Worried about a long wait at airport security? Upgrading to first class might be your ticket to a faster line.
At some airports, up to half of Transportation Security Administration officers are calling out of work, causing hourslong waits for travelers. TSA agents haven’t been paid since the partial government shutdown began in mid-February.
However, many carriers offer priority airport security lines.
Availability varies by airport, but is typically available at airlines’ hubs — such as Delta Air Lines in Atlanta and American Airlines in Dallas.
When Laura Rozner flew from New York to Aspen for a skiing trip, she spent $188 to upgrade to first class with American Airlines.
At John F. Kennedy Airport, the priority security line was “way better” and took about 30 minutes in total, she told Business Insider.
“It went smoothly, even though I still arrived at the airport three hours early, so I had to wait a while to board the flight and was pretty tired from waking up at 5 a.m,” she added.
While the trip involved layovers, she only upgraded the flights leaving New York and leaving Aspen, as these were the legs that required passing through security.
Rozner, a marketing manager, said she had flown first class once before, thanks to a free upgrade, and praised the friendly staff and comfortable seat.
“I think overall it is worth it to get a first-class ticket if it’s under $200 since you do get two free checked bags, priority boarding, and snacks and beverages on board,” she added.
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, the world’s busiest by passenger numbers, has seen some of the longest lines during the shutdown. It has warned travelers of four-hour waits.
Madison Terry, a small business owner from Atlanta, also opted for more expensive tickets for her journey. She was flying to Pensacola, Florida, with her one-year-old twins on Delta Air Lines last Saturday, when severe weather also caused hundreds of cancellations.
Terry paid $517.80 for a first-class ticket, which included Delta’s SkyPriority.
“I got lucky, but I also booked first class,” she told Business Insider. “I think because of that, I was able to go through priority and not have any issues.”
A Hartsfield-Jackson Airport spokesperson said that while SkyPriority has been available through the shutdown, only the airline could provide specifics on how often it is open.
Delta, United, and American did not respond to requests for comment.
Only some airlines give first-class passengers the privilege of easy access
Delta’s SkyPriority is available for those traveling in Delta One and Delta Premium Select cabins. Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members can also get it. So too can Elite Plus Members of the SkyTeam frequent-flyer program.
United’s Premier Access is not only reserved for select passengers but can be purchased as an add-on, starting at $24.
Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental, a United hub that has seen four-hour security lines, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether Premier Access has been available.
But Gage Goulding, a reporter with the city’s NBC affiliate KPRC 2, reported in an X post that United passengers are receiving text messages saying some status customers could use a faster checkpoint.
💸 In Houston, it pays to pay big bucks if you’re flying!!
A passenger received this text from United Airlines. While thousands are waiting in 4+ TSA lines, those with Global Services, Premier 1K, Platinum or Gold status can use a much faster checkpoint in Terminal C. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/drF5bVq6bZ— Gage Goulding – KPRC 2 (@GageGoulding) March 27, 2026
United offers Premier Access to those traveling in first and business class, as well as Premium Plus. That access is also extended to some cardholders, MileagePlus Premier loyalty status members, and those who’ve reached Gold status in the Star Alliance’s program.
American Airlines’ Priority privileges are available for some cardholders, status members of its loyalty program, or of other airlines in the OneWorld alliance at Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby status. First-class passengers, those traveling in business and premium economy get it too. Or, you can sign up for its AirPass membership.
Alaska Airlines similarly offers security express lanes for first-class passengers, Atmos status holders, and Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby members of the OneWorld program. Shuttle flight passengers traveling from Seattle to Portland or Spokane can also get access.
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