Commuting out of ORD question

[copcar1988]

I'll be commuting out of ORD to work in a couple of days for the first time. I was wondering if there is a crew line for security screening, and if I can go through it if I'm technically not working? Also my specific airline doesn't fly into there, so would that cause any problems? I will be in uniform though.

Thanks

 

[SkyNation]

shouldn't be a problem if you're in uniform, and yes there is an employee line that will bypass the pax line. with the elevated alert level, however, I'd leave lots of extra time, especially at ORD. I've heard the employee lot is a nightmare as they've been searching vehicles, slowing up the whole process.

 

[PapaGiorgio]

There are few checkpoints are for crew and airport workers along with pax as well. As far as location, well that depends on which terminal you go out of. Just ask someone.

I really don't think you'll have too much of a problem slidng through in uniform, although there was a rule put in place a few weeks ago that says if you airline does not serve that particular airport than you need to get a jumpseat pass from the ticket counter. I'm about 50/50 on them enforcing this across country. At one airport they would'nt let me through, at another they did. If you operate a code share with one of the airlines in ORD list for the flight and print yourself a pass at home or from a kiosk then just throw it away once your through. Then you should'nt have any problems.

I had to get a pass for an American jumpseat I had listed for the other day. Except when you list for JS, your record locater won't show up on a kiosk, unlike Southwest. The line was really long so I went up tp the side of the ticket counter with just a "quick question" for the agent and she ended up printing me a pass thereby effectivly bypassing what would have been an hour long line.

Anyway....good luck.

 

[relief tube]

Best chance for quick secuirty is the dropoff point between the United terminal and the main AA terminal. I think closest signs there say for CAL and NW.

It's the checkin that leads right to the F gates for United, I think its technically still considered terminal 1.

There's a dedicated crew/airport line, with dedicated metal detector and xray. Never had any problems, best chance though is if you're UAexpr or Eagle types.

 

[Prop2Jet]

Worst time ever, every time! I would rather drive than fly out of ORD.

 

[Weasil]

I've been commuting out of ORD for years and have never had a problem. I have found it to be the most consistent airport (that is the rules don't change depending on who is working security that day). There are various crew lines in the different terminals. What terminal are you going through and who do you fly for because this makes a difference.

For example there are several security checkpoints at terminal 3 that will not let you through, the crew lines are at certain checkpoints. In Terminal 1 you can actually go downstairs and use the employee line in baggage claim (all the way to the left). If you are parking in the employee lot then you don't even go through security, unless you are parking over in the AMC lot. So it all depends on your particular circumstances.

 

[copcar1988]

I've been commuting out of ORD for years and have never had a problem. I have found it to be the most consistent airport (that is the rules don't change depending on who is working security that day). There are various crew lines in the different terminals. What terminal are you going through and who do you fly for because this makes a difference.

For example there are several security checkpoints at terminal 3 that will not let you through, the crew lines are at certain checkpoints. In Terminal 1 you can actually go downstairs and use the employee line in baggage claim (all the way to the left). If you are parking in the employee lot then you don't even go through security, unless you are parking over in the AMC lot. So it all depends on your particular circumstances.

I work for Pinnacle and will be catching a Northwest mainline flight to Memphis. I believe I will be going through Terminal 2. I'm not sure if I need a boarding pass to get through security because my particular airline does not serve ORD, or does that matter? Of course if I can get through an employee line that shouldn't matter as well, i think?

Thanks for the responses guys, any further info would be appreciated.

 

[Weasil]

Well terminal 2 has one employee line right in the middle of the terminal where the escalator comes over from the train station. It is the line on the right of the security checkpoint and usually doesn't have any wait at all. Does pinnacle fly into ORD at all? I don't know whether you will need a boarding pass or not but they will tell you when you get there. Perhaps you should just get one for the first time going through and stick it in your pocket and then if they ask for it you will have one. Good Luck.

 

[Roger Murdoch]

I'm pretty sure that Pinnacle does have 1 flight to from MSP. At least they did a couple of months ago. This whole thing about whether or not your airline serves the airport is so stupid. How many airlines currently serve ORD? 50 to 60? Maybe more. How the hell is some TSA guy going to know all those operators?

 

[Weasil]

How the hell is some TSA guy going to know all those operators?

That's a very good point, I imagine they don't get all that much training.

 

[copcar1988]

Thanks for the help guys. I was able to get out of ORD today. I just went to the employee line and flashed my badge when they wanted it. No questions asked and got right through.