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Why do airlines board in such a strange order?
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Ever wonder what the deal is with the "zones" that are printed on your boarding pass or why it seems like they're boarding planes in a completely backwards way? Seems like if you wanted to save time you'd fill up the back of the plane first as you filed in from the front. Instead, you often find your way fighting to get to the back of the plane against the flow of people who walked to the back to stow their luggage in your overhead-bin and the boarding process takes twice as long as it should. Frustrating, isn't it?Fact of the matter is, airlines don't necessarily try to mash everyone up on purpose. What they do try to do, however, is try to cater to their first class and frequent flyers by awarding them with better seats and priority boarding. These travelers usually want to sit near the front of the plane (it's quieter and you can get out faster) and when the airlines pre-board them they usually file in, put their bags wherever they want and take a seat before the herd arrives.
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So it's not really a matter of the frequent flyer wanting to be in the stuffy, bacteria soaked plane longer, but rather that they want to settle in, take a seat, open up their book and drink their cranberry juice before fighting the masses.
Some carriers, like Northwest Airlines, used to specifically board the elites first, then load the regular passengers in zones from back to front. Few years back though they realized that it really didn't save that much time to board in this way and that they wanted the gate agents to be busy elsewhere instead of herding traffic. Now they preboard those with special needs, first class then elite members before releasing the stampede onto the plane.
I used to wait until the the last possible second before I got onto the plane. Now, with the checked luggage restrictions and volumes in the overhead bins, I try to get on as early as possible so there is space for my backpack above; I can't stand it when people put their oversized luggage above my seat.
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Filed under: Airlines, Transportation, Airports
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
bilg Nov 13th 2007 2:39PM
Although I don't think flying is a privilege (they're selling it and you're buying it, after all), I agree with Flight Attendant Julie that raising a fuss about someone's luggage in "your" overhead bin is rash. If the bin door closes, I don't think you'd have much of a case about the oversized bit. And, if it really is too big, an attendant will notice very soon.
That said, getting on a plane is never a pleasant experience, with or withour carryon.
In any case, I fully expect airlines to start charging extra for bin space as soon as they can figure how to keep us cheapskates from using bins we haven't paid for.
John C. Gentile Nov 13th 2007 4:15PM
I am a retired engineer, and I flew many miles for my company. My complaints about the overheads are many, however here is a simple way to speed loading. Get rid of the overhead storage! It is overloaded and dangerious. This storage was designed to carry only about 85 lbs. (read the placard on the edge). With out the overheads, there will be no more waiting in the Isle to load or un load. Simple.
John Gentile
Pat Nov 13th 2007 5:26PM
The answer is to free one's self from the need to carry every thing you own with you. Empty hands make for easy boarding!
JuJuDoll Nov 13th 2007 5:54PM
Dear Happy Poet, I wouldn't recommend "demanding" a flight attendant to remove the luggage for you, or it may be perceived as rude, aggressive behavior and you may find yourself in a room explaining YOUR behavior to a federal official, looking at a very stiff fine and revocation of flying privileges.
Which is a good point to make. Flying is a privilege not a right. In order to ensure the safety of 200 people strapped together in a tin tube going 500 plus miles an hour, courtesy and calm resolutions are paramount. Aggressive behavior by just one passenger will turn a calm flight or boarding process into chaos.
And in reference to the article itself, please note: When you buy a ticket on any aircraft, you receive a seating assignment, not an over head bin assignment. The only space that is exclusively reserved for you, is your seat. Overhead bins are merely unassigned storage space. Seating on an airplane is just like real estate. Location , location, location. So, if you bought a restrictive ticket at a bargain basement price, you will probably sit in the middle seat or the back of the plane, and then deal with the consequences of full bins, oversized people, and no leg room in a polite and courteous manner. Can't we just all get along for a couple of hours?
Flight Attendant Julie
Joni Nov 18th 2007 2:18PM
My family and I used to take advantage of the pre-boarding offered to families with small children. But after just a short while, we started waiting till the end to board. Why? Because with little kids, it can take time to secure their carseats into the airline's seats, get them settled in and then seat ourselves. That was taking too much time and I didn't want to hold up others.
That was around 12 years ago. We don't fly anymore (too expensive) unless it's an emergency (death in the family). I'd rather spend the money on gas and hotel rooms and drive across the states, seeing the country than spend a couple of thousand dollars to fly the family when seats might not be guaranteed due to overbooking, flight delays and I've heard that some airlines now do not even have reserved seating but it's rather more a first come first seated routine.
As for how the airlines are boarding the planes now, if I have to fly again in the future, I'll just wait till everyone else has boarded and then I'll board the plane. Unless I get seats in the rear of the plane (where I prefer to sit) and they start boarding from the back of the plane to the front.
