think the elite lines should be shut down becuase it does not treat everyone the same, then you should also agree that the INPASS system should be shut down for the same reasons.

I too don't favor separate lines for elites.

Incidentally some of the some worst lines I've faced were in Europe. And while there were separate lines for coach and business/first, there were no separate lines for elites (in Amsterdam security check at gate for connecting flight) - and all of that delay was for asking the standard predictable set of questions which terrorists can easily bypass.

The system must be fixed and the delays must be addressed, but separate lines is not the solution.

Why? If INSPASS is open to everyone and allowed for intra US travel, it would not discriminate against anyone.

Well, I did call the number provided to express my opinion on the matter. However, I told the friendly woman at the TSA that I was in favor of the decision, hoping that they would instead fix the problem of excessively long lines.

Am I the only one who finds it highly ironic that some of the most active members of FT, a board that exists in large part to maximize FF elite benefits while minimizing the cost of the status, are now raising the familiar "we provide the most revenue to the airlines so we should be allowed to skip the line."

If lines stay at 2 hours (or even 1 hour) in some airports, then few people will want to fly period, and commuter flights will be only one of many casualties. It is both ridiculous (and in many cases pointless) to have the lines now present at many US airports. However, advocating special lines for a few while leaving the "proletariat" to wait for 2 hours is not, imo, the solution. Presumably, hiring and staffing levels need to be adjusted so that such lines are a thing of the past. (Same goes for Y check-in lines at the airline counters, fwiw).

If one is going to use the "I pay the mostest so I should wait the leastest" argument, then I would propose that such lines be created for passengers flying on full fare F/C and some expensive Y fares. Prices for these tickets can include additional security fees for that purpose. Those paying bottom basement economy fares, using miles/elite status/etc... to upgrade should wait in the regular line, since the economic contribution test is not met.

PS: According to the woman I spoke to at the TSA, I was the first person to express support for the new rule. So flame away folks.

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Got to 1000 posts, one meaningless post at a time.

I sincerely hope, SMeisser that we are sophisticated, and intelligent enough that can disagree, even strongly disagree from time to time, without ever sinking to the depth where we would resort to such undignified behavior as insulting or flaming one another. I, as a matter of fact, disagree with Hunki and my beloved older brother Rudi all the time and that in no way whatsoever distracts from my love or admiration for either of them.

In this instance, my concerns are far more economic than status based. While I wholeheartedly agree that security lines should be shortened for all passengers, I also know that, my decision to make a day trip say for instance to SFO, is totally dependent on how efficiently I can use my time. The possiblity of a long wait on either end or both ends, will push the decision into the negative.

This is not good for the airline, and in the end, not even good for the infrequent flyer. Hate to sound like a capitalist here, but money does help love make the world go round.

[This message has been edited by Punki (edited 02-21-2002).]

Well, it's different in two ways -

First, all of the highway tollbooth devices I'm familar with cost next to nothing - for $25 you can get an EZPass tag with a $25 balance on it (no charge for the device). You can't argue that that is anywhere near the same as flying a mimimum of 25,000 miles; especially since there's no way of making that free.

Second, the toll tags speed up the process of collecting the toll. In my experience, elites have been no better at preparing to go through the metal detector and have their bags x-rayed than non-elites. They all just show up at the magnetometer with an "Oh, I have to go through this security thing?" look and then start emptying pockets, taking jackets off, etc. Furthermore, elites travel with as much carry-on luggage as is possible. The true equivalent of the toll tag system would be a line for people with no carry-ons.


I'm flying US on Saturday because AA doesn't fly the route I need. I'm glad there won't be an elite line over there, because I don't have any status on US (though I do on AA).

I'd prefer that we all get through in 10 minutes or less, when the alternative is US elites getting through in a few minutes and me and everyone else without status wasting 2 hours.

I also like the ability to choose my airline based on price, service, and routes. I don't want the government to tie my hands by offering elite only lines, so that I feel like I can only fly AA, or suffer the 2 hour security line on other airlines.

d

What Punki said.

Airlines' priority boarding areas to close
First-class fliers must get in line
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...21/MN23338.DTL

INPASS is not open to everyone and is not used on domestic flights. It is only used at US ports of entry and only people who fly on business 3 or more times a year are allowed to apply.

Yes, but it could easily be made into a nationwide system. We are not going to solve the problem by creating two lines, we need a major refocus on solutions. Two lines with one based on FF status is the Lural & Hardy solution.

INPASS requires you to have a valid passport. Only around 10% of the population has a valid passport. I doubt the passport office is up to speed to handle the increassed number of applications. The other problem is it takes time even with INPASS to verify who you are--and then you will need to have your bags checked. The whole process would just take more time. If they want to let people through with "smart" cards without checking their carry-on, they are only asking for more trouble.

Why not just do away with security lines and let people bring on board whatever they want. Think of the time savings. Not knowing if your fellow passenger is carrying a firearm would keep most people in line.

The average US citizen flies less than 3 times per year on average. This average citizen also normally shows up at the airport 2-3 hours before the flight ANYWAY. Net loss assuming an hours wait = 3 hrs

FF who flies 100 flights a year??? 100 HOURS. THAT IS OVER FOUR DAYS OF YOUR LIFE!!!!!!!! LOST TO IDIOCY!!!!!!!

And yes, If one pays more money one should get better service including less wait time at security. This is not socialism. The capitalist world is not equal, you pay the money, you get the service. THIS IS the principal that exists in Europe with Fast Track lines.

Aren't we all paying the same $2.50 fee? Assuming we are, which is the case, you're saying we should all get the same treatment, right?

Am I the only one who sees that the only long term solution here is to get everyone through security quickly? The gov't is never going to set up an elite line at every terminal in every airport. If we just concentrate on "elite" lines, there are always going to be airports that don't have them but have long lines. And, unless you have elite status on every airline, or don't fly frequently, there's always going to be a case where you can't fly your preferred airline and will get stuck in long lines.

Not to mention that eventually everyone, frequent or not, will get fed up with the security lines. Airlines make a lot of money off people who fly 20,000 miles a year, losing their business isn't going to help their shaky financial conditions.

Support short lines for everyone. It won't give you that ego boost of zipping in front of everyone else like a "celebrity" but it's best for you and everyone else.

d