GS Reception & Security Lanes experiences at EWR
Oct 6, 2015, 9:47 am
#91
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: NJ,US
Programs: Lifetime United Gold and 1K, Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Marriott and SPG Platinum , AA, Hilton
Posts: 379
TSA PRE and Global Services at EWR
Who is in charge of the lines at the TSA security checkpoints? How does United get away with having a door that opens directly at the front of the line for Global Services people? Yesterday at least 15 came out and got at the front of the line while I was waiting. I bought TSA Pre to get ahead of the average traveler. I didn't know it was also a caste based system that offered priority based upon the amount of money that you gave United.
Is this legal or is it possible for the airlines to do what they want with a service that I PAID for?
Is this legal or is it possible for the airlines to do what they want with a service that I PAID for?
Oct 6, 2015, 9:53 am
#92
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: NYC
Programs: UA GS, SPG Plat, National EC Executive (Replaced Hertz), Hertz PC (Retired)
Posts: 724
So what you're saying is.
You bought a service to butt in front of people because you wanted more priority due to the money you were willing to spend. That's OK.
Other people spent more than you (usually getting Pre/GE + GS) and get in front of you (usually interleaved, 1 person from the GS line to 1 person from the regular Pre line). That's not OK.
To answer your question: the airlines fund the TSA, not the taxpayer - they pay for the operation of the checkpoint and determine the hours and such (based on what they pay).
You bought a service to butt in front of people because you wanted more priority due to the money you were willing to spend. That's OK.
Other people spent more than you (usually getting Pre/GE + GS) and get in front of you (usually interleaved, 1 person from the GS line to 1 person from the regular Pre line). That's not OK.
To answer your question: the airlines fund the TSA, not the taxpayer - they pay for the operation of the checkpoint and determine the hours and such (based on what they pay).
Oct 6, 2015, 9:57 am
#93
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA Gold; *G; Marriott Gold; Hertz 5*
Posts: 6
I think as far as who trumps who, Global Services-level travelers easily trump those that simply pay a bit for pre-check. GS isn't what anyone would consider the average joe going through the airport.
Also, if you read the fine print when you signed up for pre-check, they don't guarantee a faster service than the regular lines, just that more often than not you should get through security somewhat quicker.
Also, if you read the fine print when you signed up for pre-check, they don't guarantee a faster service than the regular lines, just that more often than not you should get through security somewhat quicker.
Oct 6, 2015, 10:03 am
#94
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: NJ,US
Programs: Lifetime United Gold and 1K, Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Marriott and SPG Platinum , AA, Hilton
Posts: 379
It isn't quite as simple as you make it sound. There should always have been a line for frequent travelers that want to undergo a background check. We fund the airlines, if you want to look at it that way. Getting behind people that travel once every so often that have bottles of water and other problems getting thru security should be a major concern of the airlines.
Before GS, it didn't matter with CO if you were gold, plat, sliver the line was the line. All frequent travelers were created equal.
So when the TSA pre line is closed that is based upon what the airlines decide is the operating schedule?
Before GS, it didn't matter with CO if you were gold, plat, sliver the line was the line. All frequent travelers were created equal.
So when the TSA pre line is closed that is based upon what the airlines decide is the operating schedule?
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Oct 6, 2015 at 10:41 am Reason: OMNI content removed
Oct 6, 2015, 10:04 am
#95
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA*Lifetime GS, Hyatt* Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 12,324
I cannot specifically address OP's questions, but want to share my own observation as A GS:
1. In my own experience (EWR, SFO and ORD), the TSA agents are pretty fair. They don't stop checking the regular Pre check TSA passengers when there is a line of GS passengers coming through the GS doors. TSA agents typically check passengers from both lines on an alternate basis: take on from the regular line and then one from the GS line and then so forth.
2. I think the payment for Pre Check TSA benefits are "shoes on", "coat on", "computers in the bag" and "skip the body scanning machine". I don't think the "jump ahead of average passengers" is a benefit.
1. In my own experience (EWR, SFO and ORD), the TSA agents are pretty fair. They don't stop checking the regular Pre check TSA passengers when there is a line of GS passengers coming through the GS doors. TSA agents typically check passengers from both lines on an alternate basis: take on from the regular line and then one from the GS line and then so forth.
