United Monetizes Priority Airport Lanes

United Airlines today launched its "Premier Line" service, which allows passengers to access priority checkin, security screening and boarding lanes for a fee.

Such benefits had been restricted to the carrier's elite frequent flyer members, and will remain so for free, though United is moving to monetize the options for passengers without such status.

United launched the program today at its five hubs and nine additional airports frequented by business travelers. United said it would charge at least $25 per-way for the service, which passengers can pay through online checkin, on United's Web site and "in the coming weeks" at airport kiosks, United said.

The lanes are available at the following airports: Boston, Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York LaGuardia, Newark, Orange County, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington Dulles and Washington National.