VX First Class - Priority security processing?
 

Hello!

First time poster long time listerner yada yada...

I will be flying with VX shortly in First Class as follows:

- 2/6/08: SFO - LAS
- 5/6/08: LAS - SFO
- 5/6/08: SFO - SEA
- 14/6/08: SEA - SFO
- 14/6/08: SFO - JFK
- 21/6/08: IAD - LAX

I have not flown within America before so I will be cautious with security screening gates and allow for plenty of time (90-120 mins). However, throughout my readings I seem to recall that First Class passengers were afforded a separate security screening line/gate which was super fast!?? Does each airport differ? Is there any truth to this security screening, or am I thinking of International customs clearing?

BTW, I will be checking into the SFO Clubhouse T-3hrs for my first flight and very much looking forward to a nice meal and countless cocktails! $40 is a bit steep for lounge access so want to get 'value' out of it :p

Thanks in advance,
Gold_Member.

I can't recall about IAD, but the rest have First Class screening lines.

What time are you planning on going to the clubhouse? No food after around 2:30pm (but at that time it goes down to $30).

There is a priority F security screening line at IAD... just about the only good thing about that wretched airport.

No priority F security line at SFO, unless it's a recent addition. Then again, there's really no need for it at SFO as I've never encountered any significant lines at the south side of the International terminal.

There's no separate First Class line at the International Terminal at SFO. On the other hand, I've never taken more than 5 minutes to clear the screen on either the A side (where VX operates) or the G side, even at international rush hour. There's also a Clear lane on both sides.

If you leave SFO on VX before 10 am, be aware that the VS Club isn't open until then, and there's no alternate lounge.

Oops...you're right. But they do have Clear lanes at SFO.

At IAD look for the overhead signs for "PREMIUM PASSENGERS" as you approach security screening.

Thanks all for the feedback.

My flight from SFO departs at 15:45 so given that I plan to be there from 2pm, I should have enough time for a nice meal.

BTW, FWIW I've noticed that since I booked these flights about 2 months ago, the average First Class price for my flights has gone up about 20%! I've also booked seats 2A/B for all of my flights based on the advice posted in this forum.

I hope to be able to provide a trip report upon my return for those thay may be interested.

GM

I think the pricing is a function of how far ahead of the departure date you buy your ticket. On my last SFO-JFK trip, the one way First Class fare rose from $579 to $779 in stages over the 120 days or so between initial offer and when FC finally sold out.

I'd assume pax from JFK have use of the priority line that is there too...it's been a while since I was in T4 though, so I'm assuming it still exists

Yes, I used the priority line at JFK the one time I flew VX F from there a few months ago. It was considerably shorter, definitely use it if you are eligible.

Security at T4, JFK can be a nightmare on either concourse. Even the "priority" queue gets long and slow at peak periods.

That's one airport terminal where having the Clear card is worth the entire annual cost every time you pass through!