I think (in reference to both security and award seating) that once a person has the ticket, the treatment of all fliers should be the same on the plane as well as with customer service and security.

When you go thru security: If you bought or got a ticket for $100 or $1000 or miles or whatever, it is the same thing.

When you are dealing with Customer Service agents, the airline desk or onboard: If you got your ticket using miles or for senior discounts or cupons, it is the same thing.

Once we have whatever tickets we have, it should not matter where they came from. All deals asside, we now own it and how they gave it to us is based on their choice to do such marketing. We just took advantage of the given specials.

If you do first class or business class or economy, that is fine, but treatment in the having of these spots is equal once in them, whether you won it or paid double for it or whatever.

- Jeff

I have read with interest the comments of your other readers. I have flown more than 20 segments thus far in 2002 and many others late last year.

For Jason and Linda expedited security does not mean lack of security. I have yet to be on a flight where they waited untill economy started to board to start doing the random searches at the gate. In fact there is an interesting contest now, because you don't necessarily want to be the first one to board. It has been very common for the first person to approach the door to be taken to the side for additional security screening. Even having gone through the special lines and not having sset off the alarm I have been asked to have my computer swiped for explosives and to have my shoes checked through the x-ray machine.

I see nothing wrong with separate lines for first class and elite level fliers so long as they are given the same level of scrutiny as other passengers. Thus, far my experience has been they have. I was selected for extra screening several times in February, even though I am a Platinum level flyer and received a First Class up-grade. I have even had by checked baggage screened while trying to check in with an e-ticket.

- Rich

I really need to educate people about the express security lines. After reading the 'comments' in the newsletter it is sadly obvious people have no idea what happens with an express security line.

First of all: The airlines, not security, are responsible for the express security lines. That is the bone of contention.

Second: Express lane people pass through security and are subject to search and seizure the exact same as any traveler.

The only difference is: They go through a supposedly shorter line to get to the security machines, but once they are through they still have to find a machine that is open or has a shorter wait..just like anyone else. Not to mention that the express lane also caters to airport and airline employees, flight crew and wheelchairs. So depending on the time of day, the so called 'express' line can be pretty long itself.

Someone mentioned that they noticed at the gate that first class passengers were not subjected to random screening. If the FAA had seen that the airline would have been fined big time. Random screening starts from the minute the gate agent calls for preboarding.

I work in Seattle for an airline that has shuttle flights every 30 minutes between Seattle and Portland and we need to keep the express lane open for those passengers. I work the express line occaisonally and it also caters to Alaska Mileage Plan MVP Gold passengers, American Airline Platinums, airport employees, airline employees, flight crews, disabled passengers and passengers with no carry ons.

I also find it absurd and sour grapes that people complain about the service and perks first class and business travelers get. First class and business travelers are the backbone of the airline passenger industry. If you searched the internet or used a consolidator to get your 'cheapie' ticket, the airline is losing money on you. The first class and business travelers paid big money to get their seat and services. I just can't compare a $700 ticket and a $198 dollar ticket and call those seats equal.

It costs a lot of money to fly an airplane. and truthfully, they make more money flying cargo. There are fewer business travelers willing to pay the higher prices to fly. Which is why fares are going up.

I just can't fault giving people who fly thousands of miles a year extra services over someone who buys a cheapie ticket once a year or two.

- Pam in Seattle

The writer indicates mixed feelings on this one. I have flown both first and economy classes. I feel the whole industry is very "Titanic era" and it needs to be changed for today's standards of thinking: there are way too many people and we need to help everyone the same way sometimes!

My opinion is that there should be equal treatment of all passengers as far as security goes. Additionally, to check in and get ON the plane there should be equal treatment. Once onboard, sure, give the expensive seats the 1000 year-old icecubes in their free vodkas, or free and working headsets and the real spoons...

