sardcft

My partner and I have used the "Premium Passenger Security Line" at least a dozen times since it was instituted. It's a life saver, as I bet many on FT know. If I had to use the regular line, I'd do anything to avoid Dulles (heck, I'm almost there now, even with the shorter line!).

Anyway, on a flight last week in which we were both in Y , I went through the initial 'can you use this line' checkpoint, flashing my 1p card, with no problem. When my partner (who has no status, poor guy) came behind me, I said 'he's traveling with me,' as I've done many times before, expecting him to be waved through. This time however, the Lord of the Premium Security Line, said "No! Wives and children only." I'll spare you the argument that ensued. Basically, we stayed calm, remained insistent and demanded to see a supervisor before we'd budge. Eventually, he gave in, shoving my partner's boarding pass at him without further comment.

We're returning to Dulles this Monday. I'm thinking of seeking out 'someone in authority' over these people to discuss this situation. Yes, we got through eventually, but I really, really don't want to confront this situation on some future flight with much tighter time issues. (and of course, as a community service to all my FT friends out there!

I've searched the IAD website and FT for anything 'official' on who can use this line, but haven't found a thing. Do any FT'ers know if there's an official policy? Any advice on who at IAD I should talk to? (I know, for instance, that these folks don't work for TSA, but for the airlines). On the Dulles 'contact us' page, there's no logical entity listed to bring this up with.

bmvaughn

I always thought that one was allowed a travelling companion through Security. A few times I've accompanied a 1K colleague through Security in Seattle, and they seemed to feel that it was a standard thing... we just handed the BPs together.

joshua-bwi

I am assuming that the reference to your "partner" is your same-sex partner so my reply will be based upon that assumption...

When I an confronted with the situation that you are in I refer to my partner as my spouse or my husband. Although it might throw off some narrow minded people, it generally gets the point across. (That being said, we are getting married today in YVR so when I refer to him as my spouse and/or husband from now on, it will be the actual truth!!!).

noirpepper

I have had no problems taking my gf, co-worker, friend, family as long as I am taking one companion through the premium line. May be the agent at IAD had a bad day that day. well, good luck on your next trip(s)!

rjque

Sounds like an agent with an agenda. A letter is most certainly in order, though I don't know if it should go to UA or the authority that runs Dulles.

planeluvr

Congratulations!!!

Clarkcc1

Since the Premium Passenger screening at IAD is labeled just that, with no branding elements of any airline, I'd definitely aim it at Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) which runs both DCA and IAD. Perhaps UA could influence MWAA, but they aren't responsible or in direct control of this situation.

Good luck, that was a messed up situation. I fly with my dad out of IAD a couple times a year, he has no status. I would go ballistic if I was told "wife and kids only!" - well, I'm HIS kid but I'm the one with status lol

ChicagoPlanesTrains

Took my brother with me 11/5 with no issue... Must have been an agent not in their "happy place."

gre

I find that the "premium/elite pax" line at most any airport is rather flexible. I suspect that the "rules" are whatever they say they are. For example, at LAS the line says "First Class" (when it's marked at all). I say BS and use it anyway. I've never been turned away. At FRA I use the "Business" line (because I'm entitled to use Business check-in). And again, I've never been turned away.

I think the best advice is to use the Cesar Milan act-like-the-pack-leader approach.

danville 1K

Like many things with the TSA they seem to make up the rules as they go along.

A little OT but I recently had my computer bag completely emptied (literally every item in the bag) when going through security in the International Terminal at SFO. My offense? Having something with a 9 volt battery in my bag. The agent told me this was SOP and that I'd experience the same thing each time I went through security unless I got rid of the item. Of course he couldn't explain why I hadn't had the problem in my prior 100 times through security. And for what its worth, I still have the object and haven't a problem since, even at SFO.

Go figure.

Portolan

The entry guards for the premium security lines aren't TSA, nor UA, nor any airlines. They are generic airport employees (used to be Wagonhut {sp?}) at Dulles, but the contract might have changed.

If you want to complain to someone, it should be the airport authority.

BTW, I've never had a travelling companion (usually other males...so no assumption of spousehood) blocked at Dulles when I've told the gate guard that we were travelling together.

mahasamatman

Screenings at SFO are done by a privately contracted company. They always make up their own rules, like during the time when they were the only airport in the country forcing people to remove shoes (even though TSA said they couldn't do that).

jayhawk

I fly out of SFO very frequently. When did they cease the policy of shoe removal? As of 10/27 they had not.

rjque

They never ceased the policy of shoe removal.

iluv2fly

Since this thread deals with the security line, not the check-in line, I am going to move this to Travel Safety/Security where the usual suspects can weigh in.

iluv2fly
Moderator, UA