Triangle Trip

We all know that Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the worst airports in the US (see why in our previous post). LAX’s Terminal 7 belongs to United Airlines (UAL) and it has one of the poorest TSA screening process (maybe the Alaska Airlines terminal 3 is worst). LAX Terminal 7 has the longest lines and the TSA checkpoints don’t have enough room for you to unload your laptop and toiletries before the X-Ray machine.

To avoid the normal UAL security line which normally wraps around 3x, make a left after you entered LAX Terminal 7 and take the elevator to the 3rd floor. There’s a TSA security line right after you exit the elevator which no one knows about. The TSA checkpoint is connected to the short term parking garage that offer quick entry from short term parking. Since most people don’t park in short term at LAX before getting on a flight. Unlike the normal LAX Terminal 7 TSA checkpoint which puts you on one end of the gates (70s), this TSA checkpoint is located in between Terminal 7 and Terminal 8. Upon clearing TSA Security, you will be in between the two terminals where you can take a left for the gates 70 to 79 and make a right for gates 80 to 89 (see map below — the blue line is the TSA security checkpoint). Terminal 8 at LAX is not on any map as it is where UAL has its United Express flights. It could be a long walk if you went through the normal TSA checkpoint and have to get to a gate in the 80s.

I was at LAX yesterday (a Friday night). Both lines were extremely long – they had to shut down the normal line and this secret line I am sharing with you were out to the short term parking lot. How could the WORLD’s US’s 6th busiest airport, the US’s second largest city and fourth busiest airport be opearting this way?  … and to add fuel to this fire, there’s still no (Fly) Clear service at LAX. I have not used my Clear membership for the past two months due to lack of Clear locations.

An open letter to our new US Homeland Security Chief, Janet Napolitano:

After using (Fly) Clear for the past three months, I know Clear is not the solution for frequent travelers. Clear does not provide much value aside from letting me skip the security line at a few airports. Clear also has many other issues (check out my previous post).

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) under the Department of Homeland Security must come up with a solution similar to what Dulles is offering to its frequent travelers: Dulles Diamond. Although I have not used the service but I believe in the concept.  TSA need to implement a “Professional Travelers Access Program.”

The “Professional Travelers Access Program” needs to guarantee fast security screening by separating business/frequent travelers from casual travelers. In order to qualify for the ‘Professional Travelers Access Program,’ I believe you must pass the security screening exam. I do not think the Dulles Diamond line has a restriction.

Below are my proposed criteria for anyone to qualify for the “Professional Travelers Access Program:”

1. Demonstrate that you can remove your coat, belt and shoes, unpack your liquids, and take out your laptop for the metal screening device in less than 45 seconds.

2. Walk through the metal detector (with your boarding pass) without beeping or being re-screened.

3. Show the ability to quickly gather your belongings after you’ve passed security in less than 45 seconds.

4. Once you have passed the exam, you will get a special card to be screened at the Professional Travelers Access Program.

5. As a member of Professional Travelers Access Program, you must maintain your ability to quickly get through the security line or the agent will have the right to send you to the normal line with novice travelers.

Most business and frequent travelers can easily pass my proposed test. The frequent travelers are prepared and know what to do before they even get to the airport. It is time for the TSA to understand its customers. TSA must separate the novice travelers from the professionals to speed up the security process during peak travel times – Monday mornings and holidays. The “Professional Travelers Access Program”will streamline the security screening process and improve customer service.

I am offering my services free of charge to the TSA if they need further consultation. I cannot believe Dulles (which we believe is one of the worst airports in the US) already has a similar program implemented. I am curious to hear about the Dulles Diamond successes and failures. Please post your comments if you have used the Dulles Diamond service at Dulles. I also look forward to hearing from someone working at the TSA or the Department of Homeland Security.

Sincerely,

Captain G

As a frequent flyer of United in and out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Terminal 3, here are some hot tips for you:

1.  When flying on a domestic flight out of Terminal 3, you should always go through TSA security checkpoint near Gate 74 and 75. Gate 74 and 75 is located between the domestic and international terminals. It is called out “Boarding Areas” (the bottom red dot) if you refer to the map below.

The Gate 74 and 75 checkpoint is to the left of the Ticketing area, opposite side of the regular boarding area. No one is aware of this security checkpoint as it is geared towards travelers coming from the international terminal or BART. Lines here are always shorter than the Premier lines.

2.  When you are in transit through SFO from domestic to international terminal, the best approach is via the bus interlink. The bus is located near the Yankee Pier restaurant or Gate 72. Referring to the map above, it is the 2nd red dot from the top. You will need to go through a door near the information booth, then down the stairs to the waiting area. The bus comes every 15 minutes or so. Going by bus means you will be able to avoid going out of Terminal 3, taking the Airtrain, and go through security screening at the International terminal.

Try these two tips and let us know your thoughts.