In September, American Airlines unveiled “Priority AAccess,” offering members of its AAdvantage elite program their own lanes at the ticket counter, through security, and at the boarding gate. The funny thing is, AAdvantage members already enjoyed this perk. What has actually changed? Signs. Quoting from a correspondence with AA Corporate Communications, “The changes noticeable at the airport include signs designating the PriorityAAccess line at the ticket counter and at the security checkpoint where applicable.”
Like American, all the major carriers have priority access plans for their elite members ... and maybe someday they’ll all have signs! But now that the caste system begins at check-in, it’s more evident that joining the elite is essential to getting even the most modest amenities in air travel, while non-elites face less convenience and more fees.
American’s announcement made us curious about how elite priority-access programs compare among the legacy carriers, so the FCF research department dug in to provide the wealth of information that follows.
American: Along with AAdvantage elites, Priority AAccess is offered to all elite Oneworld members, AAirpass holders and First Class, Business Class, and full-fare economy ticket holders. Also, elite members’ traveling companions named on the same reservation are entitled to elite status. Other elite perks include preferred seating and baggage fee exemptions.
Continental: “EliteAccess” was introduced in 2003 as the first program of its kind, so the airline claims. Most notable among the benefits is EliteAccess Baggage Handling (for Elite Plus SkyTeam members only), which promises that those bags will come down the chute first. The carrier also offers a “no middle seat” guarantee.
Delta: Nothing if not consistent, Delta’s elite ground services are as weak as its mileage program. A separate security lane is offered only on a trial basis, during peak times, in select cities, for Platinum Medallion, Gold Medallion, and Crown Room Club members, and First, Business, and BusinessElite Class passengers. Up to three free bags for Medallion members and First/Business Class passengers. Preferred seating is offered to Elite members.
Northwest: Offers Express Security Checkpoint (priority screening) for Gold and Platinum elites only. EliteAccess baggage handling is available for Elite Plus SkyTeam members only. Normal baggage fees are waived and there is access to Coach Choice seating (exit row, aisle, and window seats) 24 hours prior to departure. A traveling companion on the same reservation shares the member’s elite status.
United: There is priority baggage handling; baggage fees are waived. Elite members have access to United Economy Plus seating (five more inches of legroom). For customers who do not hold elite status, there is an extra cost for upgrading to this section. An elite member’s traveling companion (on the same reservation) shares elite status.
US Airways: Elite members are eligible for Reserve Choice seats (also known as exit row and bulkhead seats) and priority baggage handling. Baggage fees are waived for all elite members and everyone on the same reservation; Star Alliance Silver and Gold members are also entitled to the fee waiver.
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Alliance Partner Status-Level Requirements
SkyTeam: SkyTeam Elite Plus status is required to get priority access benefits on partner airlines. That translates to SkyMiles Platinum Medallion on Delta, WorldPerks Platinum Elite on Northwest, and OnePass Platinum on Continental.Star Alliance: Star Alliance Gold status is required to get priority access benefits on partner airlines. That means Premier Executive and 1K (or higher) on United: Gold, Platinum and Chairman’s Preferred on US Airways.
In September, American Airlines unveiled “Priority AAccess,” offering members of its AAdvantage elite program their own lanes at the ticket counter, through security, and at the boarding gate. The funny thing is, AAdvantage members already enjoyed this perk. What has actually changed? Signs. Quoting from a correspondence with AA Corporate Communications, “The changes noticeable at the airport include signs designating the PriorityAAccess line at the ticket counter and at the security checkpoint where applicable.”
Like American, all the major carriers have priority access plans for their elite members ... and maybe someday they’ll all have signs! But now that the caste system begins at check-in, it’s more evident that joining the elite is essential to getting even the most modest amenities in air travel, while non-elites face less convenience and more fees.
American’s announcement made us curious about how elite priority-access programs compare among the legacy carriers, so the FCF research department dug in to provide the wealth of information that follows.
American: Along with AAdvantage elites, Priority AAccess is offered to all elite Oneworld members, AAirpass holders and First Class, Business Class, and full-fare economy ticket holders. Also, elite members’ traveling companions named on the same reservation are entitled...