2. I think the payment for Pre Check TSA benefits are "shoes on", "coat on", "computers in the bag" and "skip the body scanning machine". I don't think the "jump ahead of average passengers" is a benefit.
Oct 6, 2015, 10:22 am
#96
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,916
Who is in charge of the lines at the TSA security checkpoints? How does United get away with having a door that opens directly at the front of the line for Global Services people? Yesterday at least 15 came out and got at the front of the line while I was waiting. I bought TSA Pre to get ahead of the average traveler. I didn't know it was also a caste based system that offered priority based upon the amount of money that you gave United.
Is this legal or is it possible for the airlines to do what they want with a service that I PAID for?
Is this legal or is it possible for the airlines to do what they want with a service that I PAID for?
The other day at JFK T4 as my bags were already on the F/J belt for screening two wheelchairs with about six more people showed up and were put in front of us - holding our bags on the belt. They then took what seemed like 10 + minutes to figure things and get through. I was surprised they wouldn't have just joined behind people who already had their bags on the conveyer as opposed to pushing them back. Oh well.
Oct 6, 2015, 10:33 am
#97
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: YYC
Programs: AC Basic, UA MP Gold, Marriott Gold Elite, SPG Gold, Amex Platinum
Posts: 3,008
Who is in charge of the lines at the TSA security checkpoints? How does United get away with having a door that opens directly at the front of the line for Global Services people? Yesterday at least 15 came out and got at the front of the line while I was waiting. I bought TSA Pre to get ahead of the average traveler. I didn't know it was also a caste based system that offered priority based upon the amount of money that you gave United.
Is this legal or is it possible for the airlines to do what they want with a service that I PAID for?
Is this legal or is it possible for the airlines to do what they want with a service that I PAID for?
My experience from last week, get off the Air Train and go to C2 checkpoint, no PreCheck; the line dragon tells me to go to C1 checkpoint as it is the only checkpoint with a functional precheck lane. Get to C1 checkpoint and see 25 minute line. Run to C3 checkpoint and notice the line is open and about 2 minutes in length.
So moral of the story, even the line dragons think the C3 precheck lane is only open for global services, so they send everyone to C1 precheck.
If the OP doesn't like the set up at C3, he can go to C1 with the unwashed masses.
Oct 6, 2015, 10:35 am
#98
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: United GS+
Posts: 1,889
So what you're saying is.
You bought a service to butt in front of people because you wanted more priority due to the money you were willing to spend. That's OK.
Other people spent more than you (usually getting Pre/GE + GS) and get in front of you (usually interleaved, 1 person from the GS line to 1 person from the regular Pre line). That's not OK.
To answer your question: the airlines fund the TSA, not the taxpayer - they pay for the operation of the checkpoint and determine the hours and such (based on what they pay).
You bought a service to butt in front of people because you wanted more priority due to the money you were willing to spend. That's OK.
Other people spent more than you (usually getting Pre/GE + GS) and get in front of you (usually interleaved, 1 person from the GS line to 1 person from the regular Pre line). That's not OK.
To answer your question: the airlines fund the TSA, not the taxpayer - they pay for the operation of the checkpoint and determine the hours and such (based on what they pay).
Oct 6, 2015, 10:36 am
#99
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: if it's Thursday, this must be Belgium
Programs: UA 1K MM
Posts: 6,484
It isn't quite as simple as you make it sound. There should always have been a line for frequent travelers that want to undergo a background check. We fund the airlines, if you want to look at it that way. Getting behind people that travel once every so often that have bottles of water and other problems getting thru security should be a major concern of the airlines.
Before GS, it didn't matter with CO if you were gold, plat, sliver the line was the line. All frequent travelers were created equal.
...
Before GS, it didn't matter with CO if you were gold, plat, sliver the line was the line. All frequent travelers were created equal.
...
I suggest that GS probably travel even more than you do, and are more expert at getting through security. By this logic, shouldn't they get to go first?
Why are you decrying the system of preferential treatment that you yourself have bought into, now that you find that it works even more extensively than you expected?
This is what leads airlines to create completely separate doors for their top fliers -- when the second-to-top tier complain about being able to see the perks they are just out of reach of...
Oct 6, 2015, 10:37 am
#100
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: United GS+
Posts: 1,889
I cannot specifically address OP's questions, but want to share my own observation as A GS:
1. In my own experience (EWR, SFO and ORD), the TSA agents are pretty fair. They don't stop checking the regular Pre check TSA passengers when there is a line of GS passengers coming through the GS doors. TSA agents typically check passengers from both lines on an alternate basis: take on from the regular line and then one from the GS line and then so forth.
