One quite useful perk Star Alliance has managed to implement at many airports around the world is the ability for their Star Alliance Gold members to use a security fast track so travelers can breeze through the airport easier.
While some of these airports are the hubs of Star Alliance carriers, others (such as Bangkok) are noticeably absent despite THAI being the local flag carrier and a prominent Star Alliance member.
One of the worst parts when it comes to travel is lining up and waiting for things, be it at the check-in counter, security line or boarding which can all be prevented by either flying in premium class (costly) or by carrying the top tier status of the respective airline/alliance.
On some routes and in many instances, it’s simply not feasible and economical to book a ticket in first or business class simply because the prices are so outrageous.
For example, this week I took a couple of short-haul flights to/from Japan, and Economy was always the most reasonably priced option, be it with miles or cash.
Today’s flight from Tokyo-Narita to Seoul was a similar situation where an award ticket was just 9,400 United Miles in Economy and roughly 2 hours long. I have no problem flying Economy on such short distances if the price is very low.
Narita airport was very busy and the check-in area was congested but thanks to Star Alliance Gold status (using Lufthansa Miles&More right now) it was super easy to get through. And Terminal 1 where all Star Alliance airlines including home carrier ANA are based they also have the GOLD Track available.
You can access Star Alliance website here to see where the Gold Track is available and it’s by no means just hub cities.
The benefit is described like this:
Gold Track Security Speed through security in the fast lane
This Star Alliance Gold benefit allows you to proceed more quicker through security by using dedicated lanes. It is currently available at more than 150 locations globally and is being rolled out airport by airport across our network.
All Star Alliance Gold Customers (including those travelling in Economy Class) and customers in First or Business Class on a flight operated by a Star Alliance member airline are eligible for Star Alliance Gold Track access. *(exceptions at certain airports may apply – please refer to individual airport details)
Simply present your boarding pass to use this security fast lane.
GOLD TRACK SECURITY LOCATIONS AND HOW TO FIND THEM
Star Alliance Gold Track may be identified under a different name depending upon the priority lane designation at that airport.
The last section should be highlighted here because in most cases it’s just a local priority lane that isn’t designated as Gold Track like it can be done at larger airports where Star Alliance carriers maintain a hub.
Airports Offering Gold Track
Click on city name to access airport details.
Quite a lot of destinations that offer Star Alliance Gold and premium passengers an elevated departure experience (IF the priority lanes work which isn’t always the case, especially in Europe with the constant strikes).
For example, here is the description for Tokyo Narita:
Contrary to that, for Tokyo-Haneda (international) it’s completely useless unless you’re flying the actual airline you have tier status with. Terminal 2 which is ANA’s domestic departure Terminal does however have a priority lane for all Star Alliance Gold members. This has to do with some weird regulations at Haneda contrary to how it works at Narita.
Of all major airports that are hubs Bangkok Airport is not listed and in fact they don’t provide anything for Star Alliance Gold members. Thai Airways never really had the desire to do anything for their own, let alone other Star Gold and members in Economy are simply sent to the general security. Only Premium Cabin passengers have access to the fast track.
For Singapore Airport it’s different as security is done at the gate. The directory lists a Gold Track for Lufthansa and United flights though I’m not sure how exactly that works as it’s been forever since I departed Singapore on either carrier. Do they have priority lanes at the gate?
Conclusion
I really like and value my Star Alliance Gold status and take advantage of it many times throughout the year, similar to my oneWorld Emerald from British Airways.
After two decades in the travel game I tend to book more price sensitive tickets these days, mostly because I have become indifferent to flying in First & Business. It doesn’t impress me anymore and service has gone so much downhill that I feel the best value is actually in Economy. Especially on shorter flights.
The status benefits for ground services at Check-In, Security, Lounge, and Boarding make it entirely bearable and Gold members rarely have to deal with any lines (except for ANA where almost every second passenger is Star Gold due to the Superflyer card).
How often are you using the Gold Track and other Star Alliance Gold benefits?
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