You know, everyone would wait a lot less and be less inconvenienced if the lines were more even throughout the entire process. Watching people check in at some empty line while you are waiting in the long one is frustrating. Is the current slow system itself to blame for late flights? I waited 2 hours once to apply a voucher I received for co-suffering through some severely delayed flight just to buy a first class ticket for my next one! I had to be at the airport to do this and it made no sense at all. The guy behind me went to buy his at the competitor's counter after the first hour waiting there.

I bet there has been at least one case where that kind of "lack of service" and utter illogic can create air-rage. Sometimes policy alone is what angers a person... I wonder if this whole "elitist thing" (classes, special people, selective services that help only the few, etc.) is at all linked to whatever initially pissed off some of those terrorists?

Just a thought...

- Jeff

I would like to voice my opinion on elite class special treatment in the checkin lines.You said your feelings are split. I like to make the following observation that may help you clarify.

First class passengers get more leg rooms, better food (or food when coach passengers do not have), bigger seats and other nice amenities. They deserve it because they pay for them. I do not fly first class, and though I envy them, I do not feel that is unfair at all.

The same goes for special treatments for elite travelers. Like UA having its sppecial seat section with more leg room for its elite travelers. I do not belong to that group either. Again I do envy them but I do not feel that it is unfair.

The same goes for the special check in lines. That is not unfair and that has nothing to do with security or paying for the same security charges. We all have the same treatment as far as that is concerned. For the elite group of passengers get the check in privileges, they have to wait for the same long line to go through SECURITY CHECK! That is where we are all equal. As far as I know, there is no privileges for the elite group of travelers here. That is fair as we all pay the same security charges.

While I do not qualify for the special treatments as elite groups, I really think the way it is set up now is very fair. I do not know of any business that does not allow them to give some special consideration to their most loyal or really good customers. This is just a fact of life.

- Vincent

As a Premier Executive when flying on United, I enjoy the benefit of a shorter security line. However, the problem is that the folks in charge of security will not improve the speed of the processing unless the more powerful and vocal of us are faced with the same inconvenience. I have believed for a long time that service provided by the industry would improve if all senior airline executives had to fly tourist class four times a month from coast to coast. They would then appreciate the problems of: long lines to checkin, seating design, quality of meals, air quality, bathroom maintenance, flight attendant courtesy, inability to use a laptop confortably in tourist if the guy infront of you puts his seat back, inadequate space for carry-ons, slow luggage handling etc, etc, etc. No other consumer industry could survive (and perhaps they are not given recent earnings reports), giving so little consideration to their customers. I now refuse to make short trips between Boston and NYC, and drive or take the train. Passengers talk with each other in these long lines, and the general anger building with the airlines is palpable. They just do not get it. May Ronald Regan have to fly the rest of his years in the after world on unregulated airlines that are run to the same standard as we experience.

- John

If the elite lines are back.... someone did not tell AA at terminal 4 of LAX ... The Executive Platinum security line is gone ... The ticket agents said it will not be back. This is a real bummer, as the massively long security line can double travel time.

- Stephen

In my view, the answer to the Elite, First Class, etc. traveler dilemma, is to implement the process of special credentials available to all frequent flyers who go to the trouble to obtain them. I fly almost weekly and sometime more often. I would be happy to go through some more intensive process once to get special credentials (perhaps with some bio-ID) that would allow me to bypass the lines and delays now associated with flying. Until that happens, as a Continental Platinum and Delta Silver flyer I would welcome whatever those carriers can do to get me through the line so I don't have to wait for hours with the family of 12 carrying their life possessions, who don't know enough to prepare in advance of getting to the screeners, don't have their photo ID handy and have enough metal in their pockets, in jewelry and the like to delay things for 20 minutes. Thanks.

- Bruce

I will stand in a security line a minimum 60 times this year. I will get searched at the gate about 25 times or more (based on 100 - 125 legs and my current run rate) this year.

Getting a slight break in a priority line is not having it any easier than the occasional traveller who has gifts, children, strollers, underwire bras, no ID already out, change in several different pockets, Burger King bags, pen knives attached to their key chain etc.. Am I making my point?

