OT: New Airline Boarding Process

[mildone_rivals]

It seems that United Airlines is starting a new boarding process whereby passengers with economy window seats board, then passengers with middle seats, than passengers with aisle seats.

https://newjersey.news12.com/united-airlines-debuts-new-boarding-process-thursday

I wanted to test the truth of the statement that we, here on the RU Rivals forum, will argue about everything, no matter how trivial. So... yeah. Have at it.

 

[RUinPinehurst]

Makes sense. So it'll never work...

 

[ClassOf02v.2]

They say it will save approx 2 minutes in boarding time, but as long as you have a hundred different categories of various status/memberships that get priority boarding (who will then take up all the overhead space regardless of their seat location), it won’t make much of a difference.

Why don’t board from back to front and designate specific overhead space aligned to your specific seat # (with defined space/measurement criteria) is beyond me. Actually it’s not beyond me…it’s so airlines can charge more baggage fees. But in a world where customer service actually matters, that would be the way to do it.

 

[RU848789]

It seems that United Airlines is starting a new boarding process whereby passengers with economy window seats board, then passengers with middle seats, than passengers with aisle seats.

https://newjersey.news12.com/united-airlines-debuts-new-boarding-process-thursday

I wanted to test the truth of the statement that we, here on the RU Rivals forum, will argue about everything, no matter how trivial. So... yeah. Have at it.

Just missed it - saw United advertising this on our trip to Chicago two weeks ago. I guess it could work or maybe not. There are always going to be folks who arrive a little late to get on first or who just don't care, like me - I don't "enjoy" time on a plane, so not sure I want to extend it by being on the plane first (as I usually get a window seat) - who just won't get on early. Plus, for people traveling together, they're not going to want to file in separately, especially if one person is helping another, like parents with kids.

 

[G- RUnit]

^^ Airlines way overthinking it. The time consuming thing is everybody looking for overhead bin space. Assign specific overhead bin space to seat and problem is solved.

 

[yesrutgers01]

It makes sense as a process but the concern really is about families. Even husband and wife.

The next issue is 100% overhead space. There would be zero chance for an aisle seat to get any overhead.

For me- I don't think it would effect my wife or I. We both have the Explorer Card that gives priority boarding.

 

[kupuna133]

Easiest way to expedite boarding is to make checked bags free and charge a meaningful rate for overhead baggage.
This would satisfy two of the airlines major complaints that lead to boarding issues:

1. Late arriving customers (in order to check bags need to arrive earlier)
2. Less people bringing bags on plane would allow for people to board and deplane faster. Which will speed up turnarounds.

 

[mildone_rivals]

True, back to front would make more sense.

OTOH, I kind of feel like it should work the way I want all roadways to work. Which is, basically, that I want everybody to GTF out of my way.

Is this a massively self-absorbed and douchey attitude? Hell yeah. But all you people in and around NJ keep preventing me from driving the speeds I want in the areas I frequent unless I wake up early enough to get to those sections as just dawn's crack first appears.

And I hate waking up early. Which I get back at y'all for making me do by driving past your houses at 6am with my obnoxiously loud exhaust screaming at you while you try to sleep in.

So... yeah, perhaps this is a little off-topic of the off-topic thread theme. But the point is, United should've amended their boarding policy to first say "GTF out of mildone's way" and then messed with all the other passengers and how they board.

 

[MADHAT1]

that's BS, enter by the rows not where seat is.
Let the passengers on the back rows in first and work towards front.
Pilots and co-pilot , of course, enter last.
Their seats are at the front, allowing them to have an extra one for the sky before they get onboard.
Flight attendants dress in leather while using whips to make the line move fast so the drivers don't get higher then the plane will be flying at when waiting to get to their seats.
If seating is quick a flight attendant makes brownies in gallery to hand out so the passengers will be higher than the pilot after takeoff

 

[linzalonic]

I have Platinum status, and I often fly w/ valuables. I'm also one of those aisle-seat-only travelers. I was worried that this new policy would supercede status, but fortunately for me (and many other frequent flyers), it does not.

 

[mildone_rivals]

In before someone says "if you don't like the boarding process, fly private".

 

[mildone_rivals]

Actually, some of you have pointed out a potential flaw (that can be exploited - see below) with this policy. Namely, it means separating family members during the boarding process.

This could be exploited, in the case of young kids, by abducting and selling them. For instance, one way everybody could help the RUFB program would be to perform this exploit and funnel the proceeds from the sales to the NIL fund for RUFB players.

Just want to point out that now this thread is no longer OT. I should change the thread title.

 

[MADHAT1]

simple solution, those who want to enter first and be assured of overhead luggage space, bribe the gate attendant.
Or the airline could have a auction with every passenger bidding when they can enter on a first come first serve bases.
A pay the price, get in first affair

 

[RU848789]

Easiest way to expedite boarding is to make checked bags free and charge a meaningful rate for overhead baggage.
This would satisfy two of the airlines major complaints that lead to boarding issues:

1. Late arriving customers (in order to check bags need to arrive earlier)
2. Less people bringing bags on plane would allow for people to board and deplane faster. Which will speed up turnarounds.

