UA & TSA to Modernize Airport Screening Experience for Customers at Hub Cities
Jul 20, 2016, 6:30 pm
#16
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,826
SFO has never seemed as bad as elsewhere, but could just be a case of familiarity (the devil you know).
What gets potentially confusing are having three different types of security lines. TSA-PRE, normal, and now a shorter line for preferred customers that still requires the same screening.
I guess if we can have 6 boarding groups...
What gets potentially confusing are having three different types of security lines. TSA-PRE, normal, and now a shorter line for preferred customers that still requires the same screening.
I guess if we can have 6 boarding groups...
Jul 20, 2016, 6:38 pm
#17
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 9,005
I will be interested to see how much this helps. The automated security lanes in Norway that I went through this summer were quite efficient. My only worry is that given how inept kettles are at efficiently getting their bags off the belt, it could lead to folks getting their stuff sent through the machines twice...
I also do wonder where this centralized checkpoint will be, and if they will apply it at all to the PreCheck/GS lines between C2 and C3. I also wonder if the construction at the C3 security checkpoint is due to this system getting implemented?...
I also do wonder where this centralized checkpoint will be, and if they will apply it at all to the PreCheck/GS lines between C2 and C3. I also wonder if the construction at the C3 security checkpoint is due to this system getting implemented?...
Jul 20, 2016, 6:41 pm
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,884
This deal seems to be between UA and TSA. Screening at SFO isn't done by TSA and is down by a private company I believe. So in that sense, makes sense SFO isn't part of this.
And although in generally only through SFO a few times per year, seems checkpoints there don't have the issues with lines that others like EWR do.
And although in generally only through SFO a few times per year, seems checkpoints there don't have the issues with lines that others like EWR do.
Jul 20, 2016, 6:43 pm
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Posts: 10,909
This deal seems to be between UA and TSA. Screening at SFO isn't done by TSA and is down by a private company I believe. So in that sense, makes sense SFO isn't part of this.
And although in generally only through SFO a few times per year, seems checkpoints there don't have the issues with lines that others like EWR do.
And although in generally only through SFO a few times per year, seems checkpoints there don't have the issues with lines that others like EWR do.
Jul 20, 2016, 6:44 pm
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,720
SFO checkin/security areas have already been redesigned a few times in the last decade, so maybe they want to give it a breather. And to be fair, the current setup is probably the best it has been in recent memory, with precheck and Clear well marked and available at most checkpoints.
+1 Horrific. The only thing worse is TBIT @LAX, but there is an easy workaround there (hint: use T4 and walk across)
Don't forget my fav, Clear! ^
SFO has never seemed as bad as elsewhere, but could just be a case of familiarity (the devil you know).
What gets potentially confusing are having three different types of security lines. TSA-PRE, normal, and now a shorter line for preferred customers that still requires the same screening.
I guess if we can have 6 boarding groups...
What gets potentially confusing are having three different types of security lines. TSA-PRE, normal, and now a shorter line for preferred customers that still requires the same screening.
I guess if we can have 6 boarding groups...
Jul 20, 2016, 7:45 pm
#21
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: 1 thousand
Posts: 2,112
I really hope they don't do this for any pre- lanes, having to use a separate bin per bag will massively slow things down (plus you have to wait for bins to arrive, pick them out, place them on the rollers, put your bag in, push it along - at the other end take your bag out, carry the bin to the end, etc).
They might be OK for normal screening, but I don't really understand how they make things any faster than the normal bins. The main difference is that suspicious bins get automatically removed after the X-ray instead of being pulled by person. The scanners also take up a lot more room than normal scanners (and plenty of airports don't seem to have much space around the scanners).
They might be OK for normal screening, but I don't really understand how they make things any faster than the normal bins. The main difference is that suspicious bins get automatically removed after the X-ray instead of being pulled by person. The scanners also take up a lot more room than normal scanners (and plenty of airports don't seem to have much space around the scanners).
Jul 20, 2016, 9:31 pm
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
I flew through several airports in Europe and several of them had automated screening lanes. While not as fast as TSA Pre, they are a lot more efficient than what we've been living with in the US.
Of course, that system requires a lot more space. So airports who can't even string three tables end to end to make it easy for people to prepare their luggage while moving towards the conveyor belt (I'm looking at you DCA) aren't going to adopt these any time soon.
Of course, that system requires a lot more space. So airports who can't even string three tables end to end to make it easy for people to prepare their luggage while moving towards the conveyor belt (I'm looking at you DCA) aren't going to adopt these any time soon.
Seemed much more efficient and effective compared to our regular, non-PreCheck approach. However space is definitely an issue - at both places the sheer amount of space security takes up is enormous.
Jul 20, 2016, 9:31 pm
#23
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,594
Haven't seen automated lanes before. Are they really faster or do they just allow TSA to open more lanes by spreading their people out more? There are always closed lanes at ORD while maybe 3 agents man each line.
I could see automated lanes causing confusion and holding up lines due to malfunction.
I'm actually pretty ok with the current precheck process so as long as things don't get slower or more cumbersome, I'm cool with any changes.
