I'm not liking this (United)

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

I went in this morning to print out my boarding pass for a United flight tomorrow morning. I'm getting the message that I'll need to check in with an agent at the airport. I'm not liking this at all! Anyone have any ideas of what this might be happening? The flight was booked with ff miles, which usually doesn't make a difference, and it looks like they are still offering it up for sale on the United website, so I'm stumped. Unless I'm being selected for random screening.

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

You most likely have a shuttle flight in one of your legs. Sometimes the airlines do give the seats out at the airport. I just flew United recently and the same thing happened to me. Don't worry about it just get to the airport early.

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

You most likely have a shuttle flight in one of your legs. Sometimes the airlines do give the seats out at the airport. I just flew United recently and the same thing happened to me. Don't worry about it just get to the airport early.

Yes, the second leg is a shuttle. However, I've always been able to get the boarding passes ahead of time. It's a 6:10 a.m. flight and I think we're planning on getting to the airport about 4:45 a.m. Fun.

I called United to see if someone could explain to me why I couldn't get my boarding pass. All the info I could get (and this included going to a supervisor) was that it was a "random computer message". I have to check in with an agent, can't even use the self service kiosk. I'm betting it will also involved additional screening. So I'll have the pleasure of waiting in line for an agent, and then again to get through security. Oy.

[camachinist Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close camachinist]

This happens to me under 3 possible scenarios...

1. SSSS (TSA secondary random search selection)

2. Equipment change

3. System chokes on my upgrade request

FWIW, in nearly 300K miles of flying, mostly on UA, I've never been SSSS.

Pat

[Keitht Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Keitht]

We weren't trying to check-in online but my wife had the delight of SSSS twice when we went to Hawaii and Las Vegas in 2005. On both occasions the people involved were extremely helpful and friendly, but I do wonder how much use the searches were. Why? Because in both instances I picked up all our hand luggage after the security scan and all they did with my wife was a quick pat down and handscan along with a cursory inspection of her handbag (purse in the US). I got the distinct impression that they were doing the checks to fulfil a quota rather than for any other reason.
I must stress that I am not being critical of the fact of secondary searches, just questioning the value of the apparently random selection.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

When my SO was tagged SSSS, they spent about 20 minutes on him... granted, it was in DC, where airport security's militance is legendary.

Luanne, since "random computer message" could mean an extra pat down at the airport, I would leave extra time.

[camachinist Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close camachinist]

Be aware the airline can "un-SSSS" you. As the computer often assigns SSSS during irrops, when re-bookings can be seen as last minute one-way tickets, TA's will stamp the BP with a symbol allowing bypass of the SSSS. This happened to my wife on one of our trips. As a high level elite, I'm unlikely to be SSSS, but she was (on the same irrop) and the TA took care of it.

The SSSS program is mandated by the government and the airlines and the TSA are merely implimenting the mandate. Neither is out to get us. Smile, have a pleasant conversation and the time will pass (at primary or secondary security) before you know it. I've even gotten to know some of the TSA at our station on a first name basis, as it is a stable and well-run station. Great folks. They just have a job to do.

Pat

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

Quick update. United actually did me a favor this time. The line to check in with an agent was much shorter than the kiosk line. I got my bag checked, and had my boarding pass (same seat assignment, no additional security check) very quickly. Absolutely no problems. And of course I'll never know what prompted that "randon computer selection".

[camachinist Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close camachinist]

I'm usually more irritated by not being able to get my mileage bonus for OLCI

Glad it worked out and safe travels!

Pat

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

Well now I just need to continue the fight to get my ff partner miles for a US Airways flight I took. Hopefully the third time will be the charm.