Most airlines, including United, already do charge a decent amount ($30 or so each way per overhead item) for overhead items, which I would say is meaningful.

 

[RUevolution36]

there is a solution for this...

stop packing so many seats onto the plane.

 

[fsg2_rivals]

Easiest way to expedite boarding is to make checked bags free and charge a meaningful rate for overhead baggage.
This would satisfy two of the airlines major complaints that lead to boarding issues:

1. Late arriving customers (in order to check bags need to arrive earlier)
2. Less people bringing bags on plane would allow for people to board and deplane faster. Which will speed up turnarounds.

That'd just make more problems than it'd solve.

 

[kupuna133]

That'd just make more problems than it'd solve.

When very few people used carry on, outside of business travelers, boarding was easy. Then in early 2000's airlines started charging for checked bags, forcing people to use carry on. The airlines don't want to give up the cash cow they have with baggage fees.

Most airlines, including United, already do charge a decent amount ($30 or so each way per overhead item) for overhead items, which I would say is meaningful.

I fly United and don't recall being charged for overhead items. But I have status and the United card that gives extra benefits. Just checked online most tickets come with 2 free onboard items as long as they meet size requirements.

 

[bethlehemfan]

When very few people used carry on, outside of business travelers, boarding was easy. Then in early 2000's airlines started charging for checked bags, forcing people to use carry on. The airlines don't want to give up the cash cow they have with baggage fees.

I fly United and don't recall being charged for overhead items. But I have status and the United card that gives extra benefits. Just checked online most tickets come with 2 free onboard items as long as they meet size requirements.

I never heard them charging for carry on.

 

[RUevolution36]

I never heard them charging for carry on.

you havent flown spirit then

 

[rurichdog]

One travel hack I've gotten into the habit of doing is volunteering early for gate-checking my carryon bag. I don't get dinged the fee for checking bag, and I get priority boarding for helping out the gate crew.

 

[kupuna133]

I never heard them charging for carry on.

The ultra economy, Spirit and Frontier, are the only ones that I know of that do

 

[yesrutgers01]

Most airlines, including United, already do charge a decent amount ($30 or so each way per overhead item) for overhead items, which I would say is meaningful.

I think you meant checked items

 

[Joey Bags]

there is a solution for this...

stop packing so many seats onto the plane.

Enjoy your $1200 EWR to SFO rates

 

[mildone_rivals]

simple solution, those who want to enter first and be assured of overhead luggage space, bribe the gate attendant.
Or the airline could have a auction with every passenger bidding when they can enter on a first come first serve bases.
A pay the price, get in first affair

Usually, you pay the price when getting in second. If you're lucky, the price is merely a couple penicillin shots.

 

[RU206]

I fly a lot and usually fly United. In my opinion, United does a solid job boarding because they put out signs for boarding groups. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Not every airline does this. The issue is when people don't listen and stand in the way of the group that is supposed to board. It slows the process down. If people could follow basic directions it would make things easier. Since people can't follow basic directions, I don't expect this new process to speed things up. Aisle and Middle seats will stand in the way of the window people while board. Families will still want to board together. You can't leave a middle seat kid at the gate while window seat parent boards.

If you have a small bag but don't want to pay to check it, just bring it to the gate and United will check it for free at the gate.

I fly in and out of Newark a lot, and I try not to check bags unless I am going for more than a week. When you return to Newark the baggage process is very slow.

Last week I was in Europe and flew on a cheap European airline and they had 2 staircases to board, one at the front and one at the back of the plane. It was the smoothest and quickest boarding, except for the guy in row 5 that entered the back of the plane.

 

[RUevolution36]

Enjoy your $1200 EWR to SFO rates

reducing 12 seats on an A320 isn't going to increase ticket prices by double.

 

[yesrutgers01]

I fly a lot and usually fly United. In my opinion, United does a solid job boarding because they put out signs for boarding groups. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Not every airline does this. The issue is when people don't listen and stand in the way of the group that is supposed to board. It slows the process down. If people could follow basic directions it would make things easier. Since people can't follow basic directions, I don't expect this new process to speed things up. Aisle and Middle seats will stand in the way of the window people while board. Families will still want to board together. You can't leave a middle seat kid at the gate while window seat parent boards.

If you have a small bag but don't want to pay to check it, just bring it to the gate and United will check it for free at the gate.

I fly in and out of Newark a lot, and I try not to check bags unless I am going for more than a week. When you return to Newark the baggage process is very slow.

