I have a TSA problem
Feb 9th, 2006, 10:49 AM
#21
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I came to USA 16 years ago. The longer I live here, the more I see "praise the money, down with the population" type of behavior everywhere! And this is in "free-spirited" San Francisco! Can imagine how it is elsewhere in this country!
If you are an american citizen, why are you surprised?
If you are an american citizen, why are you surprised?
Feb 9th, 2006, 11:05 AM
#24
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sylvia3 i think you re missing the point that the TSA staff's job is screening, not herding passengers. The arrangement of the lanes to get to the screening point are under the control of the local airport and airlines, which in some places offer the perk of expedited access to the screening point based on class of service and/or elite frequent flyer status. Once at the screening point, all passengers are subject to the same taxpayer funded screening process. Sorry if you are offended, but it's just a business practice, not public policy.
Uniformed airline crew members are also given immediate access to the screening point, even before passengers in any elite line. Not sure if that is a TSA or local policy.
Uniformed airline crew members are also given immediate access to the screening point, even before passengers in any elite line. Not sure if that is a TSA or local policy.
Feb 9th, 2006, 11:11 AM
#25
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sylvia3 -
Here's an article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle about the re-opening of the "elite lines" in 2002:
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/s...wscolumn5.html
The Washington Post has a similar story from just last year. This show the policies are the same:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...080101435.html
Both article states clearly that the lines are manned by airports and airlines. Not TSA. Next time, if you see a TSA agent manning the lines and directing traffic, please note down time and place. And then write to TSA. You can find email to write to on their website. And contact your representative in Washington.
Here's an article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle about the re-opening of the "elite lines" in 2002:
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/s...wscolumn5.html
The Washington Post has a similar story from just last year. This show the policies are the same:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...080101435.html
Both article states clearly that the lines are manned by airports and airlines. Not TSA. Next time, if you see a TSA agent manning the lines and directing traffic, please note down time and place. And then write to TSA. You can find email to write to on their website. And contact your representative in Washington.
Feb 9th, 2006, 11:18 AM
#26
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You know, it's funny that I've read complaints from people who feel airline crew (pilots and FAs) shouldn't have dedicated line at INS as well.
That's common practice all around the globe, so it's not even an American problem.
BTW, last time I was in Bristol, UK (BRS), they have an "elite" line for immigration and security while leaving the UK. How un-British was that!
That's common practice all around the globe, so it's not even an American problem.
BTW, last time I was in Bristol, UK (BRS), they have an "elite" line for immigration and security while leaving the UK. How un-British was that!
Feb 9th, 2006, 11:18 AM
#27
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good heavens, why am I complaining? Because it was TSA! (although to correct a misapprehension, it was reference to the elite lines when I listed the several airports). The incident has been noted--but you can bet nothing will happen!
Feb 9th, 2006, 11:27 AM
#28
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Well, I mildly agree with the OP in principle. I was of the impression that most ariports are government-owned (by the states) even if not under federal control. And as such, I don't think any government service should be based on how much money a person spends at a private business - just like I wouldn't want to see a special line at the post office for people who bought their purse at Hermes instead of Sears.
But, who knows what agreement the airlines have with the airport? Maybe the airlines pay a different (larger) fee to the airport to gain some advantage for its passengers? In that case, the airport's treatment of first class passengers would be part of its business contract with the airlines. And I can't argue with that, as airports have to stay in business or I don't get to travel.
But, who knows what agreement the airlines have with the airport? Maybe the airlines pay a different (larger) fee to the airport to gain some advantage for its passengers? In that case, the airport's treatment of first class passengers would be part of its business contract with the airlines. And I can't argue with that, as airports have to stay in business or I don't get to travel.
Feb 9th, 2006, 11:28 AM
#29
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So, is your complain now that federal agents (who're paid by federal taxes) are doing jobs that should be done by airport/airline agents?
Or is it still that elite lines are un-American?
Or both?
