Special Security lanes for frequent Flyers

Fratton Fred

Should there be?

I thought this might be a better place than travel because i know a few there are a few industry people on here.

Why can't the airports set up special security lanes for people who carry frequent flyer cards? I know this is a usual form of compaint, but of late it has really started to get my goat.

You know the score, Mr and Mrs Duffer off to Benidorm for the holiday of a life time, telling security not to be so stupid, it is only a bottle of water, or wondering why their mobile, keys and watch set off the security alarm.

Whereas, Mr or Ms business traveller is standing behind them, all metal objects are already in their bag, laptop in one hand, belt removed etc and getting more and more frustrated as yet another person fails to take notice of the numerous signs/announcements about liquids and gels.

What do you think, could it work?

*Kol*

Some people would see it as discrimination. It could work but anybody can get a frequent flyer card. The queues would eventually end up the same size!

alpha2zulu

Fratton Fred wrote: »

Should there be?


You know the score, Mr and Mrs Duffer off to Benidorm for the holiday of a life time, telling security not to be so stupid, it is only a bottle of water, or wondering why their mobile, keys and watch set off the security alarm.

Whereas, Mr or Ms business traveller is standing behind them, all metal objects are already in their bag, laptop in one hand, belt removed etc and getting more and more frustrated as yet another person fails to take notice of the numerous signs/announcements about liquids and gels.

What do you think, could it work?

Yeah it is painful to watch, given the lack of a decent EI or FR frequent flyer club, perhaps at the front of security a staff member asks a random question, eg whats the max amount of liquid you can bring through? Get it right your in the fastrack...would quickly wield out the Mr and Mrs Benidorms:D.

Theta

They tried this in the US and the company running it went our of business.

http://www.flyclear.com/

Davidth88

alpha2zulu wrote: »

Yeah it is painful to watch, given the lack of a decent EI or FR frequent flyer club, perhaps at the front of security a staff member asks a random question, eg whats the max amount of liquid you can bring through? Get it right your in the fastrack...would quickly wield out the Mr and Mrs Benidorms:D.

Actually I am a member of the EI frequent flyer scheme.

I would agree this is a good idea , I get quite frustrated as I stand laptop out , trousers hanging off me , waiting to get to the xray.

alpha2zulu

Davidth88 wrote: »

Actually I am a member of the EI frequent flyer scheme.
.

Compared to other FF programmes, the EI version aint the best. You can fly multiple times per year and still not pick up points because the ticket is in the wrong fare class. Just doesent neccessairily reflect how frequent people are flying in my experience unless your flying at peak times or late bookings.

Dacian

I think its a great idea. In a way similar to the express lanes at supermarkets. But can see DAA charging people for it

Mythago

Fratton Fred wrote: »

Should there be?

I thought this might be a better place than travel because i know a few there are a few industry people on here.

Why can't the airports set up special security lanes for people who carry frequent flyer cards? I know this is a usual form of compaint, but of late it has really started to get my goat.

You know the score, Mr and Mrs Duffer off to Benidorm for the holiday of a life time, telling security not to be so stupid, it is only a bottle of water, or wondering why their mobile, keys and watch set off the security alarm.

Whereas, Mr or Ms business traveller is standing behind them, all metal objects are already in their bag, laptop in one hand, belt removed etc and getting more and more frustrated as yet another person fails to take notice of the numerous signs/announcements about liquids and gels.

What do you think, could it work?

Sort of already in place; when I had my Star Alliance Gold Card I was allowed to use the Express lane at Dublin when flying in any class on bmi or SAS. Previously it was Business class only. Not sure if it's still in place though as not flown out of Dublin in a yr. Also, only a lowly Silver (soon to be standard) card holder nowadays so no express lane anywhere

lord lucan

Dacian wrote: »

I think its a great idea. In a way similar to the express lanes at supermarkets. But can see DAA charging people for it

Luton airport have a priority lane,it's £3stg to get through and imo. it's money well spent,very quick and a lot less hassle.

Fratton Fred

Mythago wrote: »

Sort of already in place; when I had my Star Alliance Gold Card I was allowed to use the Express lane at Dublin when flying in any class on bmi or SAS. Previously it was Business class only. Not sure if it's still in place though as not flown out of Dublin in a yr. Also, only a lowly Silver (soon to be standard) card holder nowadays so no express lane anywhere

It is Business, Domestic and people with pushchairs only now.

donkey balls

lord lucan wrote: »

Luton airport have a priority lane,it's £3stg to get through and imo. it's money well spent,very quick and a lot less hassle.

thats a bit like Ryanair with priority boarding why pay money to get through security quicker when you then have to wait to board the acft after going through security.

and its like people rushing to get of the acft while its taxiing to the stand running up the airbridge to collect there bags whats the rush ?by the time the ground crew get to the acft offload the bags and bring them to the baggage hall the same people are waiting around:D were im normally last off and by the time i get to the baggage hall my bags are on the carasaul.

pclancy

Davidth88 wrote: »

I get quite frustrated as I stand laptop out , trousers hanging off me , waiting to get to the xray.

