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Should first class passengers get a shorter line at security?
In Boston's Logan international airport, I recently witnessed a meltdown in the security line. A first class passenger was livid -- furious because ordinary passengers were being directed into the shorter, elite x-ray lane by the TSA. For their part, the TSA were indifferent. All passengers are the same, they kept saying, as people shuffled past the ID checkpoint while the first class passenger stewed as he watched his x-ray line double in size.That's what first class passengers pay for though, right? Some airports have specific elite lanes, where depending on your paid fare or your elite status you can enjoy a enjoy a shorter wait at the checkpoint. Given the the absurd amounts of money and time that they devote to the airline, shouldn't they be rewarded with faster passage?
Or, should first class privileges not apply to the security line? In a way, a shorter line at the ID check effectively lets these passengers cut in front of those that aren't "elite." That seems to be what these particular TSA agents were thinking -- if they had their way, everyone would be in the same line and file through en masse.
What's your take?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bert Jun 27th 2009 4:32PM
Sure, let them have their line... I won't have to listen to their snotty whining and complaining. I am more than happy of the whining and complaining from the normal public, thank you very much!
Ernie Cat Jun 27th 2009 5:15PM
All passengers should be equal that includes those in wheel chairs, why is it that they are pushed ahead of the lines when we are the ones that have to stand a wait while they are seated. I think that these people who are handicapped should have to wait like the rest of us. I think that those who have special needs are one thing but I have seen some of those so called handicapped how they get need a wheelchair to get on the plane but some how can manage to walk off the plane at their destination.
Dani Jun 27th 2009 5:25PM
If memory serves me right, the passengers who brought down 4 airplanes on 9/11 were all seated in first class. Yeah, give them a special line, with a snapping rubber glove at the end of it.
Sexy Music Jun 27th 2009 5:49PM
They should get a shorter line getting into the airplane, or be called first. They did pay a whole lot extra. But as for going through security, customs, etc. We are all people. Bad people can have a lot of money too and buy a first class seat. Just go through the line and shut-up. We will all be safer!
Scott Carmichael Jun 27th 2009 5:49PM
First class tickets = higher taxes, so those paying for F pay more for the airport facilities. I'm fine with premium class passengers getting a shorter line at the airport, but if that line is not too busy, nobody should complain when the commoners get to use it too.
Jamie Rhein Jun 28th 2009 12:26AM
Since TSA is about being in the United States and going along with national security--that is the idea, right, it seems to me that everyone is equal here. The airlines and the airport are separate entities. Scott, since single people pay more taxes than married people maybe they should get to go through the line faster. Just kidding.
The first class passenger is paying for the first class airline ticket--for the plane--not for security. Or maybe first class passengers could get a pass to cut any line at the airport. Waiting to buy a magazine and a pack of gum? If you're coach class, you'll have to step aside for anyone who is in first class who shows you a first class ticket.
TroyG Jun 28th 2009 5:34AM
Actually, some airports do have business class/first class only facilities for magazine/book shops. :-)
On a separate topic, I am surprised no one has mentioned one of the obvious reasons for separate lines: "elite" passengers (based on FF miles) or paying biz/first travellers tend to travel a lot, so they know "the drill". If you watch the two lines, you'll see the biz lines moves generally 50% faster than the standard line. In essence, it becomes an "express lane", which actually makes everyone's wait time shorter (including the public line, since they have fewer people).
Buzz Jun 29th 2009 4:34PM
Hey Jamie...don't forget stepping away from a urinal in mid pee to allow a guy with a first class ticket on some airline to cut in front of you, too. Remember...all men are created equal...unless some have first class tickets they paid some AIRLINE for...which then automatically turns EVERYTHING into the caste system.
BrianM Jun 28th 2009 8:50AM
Elite status should get a seperate line (I did not say shorter line as it might actually be longer but faster) since frequent travelers know the drill and execute it much quicker making it more effecient and actually allowing the TSA to throw an extra person on the non elite status line making everything faster.
Disasbnled Vet Jun 28th 2009 3:36PM
To 'Ernie Cat' :
I hope to God you never become handicapped like me. You apparently have NO consideration for those of us who do need a wheel chair to move about. As far as preferential
treatment for first class passengers goes, they are only paying for their seating, and/or food.
It has nothing to do with security screening. Does one pay for flying, or for ground security?
Disabled Vet WW II
Brian Wauford Jun 28th 2009 3:18PM
makes me sick..................and America clains that a class system does not exist within our borders! whomever this this person was should have been made to go dead last and sit in the corner with a dunce cap on his head. His money does not elevate him above everyone else.
Kristy Jun 28th 2009 7:26PM
Wah, wah. Suck it up and wait in line, you snob. Money isn't everything. Just because you paid more to have a bigger seat that'll hold your swelled head doesn't make you better than us "ordinary" passengers. A first class plane ticket means you're paying for a bigger, more comfortable seat and extra leg room on the plane. It doesn't entitle you to be bumped ahead in line and be treated like you're special.
Lucille Jun 29th 2009 12:19AM
Look yes they deserve some priviledges but when there are 15 people standing in the aisles waiting for a lavoratory let them use the bathrooms up front I mean come on we are all the same. We could pay for first class also...And by the way a first class passenger is probably a perk from their company and they deserve it absolutely but make some concessions when necessary.
Sheynk Jun 29th 2009 4:30AM
higher fare should = better treatment throughout the process. emirates airlines does this and its great.
I'm not saying the security threshold should be lowered. But waiting in line after paying 5x+ for a ticket is out of this world annoying... especially if its for business travel and you need the time to make calls/do email before being offline for a considerable portion of a day.
Buzzard Jun 29th 2009 4:27PM
They paid the AIRLINE 5K ...TSA is a Federal security system that is not owned by the airline! Apples and oranges, Gomer!!!
Buzz Jun 29th 2009 4:26PM
Absolutely not, and for this reason: The security line is a federal government mandate, and is manned by federal employees. Therefore, the airline does not own the security checkpoints, so they can't give away something (special lines for first class customers) they don't own!
The big dollars first class customers pay for the cushier seats and service on the airplanes is for...cushier seats and service on the airplanes! The TSA is paid for by tax dollars from ALL taxpayers, and by security surcharges charged by the airlines...charges ALL passengers pay!
The federal government can't give away first class airline seats to those who pay more in taxes, and the airlines can't give away federal services to those who pay more for airline seats.
Is there ANY common sense left in this country of ours? Whatever IS left of it should be put on the endangered species list!!
kjdsl Jun 29th 2009 8:57PM
sdfs
washarp Jun 29th 2009 8:33PM
It appears from most of the comments here that few people understand how the first class/elite line works. Yes, you do get through faster, but its just to the initial boarding pass/ID check. After that, everyone is equal. the TSA scanners don't differentiate once the ID check has been done if you're coach on WN or in First on BA.
Also, remember elite passengers tend to fly ALOT more than joe and mary-sue from anytown USA. After going through security lines 100+ times/yr I can unholster my laptop , remove my shoes, belt, outerwear, and change, run it through and be on my way before most people get it through their heads they need to take off their sweatshirt. Most at least, its simply an issue of the TSA changing policies on a seemingly monthly basis and most people have more important things to focus on besides whether their shampoo is 3.3 or 3.4 oz.
BP Jun 30th 2009 1:23AM
If they want to have a seperate line then they should pay for a pass from the TSA to get a seperate section in security like buying a first class ticket gets them a first class section in the plane. Then people could have shorter security time without payong the extra for the seat or vice versa.