I could see automated lanes causing confusion and holding up lines due to malfunction.
I'm actually pretty ok with the current precheck process so as long as things don't get slower or more cumbersome, I'm cool with any changes.
Jul 20, 2016, 9:38 pm
#24
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PIT
Programs: OZ Diamond, UA Gold
Posts: 9,919
Haven't seen automated lanes before. Are they really faster or do they just allow TSA to open more lanes by spreading their people out more? There are always closed lanes at ORD while maybe 3 agents man each line.
I could see automated lanes causing confusion and holding up lines due to malfunction.
I'm actually pretty ok with the current precheck process so as long as things don't get slower or more cumbersome, I'm cool with any changes.
I could see automated lanes causing confusion and holding up lines due to malfunction.
I'm actually pretty ok with the current precheck process so as long as things don't get slower or more cumbersome, I'm cool with any changes.
In Europe, automated gates are just scan and go. Takes about a second compared to an agent looking, scanning, then circling everything on your BP. Automated lanes should make it a hack of a lot easier. Of course this is the TSA so they will find some way to mess it up.
This talk about a centralized security at EWR confuses me though, are they going to knock down all the walls and just make it one huge entrance? I did see what I thought was some construction at one of the lanes last week.
Jul 20, 2016, 9:42 pm
#25
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: 1 thousand
Posts: 2,112
Haven't seen automated lanes before. Are they really faster or do they just allow TSA to open more lanes by spreading their people out more? There are always closed lanes at ORD while maybe 3 agents man each line.
I could see automated lanes causing confusion and holding up lines due to malfunction.
I'm actually pretty ok with the current precheck process so as long as things don't get slower or more cumbersome, I'm cool with any changes.
I could see automated lanes causing confusion and holding up lines due to malfunction.
I'm actually pretty ok with the current precheck process so as long as things don't get slower or more cumbersome, I'm cool with any changes.
And IME they aren't any faster, except for *maybe* the fact that there's a tray return - but it really doesn't take that long to push a cart of trays from the end to the start (note: the trays still need to be lifted from the return chute to the main rollers, and at the end they need to be lifted from the rollers into the return bin which feeds the return chute - no different from having the usual stacks of trays).
Jul 20, 2016, 9:46 pm
#26
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: 1 thousand
Posts: 2,112
In Europe, automated gates are just scan and go. Takes about a second compared to an agent looking, scanning, then circling everything on your BP. Automated lanes should make it a hack of a lot easier. Of course this is the TSA so they will find some way to mess it up.
This talk about a centralized security at EWR confuses me though, are they going to knock down all the walls and just make it one huge entrance? I did see what I thought was some construction at one of the lanes last week.
This talk about a centralized security at EWR confuses me though, are they going to knock down all the walls and just make it one huge entrance? I did see what I thought was some construction at one of the lanes last week.
Jul 21, 2016, 6:30 am
#27
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Ex-MSP
Programs: UA: Plat, Marriott: Annual Ambassador, Lifetime Grandfather
Posts: 293
Don't get me wrong, it's a damn sight better than going through Kettle-security...But it's not always quite so breezy.
FWIW, I'm not optimistic that the changes they're planning to make to ORD will be good. I fear it's going to be another "change you'll like"...
-mvitale
Jul 21, 2016, 6:46 am
#28
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: CMH
Programs: UA 1K, 1MM, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 745
Anyone know *when* in the Fall?
I am returning from Europe in Oct with an onward connection to CMH so will get to experience this in EWR. Just wonder how sorted out it will be by the time I get there with my family. Maybe it'll start the day after we go through and not the day we are there. 
Jul 21, 2016, 6:52 am
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
Programs: UA 1K, MM *G for life, BAEC Gold
Posts: 10,224
Automated systems certainly seem faster. They definitely are less stressful as, rather than being one person at a time, which puts huge pressure on you at your time, several people can unload simultaneously.
Of course, it really won't get much more efficient until they standardize the rules as to what to do at all airports. Otherwise, people will continue to be caught out by different rules in different places (can I keep my shoes on, does my laptop come out, do I need to empty my pockets etc etc.).
Of course, it really won't get much more efficient until they standardize the rules as to what to do at all airports. Otherwise, people will continue to be caught out by different rules in different places (can I keep my shoes on, does my laptop come out, do I need to empty my pockets etc etc.).
Jul 21, 2016, 6:57 am
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
I really wonder how the centralized system will work at EWR.
Clearing in many places in Europe involves virtually no "guessing" about which line. It's a snaking line where you go to the next available place, and at airports like FCO and CDG, I've seen over 20 active lanes at once. If that's the type of set-up EWR will have, with Pre-Check and Premium Access never closing, then sounds great. Otherwise...
Clearing in many places in Europe involves virtually no "guessing" about which line. It's a snaking line where you go to the next available place, and at airports like FCO and CDG, I've seen over 20 active lanes at once. If that's the type of set-up EWR will have, with Pre-Check and Premium Access never closing, then sounds great. Otherwise...