Security question flying JetBLue out of Boston

[mukorasirish]

Hi. We are flying from Boston on jetBlue June 20 with my in-laws. I purchased the "More Space/More Speed" option on the tickets so my in-laws would be more comfortable but we are having an issue. My in-laws are mobile but my MIL has some issues with her feet (bunyons). She is VERY worried about taking her shoes off at security. I'm talking obsessively worried. When I mention all the walking at Disney she insists she won't have an issue - yet she can't walk the 20 feet through the security gate.

My FIL flew to DC last week on jet Blue and somehow managed to not have to remove his shoes, or outerwear or even have his laptop checked. He works for a law firm. They purchased the tickets to fly him down to give a deposition. Now he is insisting that I fix my MIL's ticket so she can just walk through security as well. I have checked the website and other than doing the "TSA check" which she would have to do herself I see no way to do this. He insists he did not do "TSA check" that it was something jetBlue arranged and i can fix the ticket.

I admit I'm losing patience. I bought their tickets and even paid the extra fee for their comfort. Anyone have any ideas what he is talking about and what it would cost me? TIA

 

[Greysword]

The airline issues the TSA PreCheck on the boarding pass. Originally, PreCheck was for the airline's frequent fliers (or VIP guests), which is likely how your FIL got it. However, your MIL is not eligible unless she purchases it, has status with jetBlue, or has a Customs & Boarder Patrol (CBP) credentials (Global Entry, Nexus, or Sentri).

If she has any of these, make sure her profile on JetBlue is updated with her Trusted Traveler number. Otherwise, she can request the full screening in a private room, where they will do the full pat down (including removing her shoes, but it will be in private).

Outside of this, tell your FIL that unfortunately, you have no control over the TSA or the airline. If he wants his DW to get the same treatment, he will need to ensure she has the correct credentials. Also, tell him TSA PreCheck is not guaranteed. The airline (TSA) randomly selects who is able to take advantage of it, and while he had it in the past, he may not be eligible on this trip.

If he has further questions, send him to these links:

TSA PreCheck

Global Entry

Nexus & Sentri

Good luck!

 

[NHGoofy]

If you are 75 years or older...............

Passengers 75 and older receive modified screening procedures as part of TSA's overarching risk-based security methodology. These procedures are similar to screening procedures for passengers 12 and under and improve screening by better focusing resources on passengers who may be more likely to pose a risk.
Passengers 75 and older can:

• Leave on shoes and light jackets through security checkpoints.
• Undergo an additional pass through Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) to clear any anomalies detected during screening.

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/screening-passengers-75-and-older

 

[Unas]

Or tell TSA that she canT walk that distance without shoes for medical reasons. They will put her in a chair to remove her shoes and then wait there while they are xrayed, no walking.

 

[bumbershoot]

He insists he did not do "TSA check" that it was something jetBlue arranged and i can fix the ticket.

He probably saw the notice on his boarding pass and went where he was told. Which was certainly the Pre line. Sounds like he travels a lot. So he's like a frequent flyer with them. If his wife is, she has a chance of getting it, too.

Also, tell him TSA PreCheck is not guaranteed. The airline (TSA) randomly selects who is able to take advantage of it, and while he had it in the past, he may not be eligible on this trip.

Hey, here's a nice TSA page he can read.

Just get there nice and early.

And maybe budget some wheelchair/ECV money for the parks. Just in case.

 

[Snoozan]

"So he's like a frequent flyer with them. If his wife is, she has a chance of getting it, too."

Not always the case. On my recent SW flight, I was given pre-check status (not sure why as I hadn't flown for 1 1/2 years and then usually just once a year, but I'm not complaining!), but my DH was not. And he happened to wear his cargo pants and forgot to empty all those multiple pockets - so while I breezed thru the security line in 3 seconds, I had to wait at least 5 minutes for my DH to clear after the X-ray machine and body pat-down. No time saver for me that time!

 

[Jimsig]

IMO some people are being given Pre-Check to entice them to sign up for it for future travel. People will like what they experience and pay to get it.

