Business class security queue in Qantas terminal SYD

[Newtownian]

I was rushing to get a flight last week at SYD terminal 3 and of course approached the shortest security line only to be asked by a Qantas employee if I was flying business class. No I replied, to which I was told that this short queue was only for business class passengers and I would have to line up in the much longer queue next to it.
Two thoughts occur to me: Qantas doesn't pay for airport security, the Australian taxpayer does; Qantas doesn't own the terminal, Sydney Airport Corp does. So on what grounds does Qantas unilaterally have the right to create a second tier of security for some of its customers and not others? After all both business and economy class passengers travel on the same plane and it is in the interests of all of us that security is quick and efficient.

 

[Homer]

Actually I understand that Qantas owns T3 and I think they fund the security arrangements, at least indirectly, as is the case with other airlines.

 

[JetLagged]

There are a number of factual errors in your post, Newtonian.

1. Security (apart from Federal Police presence and, of course, Customs at T1) is provided by Sydney Airport Corporation Limited (SACL)Sydney Airport Corporatioon Limited, which has been the case since the airports were privatised in 2002 on a 99 year lease. Southern Cross Airports Corporation Holdings Limited (SCACH) is the ultimate parent company of SACL, which is controlled by a number of entities including Macquarier Aiports.
2. Each airline enters into a lease agreement for their part of the terminal, with Sydney being Qantas's major hub. Each airline - including Virgin, Tiger etc, are able to set their own check-in and security arrangements. Qantas actually owns its hangar facilities, which was one of the incentives for the fortunately defunct take-over bid.

Just because you were rushing for a flight (i.e. suggesting you had arrived at the airport later than you were supposed to, did not give you the automatic right to make use of priority lines. Qantas, and Virgin with their new Business Class, are entitled to make arraangements for the people who give them more revenue by purcahsing higher grade seats.

Moral of this story: pay up to speed through! (or, get to the airport earlier!)

 

[JetLagged]

Actually I understand that Qantas owns T2 and I think they fund the security arrangements, at least indirectly, as is the case with other airlines.

Homer, thanks - I thought this was the case but wasn't 100% sure when I posted my own reply!

 

[Homer]

Homer, thanks - I thought this was the case but wasn't 100% sure when I posted my own reply!

And of course I meant to write “T3”, not “T2”. I’ve fixed that now...

 

[NM]

As the airlines that use the terminals pay (directly or indirectly makes little difference) for facilities including the security screening, they do have the right to determine things like how many check-points are present, how many are active at any point in time, and which passengers are able to use any particular check-point. This is no different to check-in desks, service desks, ticketing counters, baggage reclaims etc.

 

[nlagalle]

Two thoughts occur to me: Qantas doesn't pay for airport security, the Australian taxpayer does; Qantas doesn't own the terminal, Sydney Airport Corp does. So on what grounds does Qantas unilaterally have the right to create a second tier of security for some of its customers and not others? After all both business and economy class passengers travel on the same plane and it is in the interests of all of us that security is quick and efficient.

The priority screening has been around for a few months for Business Class, Gold and platinum fliers.

And I am pretty sure that security is paid for by the pax in their ticket too.

 

[Newtownian]

Security (apart from Federal Police presence and, of course, Customs at T1) is provided by Sydney Airport Corporation Limited

Moral of this story: pay up to speed through! (or, get to the airport earlier!)

Thanks for the clarification. I'm now rather concerned that a private corporation provides airline security and not a government agency (didn't this go badly wrong in the US about 10 years ago).

PS I was actually rushing because it took some time to figure out how to use all their new self serve technology and there wasn't a soul about to ask for guidance. It seems to me that most of the people in short haul business class don't actually pay for their own airfares and as I don't have that advantage I will endeavour to become a better customer.

 

[straitman]

Newtownian,

Welcome to AFF.

 

[munitalP]

[*]Security (apart from Federal Police presence and, of course, Customs at T1) is provided by Sydney Airport Corporation Limited

Moral of this story: pay up to speed through! (or, get to the airport earlier!)

Thanks for the clarification. I'm now rather concerned that a private corporation provides airline security and not a government agency (didn't this go badly wrong in the US about 10 years ago).

PS I was actually rushing because it took some time to figure out how to use all their new self serve technology and there wasn't a soul about to ask for guidance. It seems to me that most of the people in short haul business class don't actually pay for their own airfares and as I don't have that advantage I will endeavour to become a better customer.

I seldom fly short haul business class or medium haul business class company funded. The comments passed seem a little harsh, but the bread and butter revenue for QF (and DJ) is the weekly/bi/tri flyer, who chances are will be Platinum and whether or not its self funded or company funded is irreverent. My nephew recently commented to me that "I was so lucky with all the travel and everything else my life has" - my answer was he should have stayed at school longer...!