BTW, in case anyone wonders, I think TSA is a useless bureacracy that should be dismantled. So, don't think for a second that I'm defending their exitence.
Or is it still that elite lines are un-American?
Or both?
BTW, in case anyone wonders, I think TSA is a useless bureacracy that should be dismantled. So, don't think for a second that I'm defending their exitence.
Feb 9th, 2006, 12:24 PM
#30
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Question from someone who has never flown First Class:
Is there some sort of designation on your boarding pass/eticket (other than a low row number) which identifies a pax as FC? How would a "herder" know automatically that you were a first class passenger? I always thought those express lines were for flight crew only.
Is there some sort of designation on your boarding pass/eticket (other than a low row number) which identifies a pax as FC? How would a "herder" know automatically that you were a first class passenger? I always thought those express lines were for flight crew only.
Feb 9th, 2006, 12:45 PM
#31
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joan - I don't know about ALL airlines, but many do print "First Class" or "Business Class" on their boarding pass. Some international airlines use boarding passes with different colors. And domestically, if you're an "elite" that can use the short line, your boarding pass will say "elite" or something like that on it.
Also, airlines give their "elites" a card. Show that to the "herder" and you'll be allowed in that line.
Finally, again, the lines are manned by specific airline(s) at that security checkpoint. For example, here in Houston, if you go to IAH Terminal B, C or E, you'll see the special line for Continental and partner's First, Business and all the Skyteam "elite" customers. That means if you're flying Northwest FC, you can use it. If you're flying Continental coach, but you carry a Delta Medallion card, you can use it.
On the other hand, even if you're flying British Airways First Class, and is a top-level BA elite member, you still CANNOT use the elite lines at B/C/E. I don't think they have an elite line at Terminal D, which BA uses, but I may be wrong.
Converselly, if I am a Continental Elite, but is flying USAirways coach from Terminal A, there's no fast lane I can use either.
Also, airlines give their "elites" a card. Show that to the "herder" and you'll be allowed in that line.
Finally, again, the lines are manned by specific airline(s) at that security checkpoint. For example, here in Houston, if you go to IAH Terminal B, C or E, you'll see the special line for Continental and partner's First, Business and all the Skyteam "elite" customers. That means if you're flying Northwest FC, you can use it. If you're flying Continental coach, but you carry a Delta Medallion card, you can use it.
On the other hand, even if you're flying British Airways First Class, and is a top-level BA elite member, you still CANNOT use the elite lines at B/C/E. I don't think they have an elite line at Terminal D, which BA uses, but I may be wrong.
Converselly, if I am a Continental Elite, but is flying USAirways coach from Terminal A, there's no fast lane I can use either.
Feb 9th, 2006, 01:10 PM
#33
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sylvia - I guess I don't get why you're so upset. Maybe these people have paid to have this special treatment. I'm sure other airports offer frequent flyers and first class the type of deal that MCO does.
And, as far as I'm concerned, I say if you pay more to fly, you should get special treatment - security included. That's the American way!
And, as far as I'm concerned, I say if you pay more to fly, you should get special treatment - security included. That's the American way!
Feb 9th, 2006, 04:08 PM
#34
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You could always take the train if it bothers you that much!
Since I fly so much for work, I usually get upgraded to First Class, so I must say I like the shorter lines for first class.
When I don't get upgraded, it sucks!
Since I fly so much for work, I usually get upgraded to First Class, so I must say I like the shorter lines for first class.
When I don't get upgraded, it sucks!
Feb 9th, 2006, 08:15 PM
#35
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Yes, Sylvia3, we all pay taxes. But, perhaps you have heard, it remains a progressive tax system. That means that those who make more, pay more (I know, I know, there are exceptions, but I wrote a check to IRS for $100,000 this winter).
Saying that we all pay taxes advances your argument not a whit.
Saying that we all pay taxes advances your argument not a whit.
