Inside Secret for SFO Travelers Flying United Airlines

If you travel domestic routes on United Airlines (Terminal 3) through San Francisco Airport, did you know you can access International security lines (G gates), instead of the long and congested ones in the domestic terminal? It's true! This is particularly beneficial for those riding BART to SFO or getting dropped off - without bags to check, because it means you can immediately clear security upon arriving at the airport. Plus, the international terminal is just an enjoyable, peaceful place to relax, with improved dining options, compared to terminal 3. If you have bags to check you still need to complete that at the domestic terminal, and therefore using international security checkpoint will probably not be beneficial.

A new walkway opened at SFO last December allows passengers to freely walk between International Terminal G to Domestic Terminal 3 - post security.

TSA Ends Clear Airport Security Program

On Twitter @ inFLIGHTout: TSA's Clear program for travelers abruptly ends.

Security Checkpoint. Friday Fun

TSA To Relax Liquid Ban in 2009

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to relax current restrictions on carrying liquids through airport screening checkpoints within a year, said TSA chief Kip Hawley in a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal.

“We are within a year of having the ability to differentiate threat liquids through the screening process,” said Hawley. Although several X-Ray machines are available to detect such liquids, the software to evaluate detected liquids is still being tested.

TSA has not said specifically how the anticipated ease of restrictions will benefit travelers. One possibility is larger volumes of liquids, such as a full water bottle, may be initially permitted through checkpoints, as long as it is scanned separately from bags. Later, the hope is passengers will not need to remove liquids from bags, a common frustration for air travelers.

Southwest Introduces Priority Security Lanes At Select Airports

Southwest Airlines will soon introduce priority security lane access for its Business Select and Rapid Reward A-List Customers at select airports.

Later this month, the airline will implement the lanes branded “Fly By” at the following locations: Baltimore/Washington International, Dallas Love Field, Phoenix Sky Harbor International, Orange County John Wayne, Denver International, San Francisco International, and Los Angeles International. Southwest plans to add additional airports to the Fly By rollout starting in November 2008, continuing to implement the priority security lane program throughout its system on an airport by airport basis.

Southwest Customers can take advantage of Southwest’s Fly By Security Lanes by presenting an A-List identification card or by presenting a Business Select boarding pass. A-List status applies to Rapid Rewards Members who fly 16 qualifying roundtrips in 12 months, while Business Select fares are usually more costly than regular fares, but come ticket flexibility and a few other perks.

In a press release, Kevin Krone, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Distribution said, “We believe that our Customers will appreciate the added benefit priority security lanes will provide. Expediting passengers through security is just one example of how Southwest is enhancing the Customer experience by offering added convenience for seasoned travelers.”

TSA to allow laptops to stay in approved bags

A constant annoyance for travelers passing through airport security is the requirement to remove their laptop computer and place it in a separate bin for screening. It sounds like a simple task, but in particular for business travelers often traveling each week, the repetitive nature of the required task becomes a constant nuisance.

Even those traveling without laptops are affected, as the special laptop screening results in longer security security lines.

Changes are in the works.

After receiving responses from over 60 manufacturers of laptop computer bags, TSA has decided on particular "checkpoint friendly" laptop bags, which provide a clear, unobstructed view of the laptop computer as it passes through the X-ray machine.

"Checkpoint friendly" bags must have a dedicated laptop-only section (see illustration above)which unfolds to lie flat on the X-ray machine belt, contains no metal snaps, zippers, buckles or pockets.

The new rules go into effect on August 16th are expected to streamline the security checkpoint process.

What is the 'Clear' Registered Traveler Program?

(Thanks for the question Kathy)
For about $100 a year, you can "fly through airport security" as the Clear company tagline asserts, once you've signed up in the Clear Registered Traveler program.

The application process includes providing biographic information, fingerprints, a current photograph and images of your irises to the federal government. There is a $100 annual fee for the membership if approved, and a $28 TSA background check fee.

Once approved in the program, the "Clear" card (pictured to the left) allows you to get through security faster, often in just a few minutes, using dedicated "Clear" lanes. A thumbprint or retina scan are performed, and matched to the data you provided during the application process.

Once you receive the 'Clear' you then proceed to a metal detector and x-ray machine. The program is currently available at 13 airports throughout the United States, including San Francisco, San Jose and coming soon to Oakland.

Reviews have been mixed. Some travelers claim the Clear program and expedited line saved them from missing flights. Imagine bypassing lengthy lines, particularly during peak travel periods! Others claim $100 isn't worth the fee since the same security checkpoint procedures are in place, namely the x-ray and metal detector screening. Further, as more airports adopt the Clear program, it may become too popular, thereby diluting the original intended benefit of short lines.

For more information on the Clear program, click here

Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond and Platinum members may be entitled to one-year of free membership. For details, click here.