2. I think the payment for Pre Check TSA benefits are "shoes on", "coat on", "computers in the bag" and "skip the body scanning machine". I don't think the "jump ahead of average passengers" is a benefit.
1. In my own experience (EWR, SFO and ORD), the TSA agents are pretty fair. They don't stop checking the regular Pre check TSA passengers when there is a line of GS passengers coming through the GS doors. TSA agents typically check passengers from both lines on an alternate basis: take on from the regular line and then one from the GS line and then so forth.
2. I think the payment for Pre Check TSA benefits are "shoes on", "coat on", "computers in the bag" and "skip the body scanning machine". I don't think the "jump ahead of average passengers" is a benefit.
ORD went from the best GS check in to an awful one.
Oct 6, 2015, 11:09 am
#101
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: San Francisco/Tel Aviv/YYZ
Programs: CO 1K-MM
Posts: 10,762
It isn't quite as simple as you make it sound. There should always have been a line for frequent travelers that want to undergo a background check. We fund the airlines, if you want to look at it that way. Getting behind people that travel once every so often that have bottles of water and other problems getting thru security should be a major concern of the airlines.
Before GS, it didn't matter with CO if you were gold, plat, sliver the line was the line. All frequent travelers were created equal.
So when the TSA pre line is closed that is based upon what the airlines decide is the operating schedule?
Before GS, it didn't matter with CO if you were gold, plat, sliver the line was the line. All frequent travelers were created equal.
So when the TSA pre line is closed that is based upon what the airlines decide is the operating schedule?
United used to have a separate line for 1Ks and a secret entrance for GS, but all were subject to the dog and pony show (TSA).
PRE is a totally separate process, and for a while they were allowing people like my mom (clueless, no status, I love my mom) in PRE. I'm not really worried about a couple of GSes cutting in line.
Oct 6, 2015, 11:55 am
#102
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,692
Furthermore, they scan GS BPs just like everyone else, and if no precheck they get the full meal deal security check. Kinda hafta figure that most anyone who is a legit GS (i.e. not received from their company) would have Global Entry anyway...
$85 over 5 years for Precheck, puh-leez...
$85 over 5 years for Precheck, puh-leez...
Oct 13, 2015, 7:45 am
#103
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: TPA
Programs: UA Global Services 3MM, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 2,927
The moral of the story is that no matter what, people will not be happy. I understand the position of the OP, who believes that a part of having preCheck might be an expedited (as opposed to just improved) experience at screening. There are also some GS folks (not me) who feel a different for of entitlement at all time points of the travel continuum. The reality is that we are still all at the mercy of the system, and when it works well (alternating one from GS line, one from preCheck line, and so on) most people are ok. But some will still not be happy. We all have our hot buttons.
Bottom line: if you have to or want to travel, there will be times that you will not be happy. Try to deal with the things that are in your control and try not to stress out over the things that are out of your control.
Bottom line: if you have to or want to travel, there will be times that you will not be happy. Try to deal with the things that are in your control and try not to stress out over the things that are out of your control.
Oct 13, 2015, 8:08 am
#104
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: UA/CO GS, PP, MM
Posts: 360
The moral of the story is that no matter what, people will not be happy. I understand the position of the OP, who believes that a part of having preCheck might be an expedited (as opposed to just improved) experience at screening. There are also some GS folks (not me) who feel a different for of entitlement at all time points of the travel continuum. The reality is that we are still all at the mercy of the system, and when it works well (alternating one from GS line, one from preCheck line, and so on) most people are ok. But some will still not be happy. We all have our hot buttons.
Bottom line: if you have to or want to travel, there will be times that you will not be happy. Try to deal with the things that are in your control and try not to stress out over the things that are out of your control.
Bottom line: if you have to or want to travel, there will be times that you will not be happy. Try to deal with the things that are in your control and try not to stress out over the things that are out of your control.
Oct 13, 2015, 1:32 pm
#105
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: SEA, WAS, PEK
Programs: UA 3K UGS 3MM
Posts: 2,176
The airlines collect the TSA screening fee from passengers, yes, but ultimately it is us that pays for the TSA - not the airlines.