The Extra Mile

New Benefit for Frequent Flyers: Shorter Security Lines

Q&A: How Can I Use Miles to Upgrade?

March 24, 2002 - There's a compelling new reason to attain elite status in airline frequent-flyer programs: access to VIP airport security lines.

After a widely publicized policy flip-flop on the issue, the new Transportation Security Administration has given the airlines Federal blessing to operate special "priority" security-screening lines, reserved for elite-level frequent-flyer program members and other preferred customers.

In many larger airports, elite-level frequent flyers can now flash their gold or platinum frequent-flyer cards and access these significantly shorter VIP lines to reach X-ray security checkpoints. The time savings can be substantial.

Not all airlines offer the VIP lines. And those that do don't offer them in all airports. Check with your airline's service center or website for a list of airports where VIP lines are available.

Readers: Miles on their Minds

Question from Jennifer

I have a great number of miles on Continental and would like to use them on Northwest to upgrade my upcoming trip to China. I am going with an organized private tour and have purchased the airfare through them.

Northwest will not allow me to upgrade. Do you have any suggestions when I know there are seats available and I have elite status? Is there anything that I can do? I am willing to give them more miles for the upgrade and feel that it is unfair that I cannot upgrade due to the class of ticket that I purchased.

Answer

Unfortunately, your options are limited.

Northwest is technically within their rights to restrict mileage upgrades to a limited number of higher-priced fares. This is standard industry practice, and group fares are typically ineligible for upgrades.

With that in mind, you can either ask that an exception be made in your case (due to your elite status), or work with the tour operator to purchase a more expensive ticket which can be upgraded.

Regarding the first option, ask the tour company to contact Northwest on your behalf. Their clout as a volume buyer of Northwest tickets in conjunction with your elite status could be enough to warrant an exception.

And regarding the second option, obviously you'd be looking for the lowest available fare which allows for mileage upgrades. The tour company should be able to help make that determination.

In both cases, I'd suggest working through the tour operator, at least initially. That's for two reasons: 1) they're pros, and have dealt with these issues many times; and 2) they have an ongoing business relationship with the airline, which can be leveraged to your benefit.