MCS and access to "priority" security screening lane
May 21, 2009 | 7:19 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Washington DC
Posts: 1,541
MCS and access to "priority" security screening lane
Will a Main Cabin Select boarding pass (the equivalent of a business class fare?) give access to the "priority" security screening lane at IAD and SFO?
Or do only First Class boarding passes qualify? I know that Business class boarding passes on other airlines qualify, so was wondering about MCS boarding passes.
Thanks!
Or do only First Class boarding passes qualify? I know that Business class boarding passes on other airlines qualify, so was wondering about MCS boarding passes.
Thanks!
May 21, 2009 | 8:59 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2000
Location: IAD/DCA/BWI
Programs: SQ, LH, AMEX, Citi, Cap1
Posts: 4,113
Yes.
http://virginamerica.custhelp.com/cg...i=&p_topview=1
Worth the $100 IMHO, esp. at IAD. And I'm going to raid the kitchen and the bar tomorrow on my flight to SFO!
http://virginamerica.custhelp.com/cg...i=&p_topview=1
Worth the $100 IMHO, esp. at IAD. And I'm going to raid the kitchen and the bar tomorrow on my flight to SFO!
May 21, 2009 | 10:09 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Portland
Posts: 11,690
Will a Main Cabin Select boarding pass (the equivalent of a business class fare?) give access to the "priority" security screening lane at IAD and SFO?
Or do only First Class boarding passes qualify? I know that Business class boarding passes on other airlines qualify, so was wondering about MCS boarding passes.
Thanks!
Or do only First Class boarding passes qualify? I know that Business class boarding passes on other airlines qualify, so was wondering about MCS boarding passes.
Thanks!
May 22, 2009 | 12:22 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Washington DC
Posts: 1,541
Yes, I realize that MCS is not like business class on an international airline, but it is definitely more than "Premium Economy" on United (and its equivalents in BA and VS), so that is why I wondered about the screening issue.
May 22, 2009 | 12:58 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Portland
Posts: 11,690
Thanks for the helpful response re: priority screening line!
Yes, I realize that MCS is not like business class on an international airline, but it is definitely more than "Premium Economy" on United (and its equivalents in BA and VS), so that is why I wondered about the screening issue.
Yes, I realize that MCS is not like business class on an international airline, but it is definitely more than "Premium Economy" on United (and its equivalents in BA and VS), so that is why I wondered about the screening issue.
Just as an FYI regarding the topic of premium screening lines, the SFO TSA folks seem to have difficulty recognizing that there is a "premium screening" lane there. My last F trip on VX took some effort to get them to let us through even with the "premium" stamp on our BP.
Also, premium economy on BA and VS is nothing like MCS. BA and VS have true premium economy, with a larger seat and 40" of pitch. United just offers more legroom.
May 22, 2009 | 2:52 pm
#6
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Miami, FL, USA
Posts: 4,104
Just as an FYI regarding the topic of premium screening lines, the SFO TSA folks seem to have difficulty recognizing that there is a "premium screening" lane there. My last F trip on VX took some effort to get them to let us through even with the "premium" stamp on our BP.
May 22, 2009 | 4:53 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Portland
Posts: 11,690
Directly next to the Clear lane. It must be relatively new. The VX agent stamped "Premium" on our boarding passes and told us to use the lane next to the Clear lane. Sure enough, there was a section there for "Premium" pax but it was closed off. We asked one of the TSA folks about it and she opened the line for us. When we got to the front, the ID checker told us the line was for families only and to use the general line next time. Sounds like it's just a brand new thing that the TSA can't understand.
May 22, 2009 | 5:31 pm
#8
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Miami, FL, USA
Posts: 4,104
Directly next to the Clear lane. It must be relatively new. The VX agent stamped "Premium" on our boarding passes and told us to use the lane next to the Clear lane. Sure enough, there was a section there for "Premium" pax but it was closed off. We asked one of the TSA folks about it and she opened the line for us. When we got to the front, the ID checker told us the line was for families only and to use the general line next time. Sounds like it's just a brand new thing that the TSA can't understand.