The fact some have privilege to clear security faster than others is an earned privilege, and regardless of the jaded outlook of others, the ones who have that privilege, and the other "perks" (for want of a better term) are earned and deserved.

By the way, welcome to AFF. We are all critics here (in the nicest possible way)

munitalP

 

[nlagalle]

Thanks for the clarification. I'm now rather concerned that a private corporation provides airline security and not a government agency (didn't this go badly wrong in the US about 10 years ago).

PS I was actually rushing because it took some time to figure out how to use all their new self serve technology and there wasn't a soul about to ask for guidance. It seems to me that most of the people in short haul business class don't actually pay for their own airfares and as I don't have that advantage I will endeavour to become a better customer.

AFAIK private security have been looking after screening points for at least 10 years. AFP still handle security overall, but don't sit at the X-ray machine.

 

[djfuzz]

Welcome Newtonian.

It's also worth noting that the priority security lanes are not always faster than the regular ones, despite the intent - and I've rarely ever seen them used outside of 'peak' hours, even when things get a little busier. So you're not missing out on much, and at best you wouldn't have gained all that much time anyway.

If you're in a bind, I've almost always been able to get through more quickly at the second checkpoint to the far left of the terminal, though it does have a more sensitive scanner.

 

[NM]

Thanks for the clarification. I'm now rather concerned that a private corporation provides airline security and not a government agency (didn't this go badly wrong in the US about 10 years ago).

While it may be implemented by a private company and paid/funded by another, the operations standards are defined and monitored by the appropriate agency.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

I was rushing to get a flight last week at SYD terminal 3 and of course approached the shortest security line only to be asked by a Qantas employee if I was flying business class. No I replied, to which I was told that this short queue was only for business class passengers and I would have to line up in the much longer queue next to it.

Think of the business class line like this - it's a brand new line to help high-revenue passengers get through faster. When you are paying a premium on your ticket, you too can enjoy the exclusivity of using the short line...

I'm quite happy when QF enforce these lines as it adds value to gold/plat/biz flyers.

 

[yohy?!]

"Our goal should be a society without classes!!" - Elaine Benes, 'Seinfeld' being escorted out of First Class

My fav Seinfeld ep popped up on the Live2Air last weekend

 

[Heleigh]

Welcome Newtownian

I've been paying J tkts for over 11 years and IMO it is at least 10 years late and am now waiting for two lane boarding like most other countries. Yes - they do have children, disable and J/WP boarding first on some flights but prefer to walk on rather than waiting behind everyone.

I feel the prices I'm paying entitle me that privilege.

 

[Aenveigh]

and am now waiting for two lane boarding like most other countries. Yes - they do have children, disable and J/WP boarding first on some flights but prefer to walk on rather than waiting behind everyone.

Not to mention calling J/WP first is kind of pointless, since most or all will be in the lounge, and only arrive at the gate after general boarding has already commenced.

I was surprised in the recent Canberra renovations that it doesn'tlook like capacity for dual-lane boarding (ie scanners on both sides of the gate) was installed. Although most of the time there you'd just end up with two equally full lines...

 

[lindapsych]

I understand their position, they are trying to give their higher fare paying passengers exclusivity. However, its probably the same as if your checking in at the counter and your flight is due to close you can go to Business or Priority to check in even if your not travelling that class.

I must say that one of the subjects I hear over and over with other flyers is that having a Q.Club membership used to give some benefits, even if you were at the initial level - but there appear to be too many changes and its frustrating as why bother.........what benefits other than the lounge do we really get.

 

[UP4014]

As the airlines that use the terminals pay (directly or indirectly makes little difference) for facilities including the security screening, they do have the right to determine things like how many check-points are present, how many are active at any point in time, and which passengers are able to use any particular check-point. This is no different to check-in desks, service desks, ticketing counters, baggage reclaims etc.

Minor thing, but the passengers that use the terminals pay. :shock:

 

[UP4014]

Welcome Newtownian

I've been paying J tkts for over 11 years and IMO it is at least 10 years late and am now waiting for two lane boarding like most other countries. Yes - they do have children, disable and J/WP boarding first on some flights but prefer to walk on rather than waiting behind everyone.

I feel the prices I'm paying entitle me that privilege.

When sitting up the front, I always prefer to walk on last, don't have anyone going past and not sitting there waiting enjoying the exciting view of the seat in front (or plastic wall).

But of course on 747 getting on first and turning left into a coughtail party is a priority.