United premier access at AUS (Austin, Newark: buy, university, airport)

[ashbeeigh]

I’ll be embarking on my one time a year vacation in late August and am traveling with snazzy world travelers who do pre-check and lounges. After tagging along on the lounge visit last year, I know this is worth it. In an attempt to avoid their long sighs as I go through the regular security line…I see on the United website that we do have premiere access at ABIA. Is there a specific entrance to access that? Is there even one? As I’m googling I see a lot of places listed as having one but then not actually having one and it being a bust. I’ll be traveling earlier on a Thursday morning and returning mid evening on Sunday from Newark, so I DON’T think I should need it, but want to check with y’all. (And anyone flown into EWR recently who can share insight on their premier access? I see mixed reviews there that sometimes that’s longer than the regular security line)

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by ashbeeigh

I’ll be embarking on my one time a year vacation in late August and am traveling with snazzy world travelers who do pre-check and lounges. After tagging along on the lounge visit last year, I know this is worth it. In an attempt to avoid their long sighs as I go through the regular security line…I see on the United website that we do have premiere access at ABIA. Is there a specific entrance to access that? Is there even one? As I’m googling I see a lot of places listed as having one but then not actually having one and it being a bust. I’ll be traveling earlier on a Thursday morning and returning mid evening on Sunday from Newark, so I DON’T think I should need it, but want to check with y’all. (And anyone flown into EWR recently who can share insight on their premier access? I see mixed reviews there that sometimes that’s longer than the regular security line)

maybe just buy clear. I think it is fast to get, and about $200 for 12 months (much more expensive than precheck but very fast to get). some people mentioned getting clear as a trial then canceling it.

https://enroll.clearme.com/enroll/?l...ad=1&gclsrc=ds

This CNN article claims a 2 month trial that is cancelable.

https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/...itional%20cost.



Austin does have a priority lane per this reddit thread.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Austin/comm...priority_lane/

This is an old thread about austin's priority lane

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...austin-tx.html

On the AA side, there's a left lane that says premium passengers. One time I talked to the TSA guy who was manning the line and he stated that any FC passenger OR any elite passenger may use the line. I was a lowly United 1P flying in Y and he waved me right through.

I always use precheck so I cant remember if that priority line is still there.

[ashbeeigh]

Originally Posted by Austin97

maybe just buy clear. I think it is fast to get, and about $200 for 12 months (much more expensive than precheck but very fast to get). some people mentioned getting clear as a trial then canceling it.

https://enroll.clearme.com/enroll/?l...ad=1&gclsrc=ds

This CNN article claims a 2 month trial that is cancelable.

https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/...itional%20cost.



Austin does have a priority lane per this reddit thread.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Austin/comm...priority_lane/

This is an old thread about austin's priority lane

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...austin-tx.html



I always use precheck so I cant remember if that priority line is still there.

Thanks. I saw the Reddit article and was hoping somewhere here has been through ABIA recently to shed some light. I only fly once a year and the upgrade for the lounge and premier is cheaper than clear, although I’ll see if the trial is still valid. Although my friends won’t say they’re judging me I know they’ll be rolling their eyes internally waiting for my non-traveler butt. (I think they’ve gone to Spain, Iceland, Portugal, Norway, Seattle, and California within the last like 6 months)

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by ashbeeigh

Thanks. I saw the Reddit article and was hoping somewhere here has been through ABIA recently to shed some light. I only fly once a year and the upgrade for the lounge and premier is cheaper than clear, although I’ll see if the trial is still valid. Although my friends won’t say they’re judging me I know they’ll be rolling their eyes internally waiting for my non-traveler butt. (I think they’ve gone to Spain, Iceland, Portugal, Norway, Seattle, and California within the last like 6 months)

CLEAR is at Austin Airport - And at University of Texas (Gate 1)!
Austin airport features CLEAR expedited security screening which, if you participate, can help reduce the time you spend in AUS security lines - or when you go to the big game. CLEAR counters are located at Checkpoints 1 and 2 (includes Enrollment).

In partnership with iFly, CLEAR is offering a 2 month free promotion. **NEW** You can add up to 3 other family members to the 2 month trial (siblings, parents, aunts/uncles, etc.). It only takes a minute to sign up! ***LIMITED TIME PROMOTION*** Learn more about CLEAR Airport Security and how it works.

United says

https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/tra...er-access.html

What does "exclusive security lanes (if available)" mean?
Priority security lines are only available at the following airports:

Albuquerque (ABQ)
Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS)
Anchorage (ANC)
Austin (AUS)

If you are worried you should drop by the airport now and take a look. You can even go ask at the united desk.