Jetblue Priority Security: Which Airports Offer This?

JetBlue Airways offers priority security access at select airports across the United States. The Even More Speed program, available at 15 airports, provides expedited security screening for passengers with specific tickets or seating upgrades. This initiative aims to enhance the travel experience, particularly for business travellers, by reducing wait times at security checkpoints. However, the effectiveness of this perk has been questioned by some passengers who shared their experiences at airports like JFK International Airport, where priority security lines did not significantly reduce their processing time.

JetBlue's Mint business class includes priority security

While priority security is a nice perk for business-class travellers, some customers have reported that it doesn't significantly reduce the time spent in security lines. The efficiency of priority security is dependent on the number of travellers at a given time, and it may not always be faster than regular security. However, it could be beneficial on slower travel days.

One customer who flew on JetBlue's Mint business class shared their experience, stating that while the in-flight perks were impressive, the priority security process was underwhelming. They didn't find it to be much faster than regular security and didn't plan on paying for it again. Another customer at JFK International Airport in New York had a similar experience, finding that the priority security line was only slightly shorter than the regular queue.

Despite some mixed reviews, JetBlue's priority security can still be advantageous, especially for business travellers. It is part of the airline's initiative to cater to this segment, offering perks typically associated with elite programs or first-class tickets. With JetBlue, customers can access priority lines without needing elite status or purchasing a premium ticket.

Priority security at JFK International Airport

At New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Terminal 1 is considered the worst terminal, with long lines and overcrowding, especially during rush hour. The standard wait time at TSA can be over 60 minutes. TSA PreCheck and Clear are faster options, but they are still not as efficient as the VIP One priority service.

VIP One is a service that allows passengers to skip the security line at JFK's Terminal 1. It offers three packages: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The Silver package costs $45 before tax and includes VIP fast-track security. Children under 12 are included in the service fee. The Gold package costs $100, and the Platinum package costs $200; both include a personal escort from arrival at the airport to the gate, in addition to VIP fast-track security. If you are flying first class on Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, or Lufthansa, you will get access to the Silver package for free.

The JetBlue terminal's TSA line is generally shorter than the typical wait time at JFK, with a maximum wait time of 15-20 minutes. However, there is no dedicated TSA PreCheck lane at the terminal.

At JFK, there are three different TSA security entrances for passengers: one for regular passengers, one for precheck, and one for expedited security, which leads to the regular line.

Ft Lauderdale airport's security lines

Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving over a million passengers annually. Due to the high traffic, TSA security wait times can vary depending on the time, day, and season. However, there are ways to minimise the time spent in line. Firstly, it is recommended to arrive at the airport early to allow enough time for security screenings. Additionally, passengers can enrol in the TSA PreCheck program, which allows approved travellers to expedite their security screening process. With TSA PreCheck, passengers can keep their shoes, belt, and light jacket on and leave their laptop and liquids in their bag. This can significantly reduce wait times.

FLL Airport consists of four terminals, each with its own layout and security arrangements. Terminal 2 is located at the northwest end of the airport and has one concourse with nine gates, numbered D1 to D9. Departures are on level 2, with one security checkpoint, and arrivals are on level 1. Terminal 3 is at the far west end of the airport and consists of two concourses, E and F, with a total of 20 gates. Departures are again on level 2, but with two security checkpoints, and arrivals are on level 1. Terminal 3 is connected to Terminal 4 via a bridge, allowing passengers to walk between them without needing to reclear security (except for international arrivals). Terminal 4 is at the southwest end of the airport, with departures, ticketing, and one security checkpoint on level 2, and arrivals on level 1.

To ensure a smooth security screening process at FLL Airport, passengers should familiarise themselves with the TSA security procedures. This includes following the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, which states that liquids must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces, fit within a single quart-sized bag, and each passenger is limited to one bag of liquids. It is also recommended to wear comfortable clothing and stay informed about average wait times, peak hours, and real-time updates to plan your journey efficiently.

In the past, Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport has experienced security incidents, including a shooting in 2017. As a result, the airport and other major airports across the country have increased security measures. This includes adding armed personnel to "landsides," or public areas outside the direct jurisdiction of the Transportation Security Administration, such as arrivals areas and airport rail connections. These measures aim to enhance the safety of travellers and staff at the airport.

JetBlue's Blue Extra Transatlantic tickets

JetBlue Airways offers priority security access at select airports across the United States. This service is available at 15 airports, including Buffalo, Charlotte, Jacksonville, and Newark. The "Even More Speed" program, as it's called, allows passengers to access the priority lane typically reserved for elite members or premium cabin customers. This benefit is included with the purchase of JetBlue's Even More Legroom seats, which are being rebranded as Even More Space.

The priority security access is also available at JFK International Airport in New York, one of the busiest airports in the country. However, some passengers have expressed disappointment with the speed of the priority security process at this airport, noting that it didn't seem much faster than the regular security line.

Now, let's focus on the JetBlue Blue Extra Transatlantic tickets. These tickets include priority security, as mentioned in a few online sources. One passenger, travelling from Amsterdam (AMS) to New York (JFK), noted that the priority security included with their Blue Extra ticket had no value in Amsterdam. They were curious about how it would work on their return flight from JFK.

Another passenger, flying from JFK to Paris, shared a similar experience. They were surprised to find that the priority security line was only slightly shorter than the regular security queue. It's important to remember that security wait times can vary depending on the number of travellers and other factors. While priority security may not always result in a significantly faster experience, it can still be a convenient perk, especially during slower travel days.

Overall, the JetBlue Blue Extra Transatlantic tickets appear to offer priority security as one of their features. However, the efficiency of this benefit may vary depending on the airport and other factors. Passengers considering purchasing these tickets specifically for the priority security perk may want to take this into account and manage their expectations accordingly.

The JetBlue Even More Speed program

JetBlue's Even More Speed program offers expedited security checks for passengers. It is available as an add-on to any booking and can be selected on the Checked Bags and Extras page before checkout. The program costs between $10 and $15 per person, per flight.

Even More Speed provides passengers with faster access to the initial checkpoint, including the boarding pass and ID check, through a dedicated lane. However, it does not include a separate line for the "inspect my stuff" security line. This service is particularly useful at airports with longer security lines, such as TPA, while it may be less beneficial at airports with shorter lines, like BUF.

Even More Speed is also included when purchasing an Even More Space seat, which offers additional legroom and early boarding privileges. Even More Space seats are available on every JetBlue aircraft and can be selected after choosing your fare type and entering your personal information. These seats may be refunded without penalty fees if you change or cancel your flight.

For those with Mosaic elite status in the JetBlue TrueBlue Rewards Program, Even More Space seats may be available as a complimentary upgrade at the airport on a first-come, first-served basis.

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