Faster airport security plan started Friday

Historic City News has learned that St. Johns County passengers traveling through Jacksonville International Airport will find it a bit easier, and faster, to clear airport security since last Friday — if they fall into one of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority’s “preferred customer” categories.

The Aviation Authority says about 15 percent of all departing travelers fall into one of these categories; including members of the major airlines preferred or elite flight programs as well as most first class and business class passengers.

“The separation of frequent flyers from less experienced travelers will benefit both groups and make the screening process more efficient,” said Michael Stewart, Aviation Authority Director of External Affairs.

JIA will establish a new expedited security lane at the airport’s security checkpoint for the following preferred travelers:

• Air Tran Holdings Inc.:
Elite, Business Class

• American Airlines/Eagle:
Priority, access, AAvantage, Gold, Executive Platinum, Platinum and AAirpass

• Continental Airlines Inc. :
EliteAccess, Star Gold, Silver/Star Silver and Platinum/Star Gold

• Delta Air Lines Inc.:
Sky Priority, Gold/Elite, Silver/Elite and Platinum/ElitePlus

• Southwest Airlines Co.:
A-List, Fly By Security and Business Select

• United Airlines:
Premier, Premier Exec *K (* denote miles), Global Service and Premier Executive

• US Airways:
Silver, Star Gold, Gold and Platinum

Photo credits: © 2010 Historic City News contributed photographs by Jacksonville Aviation Authority