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Highlights
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Secrets of fast airport check-in
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How to avoid the lines
Have you
ever almost missed a flight because you had to wait in line to get your
boarding pass or check bags? Well, if you read this, you will reduce your
chances of missing your flight, and also reduce the time you wait in line.
How? It’s
called the “First Class” line. Have you ever seen the sign that says “First
Class” or “Dividend Preferred” or “Star Alliance Gold” check-in? Have you even
been frustrated that the line you are in is slow and long, while there is no
one in the other line? Well, even if you are not flying first class, or a
member of any of these clubs, just pretend you are! That is, nearly all of the
time, these lines are empty. Most people follow directions. But I am not flying first class some will say! That’s fine, but the fact
is, if you simply go through that line, which is nearly empty, you can save
yourself a lot of time. Here are the steps: - Step 1:
Enter the line with confidence
- Step 2:
Approach the agent (who is checking your ID). Most of the time (but not all),
she will ask, are you flying “first class.” You can respond by saying either “Yes”
or “No, I am actually a member of the [Star Alliance Global Elite Preferred
Dividend Club].” You then smile. The agent then looks at you and will waive you
through to the next available agent. Note – in the event the agent challenges
you, you simply say “I will speak to the reservation agent directly thank you.”
There is nothing the agent can do anyway, as you do not have your first class
ticket yet. And perhaps you have just decided to upgrade to first class, which
is why you are standing in the First Class or Star Alliance Gold line!
- Step 3:
Provide you ID to the reservation agent. Note – most of the time, the
reservation will not even ask you if you are flying first class, as the agent
does not even know you came from the first class line! In the event he/she
does, then you simply say that (i) you are a Star Alliance Gold (or equivalent
member} or (ii) are simply in a rush!
Give it a
try! And please, do NOT tell anyone else! |
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Leave a Comment
SquarePants at 9:22pm on Jan. 29, 2008
about 1 year ago
OK, so as two prefaces: First, my wife says I'm honest to a fault. The other is that I'm AA Executive Platinum and flew 175-200K miles last year. People like me learn the system because we want to minimize our time at check-in and security lines so we can relax in some lounge or waiting area. I don't know when your tactic is used, but both AA, UA, Southwest, and many other airlines now have advance check-in online 24 hours in advance for boarding passes. Also, people can use the self-check machines in lieu of agents (it's usually shorter lines but I think people are beginning to get it now) and you can check bags there as well. If someone is close to missing a flight because of waiting in line to check-in or baggage, then someone didn't allow enough time. I have friends like that, and they do indeed miss flights. Over about 3 million miles of flight time, I haven't missed a single flight. I haven't had to game the system. It's just not worth getting stressed out over travel. Reply...
Michael Neril at 2:30pm on Jan. 30, 2008
That's a good point. I have not learned to give myself ample time prior to the flight to make the entire travel experience less stressful. Did you sign up for the TSA biometric (Clearpass?) program? Reply...
SquarePants at 6:05pm on Jan. 30, 2008
Nope, I haven't done ClearPass. Because of my AAdvantage status, I can use the priority security lines at SFO and SJC which has been good enough. Domestically, I was primarily flying into Boston and Boston doesn't use ClearPass. ClearPass currently only operates in 16 airports in the US. Internationally, every country seems to have its own unique system. What will it be -- iris, face or fingers? Whose technology? It's like the Beta/VHS dilemma again but, hey, countries cooperate so well on things, right?. It was then I realized that my best option was either to become a diplomat or flight crew. Reply...
p-diddy at 3:25pm on Dec. 12, 2007
about 1 year ago
i love spongefish! when my wife tells me that i really dont know anything about anything, i can know say, that i have a place where i can share everything i know about nothing and other people can also get a chance to be exposed to my lack of knowledge on just about anything. so, yes, if my wofe doesnt listen to me, spongefish will! Reply...
Michael Neril at 10:50pm on Dec. 12, 2007
Awesome. That's the goal of SpongeFish -- we are creating a place where people are recognized (and rewarded) for what they know. EVERYONE has kernel of knowledge -- special skills, talents and advice that is of value other people! Reply...
p-diddy at 4:15pm on Dec. 11, 2007
about 1 year ago
michael, good tips. i happen to be at o'hare right now, with a delay due to weather. surprise! i happened to be flying first class and i can confirm that the lines were empty. even when i'm not flying first class, i tend to feel entitled to first class treatment and strut my way through the first class line - its amazing how an assumed impramateur can get one through - if asked if i'm first class (and if im not flying first class and if i dont have elite status on an airline), i usually just look shocked at even being asked and say "what do you think?" that way, i'm not really being dishonest - im just not answering the question. guilt free and line free. keep the faith.... Reply...
Michael Neril at 7:36pm on Dec. 11, 2007
Nice p-diddy!! That's a good tip as well -- acting shocked and offended. How do you like SpongeFish? Reply...
Cally at 9:31pm on Sep. 24, 2007
over 2 years ago
Man, this is a great idea. Airport lines are a pain, and I bet you don't get picked for the extra security checks! I'll let you know if it works for me. Reply...
Michael Neril at 9:20pm on Sep. 23, 2007
over 2 years ago
I agree with the grocery line but the airport check in line is fair game in my book. Reply...
ilse72 at 3:11pm on Sep. 23, 2007
over 2 years ago
I am an honest soul and would never do this. I don't even enter the lanes at the grocery store that say 10 items or less if I have more than 10 items. To each their own.... Reply...
Michael Neril at 9:44pm on Sep. 17, 2007
over 2 years ago
It works every time! Reply...
Frank at 1:45am on Sep. 17, 2007
over 2 years ago
Hahah... Should try this out sometime... will let you know if it works Reply...
Nathan at 3:11pm on Aug. 29, 2007
over 2 years ago
I agree, they always have some agent doing nothing and just waiting around to serve the occasional first class passenger. Why not utilize their talent :) Reply...
Michael Neril at 6:54am on Aug. 28, 2007
over 2 years ago
I would disagree -- if there is no one waiting in that line, and there is an agent just sitting in that line reading her book (which is usually the case), and yo are about to miss your flight, then why not? In the event there are other people in that line, and you have time, then I would agree. Reply...