JetBlue Offers Expedited Security for $10

Economy-class JetBlue passengers can now speed through airport security alongside elite flyers—for a fee. At select airports, JetBlue is selling access to expedited airport security lanes for $10 each way.

The airline is rolling out its Even More Speed expedited security program as a standalone product. Previously, only those who purchased Even More Space (Jetblue’s premium economy seating) as well as members of TrueBlue Mosaic (JetBlue’s elite rewards program) could take advantage of Even More Speed. But the domestic carrier has quietly changed its policy and is offering Even More Speed as a separate option for all customers. (It’s still included as an ancillary perk for those who purchase Even More Space or for those who qualify for Mosaic.) In an email, a representative from the airline told us, “Even More Speed can be purchased as a standalone option for $10.”

Even More Speed is available at about 40 airports. (See the list of eligible airports here.) But there are no guarantees: While JetBlue doesn’t promise that passengers who buy entry into the expedited lane will actually save time, those who pay for the 10-buck upgrade will get to join expedited lanes in airport security along with premium-seat ticketholders and frequent flyers.

You can buy the expedited-security perk online when booking select flights. It’ll show up as an option in the “extras” section if it’s available to you. Or you can ask for the option to buy Even More Speed when checking in—again, if it’s available at your airport. Then, all you need to do is flash your special boarding pass when entering security. According to JetBlue’s website, “Even More Speed customers simply need to show their boarding pass to the attendant at the security checkpoint entrance. The Even More Speed logo is printed on the boarding pass.”

This is the first instance we’ve seen of a major U.S. airline offering expedited screening as a standalone product. But according to Travel Weekly, JetBlue’s latest move is merely a test. Will it stick? I think so.

By selling perks normally reserved for frequent flyers to the economy-class hoi polloi, airlines diminish the value of elite status. But this has been the trend for some time now: Carriers have long been carving up bonuses, such as early boarding and extra-legroom seats, and making them available to coach-class flyers for a fee. JetBlue’s move to offer Even More Speed as a standalone perk is no different.

Would you pay $10 for access to an expedited security lane?

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