No more preferred line at TPA
Jul 23, 2014, 1:08 pm
#16
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Rochester, NY
Programs: AirTran A+ Elite, Marriott Rewards Plat, Rapid Rewards A List, National Exec, USAir Div Mil
Posts: 323
I fly out of TPA about once a month, so my experience may not be typical, but it was the worst Fly-By lane I've been involved with. The "bouncer" is usually not standing right there and makes a fuss when I attempt to unlatch the theater rope, or they're allowing passengers who need additional time in through that line. Most times I wouldn't have been much worse off boarding with everyone else.
Jul 23, 2014, 5:07 pm
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: BWI
Programs: Marriott LTT, WN A, Hertz PC
Posts: 575
I fly out of TPA about once a month, so my experience may not be typical, but it was the worst Fly-By lane I've been involved with. The "bouncer" is usually not standing right there and makes a fuss when I attempt to unlatch the theater rope, or they're allowing passengers who need additional time in through that line. Most times I wouldn't have been much worse off boarding with everyone else.
Jul 29, 2014, 8:25 am
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: BWI
Programs: Marriott LTT, WN A, Hertz PC
Posts: 575
Update: I got a reply from Southwest. It was long but they didn't really say much. Looks like Pre-check is the way to go.
Dear Marko123,
Thank you for your e-mail. We're sorry that you recently encountered a problem with Southwest. Your concerns are important to us, and we appreciate the opportunity to respond.
We want our Customers’ experiences, especially our Tier Members, to be positive and hassle-free. The PreCheck program is something that many of our Customers were eager for us to participate in, and we are excited to make PreCheck a reality for those Customers.
The intent of the Fly By Priority Security Lane is to offer an expedited checkin experience and added convenience for A-List Rapid Rewards Members and for Customers purchasing our Business Select Fare. We are sorry that you have recently been frustrated with our Fly By Priority Security Lane in Tampa, and if the new TSA PreCheck made your usual trip through security a bit longer than anticipated. If we make any changes to which airports have Fly By Lanes, it will reflect on southwest.com.
It is important to note that TSA, not Southwest Airlines, is in charge the regulation and organization of all security lines at an airport, and can make the decision to utilize the lane as a standard security checkpoint. Please know we are actively working with TSA and local airport authorities at locations where there are space constraints to ensure that our Tier Members have the best possible experience.
Also, the TSA established the criteria on who would be invited to participate in the PreCheck program. Therefore, we are unable to invite additional Members to opt in, as the TSA ultimately decides who is eligible to be invited. Travelers may apply independently with the TSA via a fee-based application process. Visit the TSA’s web site to find out more about PreCheck.
Rest assured that we are continually evaluating our Rapid Rewards Program so that we can keep our loyal Customers enticed with benefits that are of true value to their travel experience. We have made note of your feedback regarding the Fly By Lane, and we hope to see you onboard again soon and for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Laura Sorensen, Southwest Airlines
Dear Marko123,
Thank you for your e-mail. We're sorry that you recently encountered a problem with Southwest. Your concerns are important to us, and we appreciate the opportunity to respond.
We want our Customers’ experiences, especially our Tier Members, to be positive and hassle-free. The PreCheck program is something that many of our Customers were eager for us to participate in, and we are excited to make PreCheck a reality for those Customers.
The intent of the Fly By Priority Security Lane is to offer an expedited checkin experience and added convenience for A-List Rapid Rewards Members and for Customers purchasing our Business Select Fare. We are sorry that you have recently been frustrated with our Fly By Priority Security Lane in Tampa, and if the new TSA PreCheck made your usual trip through security a bit longer than anticipated. If we make any changes to which airports have Fly By Lanes, it will reflect on southwest.com.
It is important to note that TSA, not Southwest Airlines, is in charge the regulation and organization of all security lines at an airport, and can make the decision to utilize the lane as a standard security checkpoint. Please know we are actively working with TSA and local airport authorities at locations where there are space constraints to ensure that our Tier Members have the best possible experience.
Also, the TSA established the criteria on who would be invited to participate in the PreCheck program. Therefore, we are unable to invite additional Members to opt in, as the TSA ultimately decides who is eligible to be invited. Travelers may apply independently with the TSA via a fee-based application process. Visit the TSA’s web site to find out more about PreCheck.
Rest assured that we are continually evaluating our Rapid Rewards Program so that we can keep our loyal Customers enticed with benefits that are of true value to their travel experience. We have made note of your feedback regarding the Fly By Lane, and we hope to see you onboard again soon and for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Laura Sorensen, Southwest Airlines
It was not there last week though.
Jul 29, 2014, 5:42 pm
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: BWI
Programs: Marriott LTT, WN A, Hertz PC
Posts: 575