Elite security line - does TSA care which program?
 

a
Let's say you are a US Chairman. If you show your Chairman card in the AA elite security line, should they (and, I've been here long enough to differentiate rights from practical realities in both directions) will they let you proceed assuming US and AA are in different terminals?

a

TSA doesn't care which line you are eligible to join, or how long it takes you to get to the checkpoint. All TSA does is carry out the screening itself. The people checking your ID are contractors working for the airlines. Thus, if you have concerns about which line you can use under which circumstances, contact your operating carrier.

In the scenario that you mentioned, I doubt that you would be allowed to enter the elite security line unless you also were an AA elite or were traveling on AA in first or business class.




In fact, under our current system, the selectee (SSSS) program is operated by the airlines as well. The airlines receive watch lists from various different agencies and make the determination (via computer) whether to "select" pax for secondary. TSA simply conducts the screening.

The TSA has replaced the contract ID checkers in some airports, I believe. There was talk of doing it everywhere, but I don't know if that's still in the works or not.

That said, some ID checkers do care which airlines' elites are in the line, particularly if we're talking about different terminals for the two airlines. However, assuming you're traveling on AA (and have no status with them) but have status with US, you could probably use that US card in conjunction with your AA BP at most airports, with only minimal argument.

At ORD last weekend, the ID checkers were simply asking pax, "Elite flier?" and not even checking BPs or cards. That led to many complete non-elites jumping into the elite line and bogging down screening. :mad:

Thanks, exerda and ESpen36.

I've seen people get through that were clearly not elite at all...

Their conversation in front of me went something like this...

"Marge, what does elite mean?"

"I'm not sure Wilbur, but this line is shorter"

"Sounds good"

The ID checkers, in my experience don't always (or don't often) even look at the boarding pass to see if status is marked anywhere. My guess is that each airline's boarding passes and elite levels are different enough that they don't bother to learn the fine points and assume if you are in line, you are supposed to be.

Or sometimes, you can have rights into the line and still be refused.

I still recall the time at IAD that I had a business class ticket on AirTran, and the screener insisted that there was no business class on AirTran, and that seat 2A was, in fact, economy.

We argued for longer than we should have, because I was incredulous that he was so insistent. I almost took out my cell to call AirTran, just because I was so amazed, it was the first time in 15+ years I'd had that problem. But I just gave up and went into the regular line, which wasn't too long.

One of the ID checkers at SAT had a real fit - and held up the entire line for 5 minutes - because a passenger was on an ATA/WN code share. The ID checker refused to believe that ATA operated from the airport at all, even as a code-share, and therefore would not allow the passenger through. The boarding pass was printed off the ATA site, and clearly identified the airport(s), the gate number, the ATA flight number, and the words "operated by Southwest Airlines". "But ATA only operates charters, and there are no charters today."

I was stuck behind this person, ID checker refused to check anyone elses ID while waiting for multiple supervisors to come review the boarding pass.

Violation of Civil Rights
 

According to my activist brother, these sorts of Elite lines are a violation of Federal and State civil rights laws. Apparently you cannot offer a service or ammenity located in a "public space" (i.e. government operated) that offers a privledge that is not offered to everyone. It is dubious to me that federal employees are involved as well.

I've used my UA 2P card at DEN and MSP without incident in the Elite line when flying NW. Will report back on success at ORD tomorrow when flying AA.

So go sue somebody.

No need Mr. Vassill
 

No need for the personal attack there buddy. I didn't say I agreed with him, only stimulating conversation.

:eek: well good luck finding someone on FT to bring a test case. you might be able to bribe him/her with lifetime miles as they risk the wrath of every FF. :D

oh and one problem with "government operated" is that most US airports are owned by some special company set up for that purpose so not technically public area. at ORD and probably other airports, there's a sign at entrances to terminals that say its trespassing if you're not boarding a flight.

Didn't mean for it to sound personal. Sorry you took it that way.

I am always take on Elite lines that I am Silver Eilte with DL. When I am fly out PHX from last 2 months ago when I am gotten in lines when I am go through checkpoint. I show TSA with BP & ID, too. I am always special lines when I am go express lines. I can see the sign to had say Silver, Gold, Summit or Crown Room here in terminal 3 at PHX. What is reasonable that I can allowed go through Elite lines but, it is not in general lines. it is too long when I was go through employees lines. This morning it is too crowding to trying get through checkpoint mid-morning when they are fly out from PHX in north concourse with gates 15-26. Does you know anybody else why security checkpoint is always busy during peak hour. Because here in Arizona does not have operating daylight saving time.

What is trespassing does this mean? :confused: I am always go through checkpoint with PHX badge. It does not problems when I am watched the plane in the concourse while I am on the break from work. I always go down into the gate area but, I am working outside security where I am work inside the kitchen as Commissary in Dick's Clark & Sbarro.