Last week I was in Europe and flew on a cheap European airline and they had 2 staircases to board, one at the front and one at the back of the plane. It was the smoothest and quickest boarding, except for the guy in row 5 that entered the back of the plane.

pretty much spot on. But, if I have a single small bag...I am not wanting to check it for any reason. But if checking it doesn't bother me and I prefer to fly "hands free"- and don't want to pay to check it- that is a great idea.
With the Explorer Card- I can check one for each of us free anyway. And no reason ever(except golf/ski trips) for anyone to need more than one checked bag and one carry-on.
I did have to convince my wife of that though. lol

 

[kupuna133]

I fly a lot and usually fly United. In my opinion, United does a solid job boarding because they put out signs for boarding groups. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Not every airline does this. The issue is when people don't listen and stand in the way of the group that is supposed to board. It slows the process down. If people could follow basic directions it would make things easier. Since people can't follow basic directions, I don't expect this new process to speed things up. Aisle and Middle seats will stand in the way of the window people while board. Families will still want to board together. You can't leave a middle seat kid at the gate while window seat parent boards.

When people obey theri seat assignment group that method works flawlessly. But without fail there is always some eejit in boarding group 5 that stands up and races to stand blocking the aisle as soon as the announcements start. And why does that person always have 3 overhead bags and a dog? HAHHAHA

 

[RUevolution36]

When people obey theri seat assignment group that method works flawlessly. But without fail there is always some eejit in boarding group 5 that stands up and races to stand blocking the aisle as soon as the announcements start. And why does that person always have 3 overhead bags and a dog? HAHHAHA

and the neck pillow. and a bag of food/snacks. and can't find their boarding pass on either the app or in their pockets or various bags.

 

[bethlehemfan]

you havent flown spirit then

Yea was referring to united there

 

[RUevolution36]

Yea was referring to united there

https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/inflight/basic-economy.html

 

[brgRC90]

It seems that United Airlines is starting a new boarding process whereby passengers with economy window seats board, then passengers with middle seats, than passengers with aisle seats.

https://newjersey.news12.com/united-airlines-debuts-new-boarding-process-thursday

I wanted to test the truth of the statement that we, here on the RU Rivals forum, will argue about everything, no matter how trivial. So... yeah. Have at it.

Took someone long enough to figure out this easy one. So many geniuses in positions of authority.

 

[RUBubba]

As a dad with young kids, this would obviously present an issue. Am I supposed to send my 7 year old in alone because she likes the window?

What about when I fly with my 91 year old mother? Happens once a year. She can't get herself down the jetway to her seat.

 

[mildone_rivals]

As a dad with young kids, this would obviously present an issue. Am I supposed to send my 7 year old in alone because she likes the window?

What about when I fly with my 91 year old mother? Happens once a year. She can't get herself down the jetway to her seat.

What could possibly go wrong?

 

[RU4Real]

The problem is that the boarding process isn't adequately supervised beyond the door of the aircraft. Flight attendants do nothing to expedite people getting up the aisle, putting their carry-ons in the proper bin and in the proper orientation and getting everyone seated.

We don't need 3 people greeting us at the door. We need the FAs to get everyone to put their **** away and sit down.

 

[RU206]

pretty much spot on. But, if I have a single small bag...I am not wanting to check it for any reason. But if checking it doesn't bother me and I prefer to fly "hands free"- and don't want to pay to check it- that is a great idea.
With the Explorer Card- I can check one for each of us free anyway. And no reason ever(except golf/ski trips) for anyone to need more than one checked bag and one carry-on.
I did have to convince my wife of that though. lol

The single small bag can go under the seat in front of you, if needed. But if you are tall or flying a long distance it can cause a problem.

 

[yesrutgers01]

https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/inflight/basic-economy.html

Wow- never have to worry about it myself since I get the carryon- pre boarding and a free checkin. As well as the Club lounge, free drinks.
If I didn't have this, I would be PISSED to pay for a overhead carryon

And BTW- since I get pre boarding- first thing I do after putting my carry-on in MY bin, is put my armrest down. If it makes the person's seat in the middle too tight, not my issue- arm rest stays down lol

 

[Queztastic]

If it wasn't for the overhead bin space issue, I wouldn't really care when I get on the plane. Newer planes are starting to increase overhead bin space so that there is enough or close to enough for every passenger to have an overhead bag. Boeing claims that the 737-800 held 118 bags for 162 seats or more leaving at least 44 people without a space, while the 737 Max 8 holds 178 bags for a similar number of seats.

Most efficient way to board is the Steffen Method but that is impractical since it splits up people in the same row so there is the Steffen Modified Method. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steffen_Boarding_Method Its been around since 2008 and no one has adopted it so there has to be some reason. My guess it hat that the airlines just make too much money off of early boarding being a perk or paid upgrade.

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

One thing is true: United will eff this up.

 

[fischy5000]

One travel hack I've gotten into the habit of doing is volunteering early for gate-checking my carryon bag. I don't get dinged the fee for checking bag, and I get priority boarding for helping out the gate crew.

My problem with checking bags is the large delay in getting your bag after landing so the charging a fee part might not apply to many people who bypass for time and not money. Also, wow do you ask to get the priority boarding? Ive never seen agents do anything for the people who gate check other than 'thank you'.