Wait times for security at US Airports...

[claassenam]

Also, to Obrien's point, yes, I have seen (and used) the First/Business class security lanes as often as possible. United has an entire additional check-in terminal at LAX for First/Business/Premier status users that does save quite a bit of time. It isn't advertised very well, so it's even quieter. Even our local Orange County airport has a separate line for First/Business/Elite frequent fliers. This is always a great way to go if you can swing it! Although, as you say, you will still encounter the slow and clueless travelers regardless....

[travel2fun]

claassenam, since you live in southern CA, you can understand a correlation between TSA lines and traveling on the 405. All it takes is one or two minor incidents to cause slowing, followed by stop & go, followed by stop, followed by frustration and lane changing, etc., etc. I have elite status with a couple of carriers and even those lines get overwhelmed by volume at times. Waiting and long lines is a fact for air travel today!

[kyshel]

Just squeaked in and out of DCA today from CVG to get Brasilian visas. 8 am check at CVG took 17 mins from end of short queue to putting on shoes.
DCA fared much better but it was 1:30 pm (cutting it close for the 1:55 back home) at a record 1 minute--no line--just fill a bin, wait 30 seconds, shoe myself and go. That was pretty amusing. I made it to the gate with 15 mins to spare--pretty amazing!

PS--anyone planning to go to Brasil--they seldom give the 5 yr duration visa (multi entry) now. No more one-day service (4 is best if you drop and pick up). Price jumped from $100 to $130 on Jan 2 and they are very restrictive--no Fedex allowed--only USPS money orders--must have copies of paid tickets (a bit different for us as airline pass riders) or proof of bank account to travel by land. etc etc etc. The staff @ DC is quite nice--very accommodating to take cash for the difference in price--usually they do NOT. But after speaking with a friend at professional passport services company--avoid the Houston embassy if possible.
Should I split this post to a different thread?

[omegaet]

claassenam, we just came back from several days of business travel (LAX, ORD, BOS, ATL & FLL). Seemed like the average wait times at TSA depending on the time of day. Don't think it was more than 30 minutes from the entry door to any of the lounges and gates....usedan elite line once....all domestic travel. The usual cast of characters were in line!



Will be using MIA in two weeks for a long haul international flight and we typically plan on two hours before departure time, even though it isscheduled for 11:00 PM departure.

[kyshel]

Omegaet--welcome back--for now--off again when you're ready, right?
The TSA numbers begin once you queue or enter their line--not the airport entry--so it doesn't matter what else you do with check in --regardless of class distinctions--it's the total TSA time--not the airline/airport time--lounges notwithstanding--TSA doesn't count them as part of their procedure--so it's moot. Stats are point to point with TSA.

[omegaet]

kyshel....WOW....so we actually made pretty good time (using TSA numbers). Thanks for getting me squared away on that one!

[kyshel]

All the numbers look a lot better that way, don't they?!! I was in with the masses, too--bet you can't beat one minute! May all your security lines be swift and efficient!

Message Edited by kyshel on 01-11-2008 09:30 AM

[omegaet]

kyshel....and doesn'tthe "Big Triangle"(and everyone else) use a similar approach in dealing with departure and arrival times?

[lhbrown]

Hi,
I just made Gold Status with AA and was able to check in at First/Business class and avoided the line. We just breezed through security in Tampa, FL. no check for the little 3oz bottles in zip-lock bags. We used the extra time at the Priority Club lounge in Tampa. We arrived in FWD on time, but since we were just transferring to AA flight to Paris there was no additional security check. Again we had ample time to use the Admiral's Club while we waited for our flight to Paris. AA flight to Paris was on time - no problems on this trip - except it is cold and raining in Paris at the moment.

[kyshel]

Priority passenger stats are not included in TSA numbers.