Feb 9th, 2006, 08:33 PM
#36
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Just a slight correction here... you DO NOT have to be in 1st or Business to get in that special line. I almost always get to use it in Denver and Dallas (and various other a/p) because I am AA Platinum... even if my ticket cost 100.00. And the prescreen employees at my primary a/p are not TSA.
When I fly to the UK I get to use a fast lane to get through customs at Heathrow because I fly business class.
Ironically the fast lane at DFW is often slower than the regular lane.
At Denver it is always faster because it actually bypasses the crowd directly to the front of the main line vs. a special dedicated check point like DFW.
When I fly to the UK I get to use a fast lane to get through customs at Heathrow because I fly business class.
Ironically the fast lane at DFW is often slower than the regular lane.
At Denver it is always faster because it actually bypasses the crowd directly to the front of the main line vs. a special dedicated check point like DFW.
Feb 10th, 2006, 01:16 AM
#37
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People, please read rkkwan's posts as he is the only one that has it right. Also TTP just above as he added some more correct info.
The lines to the security checkpoints are manned by people hired by the airline(s) either directly or through an outside contractor. They have NOTHING to do with TSA. TSA doesn't care who goes through the checkpoint next. Whoever is next is next, that's that as far as TSA is concerned.
So, the airline sets up the lines anyway they want and in many if not most of the airports/terminals the dominant airline will have a special line for first class/business class/their elite flyers. The line will end up at the same TSA checkpoints, but it will get ahead of the economy class folks BEFORE it gets there.
sylvia3 - you are totally wrong with your understanding of the procedures. I don't care what you think/saw.
The lines to the security checkpoints are manned by people hired by the airline(s) either directly or through an outside contractor. They have NOTHING to do with TSA. TSA doesn't care who goes through the checkpoint next. Whoever is next is next, that's that as far as TSA is concerned.
So, the airline sets up the lines anyway they want and in many if not most of the airports/terminals the dominant airline will have a special line for first class/business class/their elite flyers. The line will end up at the same TSA checkpoints, but it will get ahead of the economy class folks BEFORE it gets there.
sylvia3 - you are totally wrong with your understanding of the procedures. I don't care what you think/saw.
Feb 10th, 2006, 01:45 AM
#38
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after 9-11 there was a common feeling in the US that security hassles were now just a necessary fact of life. in fact, on this forum, there are many posters who will often proudly state that they are willing to endure anything (within reason of course) for increased security. there is almost an air of patriotism in their support for airport security.
decreasing the hassles for "elite" travelers or offering the possibility to pay for express service around the hassles is a sure way to decrease public support for security hassles.
in short, convince people that tragic events have made security hassles a necessary fact of life, then offer a paid service to decrease those hassles. a long term bad idea for the airline business that will backfire. just my opinion.
decreasing the hassles for "elite" travelers or offering the possibility to pay for express service around the hassles is a sure way to decrease public support for security hassles.
in short, convince people that tragic events have made security hassles a necessary fact of life, then offer a paid service to decrease those hassles. a long term bad idea for the airline business that will backfire. just my opinion.
Feb 10th, 2006, 02:20 AM
#39
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Another way of looking at this is like the special/shortcut lines to the rides for hotel guests/VIPs at Disney/Universal parks?
That's all this is. It's a special/shortcut line for the airline's better customers to get to the inspection point. The inspection point(TSA) does not decide who gets there and how.
Once you get to the TSA checkpoint, everybody gets the same treatment, regardless of your class of service and/or airline status.
The original post has a total misunderstanding of the procedure. The lines to the check point and how they are set up has nothing to do with TSA and/or your tax money.
That's all this is. It's a special/shortcut line for the airline's better customers to get to the inspection point. The inspection point(TSA) does not decide who gets there and how.
Once you get to the TSA checkpoint, everybody gets the same treatment, regardless of your class of service and/or airline status.
The original post has a total misunderstanding of the procedure. The lines to the check point and how they are set up has nothing to do with TSA and/or your tax money.
