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joekrilltoday at 4:22 PM1 replyview on HN

PHL has a verion of this ("Wingmate pass") that I use pretty frequently now! If I have a friend/family flying in/out I usually get one so I can meet them at the gate. It's very nice and convenient. I just wish they would let me use my Precheck, because I have to go through the "regular" security line and sometimes it's just too long and I don't bother.

This SFO version looks a bit nicer, though. You can apply 30 days out vs PHL's 7 days. And PHL makes me choose a specific entry gate when applying. So if you show up and that gate has a long line you can't just go through another gate that has a shorter line (at least that's what they tell you - in practice I've entered through different gates without any problems).

Both PHL and SFO won't notify you whether you are approved until midnight of the day you want to enter, which I find interesting. I guess that's some sort of security feature? I've never been denied, but it could be a hassle if you don't find out until the last minute that you were denied.


Replies

anon84873628today at 5:07 PM

Since we're comparing those two in particular... The difference between SFO and PHL could not be more stark.

SFO: Brand new, high ceilings, quiet, clean, soft lighting and overall chill vibe. Variety of healthy (or not) food options, Ritual and Equator coffee. Decent bathrooms.

PHL: Dingey, cramped, loud. Bad food - not even good cheese steaks. Security checkpoints are spread out, PreCheck is far and no Clear. And absolutely FILTHY. I tried to point out to the TSA management that their employees are literally surrounded by dust bunnies the size of my fist, and they said cleaning is not their department. (No duh?!)

It's going from best in the country to worst, IME.