I have only set off the metal detector once this year (early morning flight and forgot to take out my cell phone). I pack so my bags are easy to search, put my toiletries in a clear case and carry less. I get my laptop in and out of the bag and I do it quickly. I present my ID and ticket efficiently for them to do their job. I get to the airport on time and do not beg to get to the front of the line because "my plane is leaving in 20 minutes". I already do plenty more than the occasional traveller to make it better for everyone concerned. A special security line for the likes of me? I am still feeling more pain than anyone who travels occasionally.

- Doug

Regarding, the "VIP" issue, you and others have overlooked that the new law provided for and encouraged airlines to create a "trusted passenger" category. Longtime, frequent fliers were the airlines first "cut" at doing this.

- Fred

I agree with both sides of your argument. An additional thought...if frequent travellers are processed quicker won't that allow time to process everyone else in a more timely manner? If that is the case then everyone wins. Thanks for your newsletter.

- Dan

First let me thank you for the service and the great information you provide.

My opinion of the elite security treatment for frequent fliers is not that it is unfair, but it is unsafe. So what someone is a frequent flier. Does this make it impossible for this person to be a terrorist? After all this country went through, we still don't get it. It's like the "Matching Bags" policy. OK, Johnny is on the flight, and Johnny's bags are on the flight. But Johnny is a suicide terrorist. What good is that policy?

- Odell

I think it's fine that VIP's can go through security at a special line, however, I was appalled that within two weeks after September 11th, First Class passengers were routed around security along with flight crews and were not screened at all. Screening for VIP's is necessary as a number of the terrorists flew First Class, but, a separate VIP line is fine as long as the screening measures are equally enforced in that line.

- D.

The answer you seek will come with a future destruction of an airliner ("a flash of blinding light") by a person who went through the fast lane. Racial profiling (the prohibition of) is the more important issue.

- Bruce

I think you answered your own conflict on the appropriateness of the security express lanes.

"The new equal-treatment policy was predicated on 'fairness' and the fact that all passengers pay the same security surcharge." And "...front-cabin customers have paid for a higher level of service."

But the front-cabin passenger is paying for higher level of service from the airline, which they ARE receiving.

Should they expect to go to the front of the line at the taxi stand? At the airport McDonald's? At the restroom? Just because they paid the airlines a higher fee?

I think not.

If they were charged a higher security surcharge, they would have an argument. But for the same fee, they should get the same service.

- Stephen C.

As a frequent flier, I find that the elite priroity check in and security check is essential. Often times passengers sitting in first class and receiving preferrential treatment have not purchased a first class ticket, they are business travellers who have earned that upgrade. Hell, if you could afford to pay the kind of money required to purchase a first class ticket, you're probably not flying commericially. As a business traveller, that time savings is critical to my business. When a meeting with clients runs long, I'm not afforded 2 or 3 hours to get to the airport early. What am I supposed to do, cut the meeting off potentially losing business because I have to catch a flight.

On the other hand, leisure travellers have this extra time to spend waiting in lines. Granted I always try to book my flight times to allow ample time for waiting in lines, but in today's fast paced business world you just never know what will come up at the last minute. So I'm glad that the FAA re-thought its position on elite service and hope that airlines will continue to offer this service to its most valued customer - the business traveller.

- Scott

Reading your column with interest, I must also number myself among the conflicted, but I hope enlightenment does NOT come with that flash of blinding light, and its accompanying shock & heat wave, due to the bomb on my flight, carried on board by the terrorist, who paid for first class tickets, and elite status, and its corresponding decrease in security hassles! Any time a system is put in place, whether for security, or any other reason, there are those who immediately start attempting to circumvent the system, no matter what the reasoning for the establishment of the system! Look at computer hackers... some do it for criminal intent, but I believe the majority hack systems for the thrill of beating the system. It's all a big game! Security must become more than just another inconvenience to the traveling public, it must be an integral part of the operating systems. For instance, El Al, Israel's national airline... even with the constant state of disruption, and unrest, they have not had a hi-jacking or bombing incident for an extended length of time. Why? Security is the most important facet of their operations. That extends completely through their entire operating system... including elite status, and corresponding perks and benefits. We can not afford to do less... if someone disagrees, will they volunteer to ride on each elite flight to guarantee nothing will happen???

