United Airlines will speed up security check — for a price

Would you pay $25 or more for faster check-in, security checks and boarding?

Under United Airlines’ new Premier Line program, passengers who pay a fee get the same priority access that elite-level frequent fliers and those in first and business class get for free. That includes shorter lines at check-in and security, plus early boarding. The program so far is available in Los Angeles (LAX), Orange County (SNA), San Diego (SAN) and San Francisco (SFO), and 10 other major U.S. airports.

Pluses: You could save time, especially if you would otherwise would languish in lines with hundreds of less privileged fliers.

Minuses: It’s yet another fee, on top of charges for checked bags, decent legroom, food and more. What’s next? Selling seating rights in the gate area?

While the fee is nonrefundable, United doesn’t guarantee wait times or even that you’ll make your flight. As for what you’ll pay, take a guess: $25 is the starting rate, United says. And it’s charged per person, not per traveling party.

My verdict: Premium Line may be worth it for holiday travel, when lines are long and you’re apt to be caught behind a family of five pushing two strollers, Christmas elves bearing gifts and other slow-moving people. It’s less worthwhile for off-peak flying, when you may quickly navigate check-in and security anyway.

The 411: Your Premium Line fee appears to be good only one way, so you’ll need to pay two fees for a round-trip flight. You can pay online or at a check-in kiosk. Availability is limited. For details and FAQs, visit United’s website.

— Jane Engle, assistant Los Angeles Times Travel editor
[Photo: United passengers in line at Chicago's O'Hare airport. Credit: Tim Boyle / Bloomberg News]

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This entry was posted on Monday, December 8, 2008 at 4:15 pm by Jane Engle and is filed under Airline travel, Business Travel, Frequent Flier, Los Angeles, Luxury Travel, News, Tips & Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.