I read that wrong in my head and burst out laughing

lord lucan

donkey balls wrote: »

thats a bit like Ryanair with priority boarding why pay money to get through security quicker when you then have to wait to board the acft after going through security.

and its like people rushing to get of the acft while its taxiing to the stand running up the airbridge to collect there bags whats the rush ?by the time the ground crew get to the acft offload the bags and bring them to the baggage hall the same people are waiting around:D were im normally last off and by the time i get to the baggage hall my bags are on the carasaul.

I know what you mean but having been through Luton numerous times and been stuck behind many gob****es who haven't a clue when it comes to security procedures the priority lane was much easier to deal with. Admittedly Luton has a lot of charter flights which means lots of "once a year" flyers who are clueless when it comes to security.

Dacian

And £3 isn't that much. If you a business traveller perhaps better to pay £3 and get 10 extra minutes at the gate than standing in a queue. Those 10 minutes could Mean a bit of work on the laptop or 2-3 phonecalls.

Personally I'd be willing to pay that to be able to relax thru security rather than running for the gate. (Had that on the way to my own wedding,security was awful at Dublin,only handbaggage we had was a suitcarrier and her handbag, our names were being called as we were running to the gate.)

In my opinion the scrum for seats on Ryanair is the worst part of the experience. I generally only travel with them solo. So don't care what seat I get. I still think its funny seeing people on Aer Lingus and Bmi queuing so early,the 'assigned seats' seems lost on them.

Several years ago Aer Lingus had a great advert for Jameson in their magazine. It showed a closed door with a flock of sheep up against it. The caption was "77% of airline passengers leave their seats before the sign is switched off, Jameson, take your time" This is the days when EI had business class so the passengers were all raring to bolt after landing.

Theta

I flew maybe 30 -36 times this year, The trick is to just choose the lane with the youngest queue. Simple as.

Also I put everything from my pockets into my jacket pockets and I just lash my jacket and bag into the tray straight away and stroll though!

lord lucan

Dacian wrote: »

Personally I'd be willing to pay that to be able to relax thru security rather than running for the gate. (Had that on the way to my own wedding,security was awful at Dublin,only handbaggage we had was a suitcarrier and her handbag, our names were being called as we were running to the gate.)

In my opinion the scrum for seats on Ryanair is the worst part of the experience. I generally only travel with them solo. So don't care what seat I get. I still think its funny seeing people on Aer Lingus and Bmi queuing so early,the 'assigned seats' seems lost on them.

I'd have no problem paying for it,unfortunately if it came here it would probably end up nearer the €10 mark!!:rolleyes:

The "Ryanair rush" as i like to call it has changed the face of travel here completely. Like you i've seen this transfer to "regular" flights,i've even noticed it on trans-atlantic flights ex-dublin. I enjoy flying Ryanair,i've never had a problem with them but it makes flying EI/BMI etc. more enjoyable nowadays when you don't have to position yourself early in the que to get seats together.

Davidth88

I must admit I always laugh at people standing up when the aircraft is unloading.

I always sit reading my book until the row in front of me starts to move , then I get myself sorted.

PClancy , I am glad my post had the effect I was hoping for .

No , the EI Gold Circle is rubbish TBH. However I seem to fly about 2-3 times a month at short notice so my flights nearly always qualify. The lounge in DUB is poor although the view is nice. The best ones I have been in are at JFK or LGW.

Actually the queues for security at DUB aren't too bad, although I do get frustrated at people who act totally surprised when they get to the head of the queue......
Roll on when these totally stupid rules about fluids go away again, IMO they are the cause of a lot of the delays, that and the fact that people are bring so much on aircraft now because EI ( and FR) charge for hold luggage. This is partly why people rush to get on board EI/BMI because the overhead lockers get terribly full.

Damn , typing this I realise I spend far too much time in airports !

Dacian

I do like the comment on finding the 'youngest' queue as this will probably move a little faster. And avoid queing behind very obvious once a year package holiday families as there will be confusion over kids,bags and boarding cards.

Theta

Yup and the queue with the most men in it too. Women generally have those little bags full of liquids which they tend to examine and delay everyone.