First-class gets express lane to metal detector
Posted on September 25th, 2008 – 11:12 AMBy James Shiffer
In August, Betty Ponto was at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, all ready to fly out on her whirlwind two-week European vacation. She got into the security line and quickly moved to the ticket-checker. First-class ticket? No, she replied. Sorry, wrong line. Ponto was directed to the other queue, which featured a big crowd waiting their turn for the dismantling ritual. First-class flyers, meanwhile, zipped straight to the waiting metal detectors and agents of the Transportation Security Administration.
That struck Ponto as wrong. “These folks were hired by the government. There shouldn’t be priority given to first class,” said Ponto, who lives in Shorewood and works in Ameriprise’s technology division.
The TSA isn’t giving priority to first-class, said Andrea McCauley, an agency spokesperson. She said it’s the airlines who do crowd control up to the ticket checkers, so they’re free to decide how to divvy up travelers before they face the screeners.
That’s not to say that the TSA agents closest to the first-class line will sit idle as the line of regular travelers backs up, McCauley told me.
“We’re very considerate about using our staffing and using it for everyone,” she said.
Airports have been experimenting with different ways of segregating the security lines, with lanes for frequent travelers familiar with the drill. This week, American Airlines announced faster lines for its first-class customers, as well as other preferred travelers.
Ponto accepts the explanation, but the unequal treatment in the security line still bothers her. “It just kind of struck me, there was such a long line in the regular side, it just seems really ridiculous that they don’t get in line with the rest of us.”
The TSA offers a plethora of information on how to get through the security checkpoint with the least hassle. It also features this handy “wait time” calculator based on “historical” data on the time it takes to get through.
61 Responses to “First-class gets express lane to metal detector”
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September 25th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
This is the way it has always been. I don’t know why this is new “whistle blower” news. There are perks to being in first class: special lines, getting on the plane first and last, more room for legs, bigger seats, meals, free drinks, etc. That is why some people choose to pay a whole lot more for a first class ticket. I don’t see anything wrong with it.
September 25th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Here’s my advice - you fly 50,000+ miles a year in the air. You fly that much, then you deserve to get through security a little quicker. Until then, shut your trap and get back in line.
September 25th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
What bothers you? The fact that someone who paid 3x what you did my get something beneficial other than a wider seat and a free cocktail?
September 25th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
This isn’t new or news. This has been going on forever. Since 2000 or even earlier.
September 25th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
As an individual that travels for business and pleasure a great deal I see this as someone that rarely flies and does not understand that those that are willing to pay for the perks of flying first class or Business class are getting what they are paying for. If you want stream lined treatment buy the more expensive ticket. Otherwise consider this as education.
September 25th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
What the hell is this? This has to be the dumbest post I have ever read in my entire life. Little jealous of those who can afford a first class ticket, try getting a job rather than bitching about it. Your low class friends may care, but no one else does.
September 25th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
I can think of many more better things to start a lawsuit over. It is pretty much commonsense now ever since 9/11 that you are going to wait in LONG lines at the airport!
September 25th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
My sense is this traveler has been to an airport in many years. First class or elite lines have been in place for years. Airlines implement these programs for frequent flyer customers and first/business class passengers who pay for this service. Think of going to a sporting event, you pay a certain price for where you sit and the service you receive. Officials some of them paid by the goverment manage these crowds and do not let ticketholders in at certain gates based off of where they are sitting. A person in the last row of the stadium is going to have a different experience than the person in a box or the first row. I suggest that if you want first class service, pay the price.
September 25th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Newsflash: new invention, dubbed “cell phones,” allows one to carry a telephone — without a cord — anywhere!
This just in: George Bush succeeds Bill Clinton as president!
Way to be on top of the news of the day, Strib.
September 25th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
LIARS! Don’t give airlines control over crowds like this - make EVERYONE wait in the same line.