 

[goofy4tink]

I was flying out of Boston, on JB, a year or so ago. I hadn't bought the extra legroom fare, so got in the regular security line. I was directed to a line, only to find that my shoes stayed on, my 3-1-1 bag stayed in my carryon, laptop stayed in the case! It was very nice. But it's not something you can choose to do!
If your MIL doesn't want to remove her shoes to walk through security, she has a few options....she can get a wheelchair, but the shoes will have to come off at some point. Or, she can go through and go to a private screening area and get the 'full service pat down'!!! Oh, and the shoes come off there as well.

Sounds like your MIL just doesn't want anyone to see her feet. Not sure why she can't just wear her socks and go through. Your FIL is wrong...JB doesn't do anything to get you into that particular check in line...that was luck of the draw! You can get in the speedy check in line, but that comes to those that pay for the extra legroom seats..so nothing truly 'special'. You may get lucky and get into that truly special check in line, but it's nothing I would count on.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

Now he is insisting that I fix my MIL's ticket so she can just walk through security as well.

This amuses me. I guess you FIL assumes terrorists wouldn't exploit this kind of loop hole.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I was flying out of Boston, on JB, a year or so ago. I hadn't bought the extra legroom fare, so got in the regular security line. I was directed to a line, only to find that my shoes stayed on, my 3-1-1 bag stayed in my carryon, laptop stayed in the case! It was very nice. But it's not something you can choose to do!
......

Sure it is! A number of airlines give TSA pre to their FFs, you can get it if you're active duty military, you can apply for Global Entry, or TSA pre itself:

http://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/application-program

 

[goofy4tink]

Sure it is! A number of airlines give TSA pre to their FFs, you can get it if you're active duty military, you can apply for Global Entry, or TSA pre itself:

http://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/application-program

And those people that it can be 'done' for, pretty much know about it already! The average traveler isn't going to be able to just walk up and request it! And yes, anyone can 'get' it, bit it's not free.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Since you purchased the even more seats they will be able to go through a quicker security line at Logan but I don't think it is the same as the pre check line.

I was flying out of Boston, on JB, a year or so ago. I hadn't bought the extra legroom fare, so got in the regular security line. I was directed to a line, only to find that my shoes stayed on, my 3-1-1 bag stayed in my carryon, laptop stayed in the case! It was very nice. But it's not something you can choose to do!
If your MIL doesn't want to remove her shoes to walk through security, she has a few options....she can get a wheelchair, but the shoes will have to come off at some point. Or, she can go through and go to a private screening area and get the 'full service pat down'!!! Oh, and the shoes come off there as well.

Sounds like your MIL just doesn't want anyone to see her feet. Not sure why she can't just wear her socks and go through. Your FIL is wrong...JB doesn't do anything to get you into that particular check in line...that was luck of the draw! You can get in the speedy check in line, but that comes to those that pay for the extra legroom seats..so nothing truly 'special'. You may get lucky and get into that truly special check in line, but it's nothing I would count on.

I was randomly given the pre check line at MCO. It was great! I thought it was just because they were busy and they were letting a few folks go in that line. I was by myself.

 

[bumbershoot]

"So he's like a frequent flyer with them. If his wife is, she has a chance of getting it, too."

Not always the case. On my recent SW flight, I was given pre-check status (not sure why as I hadn't flown for 1 1/2 years and then usually just once a year, but I'm not complaining!), but my DH was not. And he happened to wear his cargo pants and forgot to empty all those multiple pockets - so while I breezed thru the security line in 3 seconds, I had to wait at least 5 minutes for my DH to clear after the X-ray machine and body pat-down. No time saver for me that time!

I didn't mean that she would get it because of him. I meant that she might be a FF if he is (unless his miles are earned for business), and since it seems he got it b/c of his status, she might, too.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

And those people that it can be 'done' for, pretty much know about it already! The average traveler isn't going to be able to just walk up and request it! And yes, anyone can 'get' it, bit it's not free.

It can be free. I got my Global Entry paid by United Airlines due to my FF status. I believe there are other airlines and some credit cards which do the same.