Zipping Through Security Checkpoints at Airports

Several airlines are putting their frequent fliers in the fast lane for security screening. American, Delta, Northwest and United have recently set up separate, expedited lines at some airport security checkpoints limited to certain frequent fliers or business- or first-class customers. Who gets in varies by airline and airport.

United, for instance, operates the expedited lines at Los Angeles, San Francisco and O’Hare (Chicago) international airports, said spokesman Chris Brathwaite. At the first two, you must be a first-class or full-fare business-class passenger or a frequent flier who logs at least 50,000 miles or 60 paid segments per year to qualify. O’Hare has similar rules, except its cutoff for frequent fliers is only 25,000 miles or 30 paid segments.

Northwest, as of last month, operated the special lines in Los Angeles, Seattle, O’Hare, Detroit, Minneapolis and Memphis, Tenn. They’re open to first-class and business-class passengers and frequent fliers who travel at least 50,000 miles per year in the program.