SFO: AA Security Lines Much Quicker than UA
 

This has probably been stated previously...but having just flown SFO-BOS, the UA security lines were very long and the AA lines at the other side (right/South side) of the same terminal were very short, probably reflecting the different number of flights/pax. I am pretty sure once you clear AA security that you can walk back (short walk) to the UA gates).

Indeed, you can. I go over there looking for UA FTers all the time.

And the Peet's on that side of the terminal is less of a zoo as well. :p

Yup.

A few times I've done the UA OLCI, park straight on level 2 where there's much less cars right next to the E stairway, walk through the AA Elite line with EXP card in hand, then cross over to UA gates.

Saves a good 10 minutes or more during the early morning rush.

Sami

Just did this the other day. Saved at least 20 minutes.

shhhh the more people you tell the longer that line will get!

p.s. works at LAX too ;)

Not sure what changed over the last few years (I was not based in SFO for awhile), but the check-in and security process at UA SFO seems much longer than before. Even as a 1K on a domestic flight, arriving one hour before can be risky if you have bags to check.

Using the AA line if you have status, or the carry-on only if possible, or the international line if open, saves a lot of time.

It probably has to do with the fact that AA doesn't have much going on at SFO. It is somewhat of an international gateway, but it certainly isn't a hub like it is for UA.

The premier terminal at LAX didn't give me any trouble last time I was in it, and I got there just before a lot of the international flights on a Monday.

That's not nice. No it doesn't. :)

I've never seen you... :(

sshhhhhh! lets keep this on the down low. Why do you think I keep my AAdvantage GOLD card handy at SFO? ;)

Some of the TSA agents there don't allow you to go through there with a UA BP. I've been turned away a couple times. Then again, I'm not the most TSA-friendly passenger, so it could be my fault. ;)

that's absurd as the access is open between the ua & aa terminals after security :rolleyes: but then again, it's airport security tho in this case, they are private contractors and thus "not technically" tsa but never the less, it' absurd.

This is one of the best kept secrets at SFO ^

Keep it a FT secret, ok :)

International gateway to where? DFW? MD80ville?