EWR Security line/PreCheck/Premier Access locations/wait times/issues [CONSOLIDATED]
Feb 27, 2016, 9:00 pm
#107
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Have you been through MSP in the last two weeks or so? The lines stretch the length of the terminal, blocking access and even preventing passengers from seeing the signs for the elite and PreCheck lines, which sometimes have been reported to be almost as bad as the regular lines. The mess have been consistency reported in the local news, with the airport now telling everyone to arrive at least two hours early for ordinary domestic flights. There's no end in sight!
Feb 28, 2016, 2:12 pm
#111
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And here is what I received from United after specifically asking if they could twist an arm or two at EWR:
Security can be a doozy to get through. We agree, GuyverII! Security is operated by TSA and they are a separate entity.
Security can be a doozy to get through. We agree, GuyverII! Security is operated by TSA and they are a separate entity.
Feb 28, 2016, 2:15 pm
#112
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Be more specific. The problem is ServAir restricting C2 to wheelchairs. That is something UA can influence.
Feb 28, 2016, 2:52 pm
#113
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Feb 28, 2016, 3:15 pm
#114
Join Date: Apr 2015
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Feb 28, 2016, 5:42 pm
#115
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 514
I understand it is due to TSA staffing issues, but this problem has been going on for months. The Precheck line typically extends down into the midlevel and there is just a mass of humanity there with people walking around without a clue as to where to go.
It's really, really bad. United's blue-jacketed contractors in that area (Airway, I believe) are rude and have no information to assist customers. They are not TSA staff.
The TSA staffing problems (your tax dollars and 9/11 fees hard at work!!) resulting in closed checkpoints at peak travel times are beyond United's control, but United needs to do a better job informing customers and their contractors about this now-routine charlie foxtrot.
In the meantime I strongly recommend adding an extra 20-30 minutes to your usual practice to clear security in Terminal C at peak hours.
It's really, really bad. United's blue-jacketed contractors in that area (Airway, I believe) are rude and have no information to assist customers. They are not TSA staff.
The TSA staffing problems (your tax dollars and 9/11 fees hard at work!!) resulting in closed checkpoints at peak travel times are beyond United's control, but United needs to do a better job informing customers and their contractors about this now-routine charlie foxtrot.
In the meantime I strongly recommend adding an extra 20-30 minutes to your usual practice to clear security in Terminal C at peak hours.
I flew out of EWR on Thursday and had not seen such madness in my many years of frequent flying. I had Premier Access and TSA Pre and opted to just go for the Economy line, as it was the quickest (still about 40 min). They shut down C2 and it should be noted that C3 literally had one lane open for ALL of the UA Economy passengers. TSA needs to get their act together. And those blue coats – never in my life have I seen so many passengers get into verbal shouting matches with airport employees. The blue coats are clueless and people are noticing.
Last edited by l etoile; Feb 28, 2016 at 6:36 pm
Mar 1, 2016, 2:55 pm
#116
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United management could take this up with the TSA and Port Authority, but given the length of time this problem has been out there without improvement, it appears they have not. Airport operators and airlines like to tell the public they have no control over the TSA, but in truth they have options, some nice and some not so nice, to exert pressure on the FSD responsible for their airport.
It would be nice to get a message here from United Insider acknowledging the problem and at least telling us they are trying to do something about it, or they are not.
It would be nice to get a message here from United Insider acknowledging the problem and at least telling us they are trying to do something about it, or they are not.
Mar 1, 2016, 3:16 pm
#117
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United management could take this up with the TSA and Port Authority, but given the length of time this problem has been out there without improvement, it appears they have not.
It would be nice to get a message here from United Insider acknowledging the problem and at least telling us they are trying to do something about it, or they are not.
It would be nice to get a message here from United Insider acknowledging the problem and at least telling us they are trying to do something about it, or they are not.
I guess a side benefit could be that fewer people miss their flights, which makes UA RM's job easier, but as it stands they probably have optimized RM management for this situation and it doesn't matter to them on the bottom line.
Mar 1, 2016, 3:31 pm
#118
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I think you have answered your own question. UA doesn't have any reason to do anything about this, other than to enhance the passenger experience, and we all know how seriously those initiatives are taken I guess a side benefit could be that fewer people miss their flights, which makes UA RM's job easier, but as it stands they probably have optimized RM management for this situation and it doesn't matter to them on the bottom line.
I guess a side benefit could be that fewer people miss their flights, which makes UA RM's job easier, but as it stands they probably have optimized RM management for this situation and it doesn't matter to them on the bottom line.
Mar 1, 2016, 3:56 pm
#119
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Anyone equating this apparent nightmare at EWR to Pre at DEN (which a couple of posts have) is flat wrong. Monday morning I arrived with maybe 40 people in the Pre line (south checkpoint) and noted that there were three TSA agents checking IDs!! I was through in under 5 minutes.
Mar 1, 2016, 6:26 pm
#120
Join Date: Feb 2013
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I normally do push past them when they restrict the upper levels...they usually yell and stalk you for a bit then go away
But going into a 'closed' off line is a bit iffy for me. What's stopping anyone from entering the premier line in that case? I'm sure the TSA wouldn't care, but who knows
But going into a 'closed' off line is a bit iffy for me. What's stopping anyone from entering the premier line in that case? I'm sure the TSA wouldn't care, but who knows
TSA really doesn't control who can go through which line so the earlier poster is correct TSA didn't close of C2, the airport decided so. Now from what I remember from the United Behind the Scene tour, a major portion of Terminal C is actually run by United so those guys may be hired by United, I'm not sure. I think maybe some pressure needs to be put at United to re-open C2 for everyone. Even if it wasn't their decision, they can put the pressure in the airport.