United Airlines has announced a new option for travelers: Premier Line. The fee-based service starts at $25 each way, and gives the traveler special access to priority check-in, security and boarding lines once reserved for business, first and elite mileage passengers only.

While many travelers may bristle at the thought of paying extra for greater access to faster lines, the service will be a boon for travelers short on time. Premier Line is available to a limited number of customers each hour based on time of departure and at the following select airports:

• Boston (BOS)

• Chicago (ORD)

• Denver (DEN)

• Los Angeles (LAX)

• Minneapolis (MSP)

• New York LaGuardia (LGA)

• Newark (EWR)

• Orange County (SNA)

• Portland (PDX)

• San Francisco (SFO)

• Seattle (SEA)

• Washington Dulles (IAD)

• Washington National (DCA) 

At first glance, I likened the fast track practice to the airline equivalent of slipping the maitre d' a twenty to be seated before midnight (something impoverished  bloggers can only fantasize about). The reaction has been mixed. Grousing notwithstanding, I did hear some travelers say $25 beats missing a flight. What are your thoughts? Is this a service you'd be willing to use with regular frrequency?