- Mark

I just wanted to make a quick comment. Recently, I flew out of Washington DC to London. At the boarding gate, were the now familiar table with a half dozen or so security screeners standing ready to search the carry on luggage of randomly selected passengers. I sat back to watch, interested, as the first and business class passengers were called to board. Not one of these passengers were asked to be screened at the security check. As soon as economy started boarding, there were three or four passengers at the tabble at once, having all of their carry on luggage thoroughly checked. Now, I understand that first and business class passengers pay more for their tickets and therefore expect better service. However, I thought it ironic that most of the terrorists on Sept 11 had bought tickets in first or business class. In any other scenario, this "class" or group of people would be scrutinised even harder than the rest of us. The security measures should be across the board for everyone.

- Jason

I think it is important that we stop thinking of security at the airport as an "inconvenience" and start thinking of this as our new normal, or part of the travel routine much like waiting to board the airplane, walking through long terminals, etc.

As far as preferences in screening... and speaking as a CO Platinum, I am all for express lanes for frequent fliers. I would bet that the express lanes are able to process more people per minute or per hour than the regular lines, just because as frequent travelers we are better prepared for the security routine. We are ready with our laptops out, our IDs, coats are off, pockets are emptied, etc. We are more efficient.

With all due respect to "infrequent fliers" they hold up the lines because they are much less familiar with the process. So why not allow those of us that can comply with the new standards to get through more quickly? Besides, we are doing our part of keep the airlines flying - and that helps our economy!

- John

In my opinion there should be no expedited clearance of someone in First Class or Business Class or Frequent Flyer, etc. So now the terrorists can just purchase a First Class ticket and bypass the usual screening? Is that what is happening? It really is time to go out and buy my own plane.

- Linda

Yeah! The federal government, now that they're in charge and they're charging us for the hassle of going through security, needs to make sure that screeners are properly trained, uniform, and efficient. Getting to the gate shouldn't involve an hour wait for anybody - whether it's the por sod who spent $199 for a cross-country round-trip or me who spends $100,000 annually on travel. If they can't do it with current facilities and staff, then they need more.

- Brian

I too have mixed emotions about an airline's "elite" passengers getting speedier security check through. A few other thoughts are:

CON:
1. If they get speedier, at times others will get slower and why should we miss a flight?
2. We all pay the same surcharge.
3. We all have the right to equal security.
4. The airlines will have less motivation to resolve bottlenecks if their "chosen" customers are not affected as significantly as the rest of us.
5. Priority means running a second system and any variation will mean more chance of a security breech occurring.
6. Airlines are likely to use such priority for those who don't pay much higher prices for tickets: eg family of employees or frequent fliers who are in higher classses not for paying more, but rather due to upgrades given for competitive reasons, and these people don't subsidize the rest of us by paying more dollars.

PRO:
1. If priority is equal, there is less reason for anyone to pay for first class. If a number switch to economy, they will provide less of a subsidy for us economy flyers and economy airfares will have to rise for airlines to survive.
2. First class means priority boarding; they can't be given that if they can't get to the gate before others board.

- MSA

As a frequent flyer, I would say.... in the security lines we are all equal, however, first/business/frequent flyer lines have always been around and have nothing to do with the high security. We check in at the counter then go to the security lines where we are all treated equal,. If I fly 100,000 miles a year versus a 1000 miles a year I would hope to be expedited at the counter by the airline, however, I expect to be screened by the airport through security like everyone else.

- TerJGar