SGN Nov 18th 2007 2:30PM
Perfect solution - whenever possible - drive! You sit where you want, have plenty of space for your luggage and don't have to deal with all the airport/airline drama! I still fly but am driving more and more. Poor design and impatient, rude people (passengers and staff) will be the downfall of the airlines.
Melisa Callison Nov 18th 2007 2:43PM
I am a frequent flier. Sometimes I fly first class but for the most part it's usually coach. What makes me crazy is when I go to take my seat, and I always pick a window, is 99% of the time when I go to my row, someone is in the aisle seat already. He or she has to get up to let me in which holds up the line. I always thought it would make more sense to board by rows; window, middle, aisle. Of course it doesn't work that way when you have people traveling together or with small kids. What would also cut way back on boarding and deplaning time would be to get rid of all carry on luggage any larger than a brief case or laptop. Carry on baggage is my biggest pet peeve, they are getting bigger and bigger. In all my years of frequent travel I have never had a single bag lost or damaged. Maybe I am lucky. Sure, you may have to wait a few extra minutes in baggage claim but it would save time. What takes up all the time is passengers and their monster carry on bags. JMHO.
chuckie Nov 18th 2007 3:01PM
I agree; overhead storage is a problem for boarding, but any delays in boarding are offset by the delays and problems with baggage handling. I'd rather wiat 15 minutes and store my own bag, than have someone else do it, possibly lose my bag, and wait 30 minute to pick it up later.
Here's one of my favorite pet peeves: If passengers who "require assistance" get to get on the plane first, why don't they get asked to wait until able-bodied passengers get off first? Why is the boarding process different from the de-planing process? If you are disabled or handicapped, and cannot move as quickly, shouldn't you wait for everyone else to get off first?
KARIN Nov 18th 2007 3:06PM
They really do need to put restrictions on the size of carry-on luggage allowed on flights. I don't even take anything on board anymore, except my purse, and yet the overhead bins are still stuffed with full-size luggage that should have to be checked in. Ever since I started taking advantage of curbside check in, I have never had a problem with my luggage getting lost, and the only line I have to stand in is the security line. Believe me, it's totally worth the few extra bucks tip to save yourself a ton of headaches. You treat the curbside staff well, and they go out of their way to make sure your luggage gets on your plane safely and timely.
sweed7 Nov 18th 2007 3:07PM
I try to fly 1st class because of avoiding lines to clear for boarding and because of overhead storage. Carry on a MUST so long as there is so much theft from bags opened for inspection. Valuables must be carried on even if just a pet razor. Pet PEEVE-Flight crews always use the first overhead bin for junk so the bulkhead seats with no underseat storage have nowhere to put their stuff. No bulkhead seats for me or I don't go!!!!
TB Nov 18th 2007 3:16PM
I fly Lufthansa a lot to Europe and I have to RAVE about this airline. NEVER had a bad flight on this carrier. The stewardesses take your handluggage and store it somewhere else when you are late and have no room left, without any problems.
The boarding is flawless and its the american public that are the PUSHY once.
On any airline you can sometimes get a stressed crew
or a nice relaxed one, Lufthansa on this end is no exception. Its the people, not the Airline that make or break a carrier. American carriers are the PIT'S.
Susan Davidson Nov 18th 2007 3:17PM
During my career, I have traveled hundreds of times for business as well as pleasure...my pet=peeve has always and will continue to be passengers that insist on bringing everything on as a carry-on, stuffing it into more than one overhead bin, then, the best part, when getting ready to deplane, banging people on the head when trying to get everything out, standing in a crowded aisle...why can't these people at least wait until others start moving before jumping up, causing others delays> Dang, get a life and show a little courtesy while you're at it.
BiL Nov 18th 2007 3:17PM
This is in response to Happy Poet's idiotic comments. You do not "own" the bins above your head. Anyone can place their bags in any bin. Rudely demanding anything from a Flight Attendant and holding up the line because you're a jerk will get you removed from the flight. Seriously folks, Grow up and start acting like adults. It is not about you.
stinko Nov 18th 2007 3:25PM
Further explaination: 1st class-(a)there is no line for baggage check because so few 1st class passengers (b) There is no line for securety check because you enter thru the flight crew station. (c) you load the plane first so overhead storage is available if you are not in a bulkhead seat. I can't imagine why anyone whould pay for first class and sit bulkhead. Bulkhead seats should sell at discount! The flight crew's junk is taking up the storage so they should sit there. My wife puts her purse under seat, my computer goes under seat and we put our combined valuables in one legal carry on.
viking maid Nov 18th 2007 3:39PM
Regarding Chuckie's comment regarding early boarding: I do board early with my companion due to a handicap. Since I must sit in an aisle seat, I am forced by those around me to get up & get in the cue. If there was another way to stay seated & wait, I would do so. I try to sit in the rear of the plane so that I have a better chance to stay & go last. Trust me, I would rather not have the handicap. At least, I don't ever use an overhead bin, so, perhaps that makes up for my being boarded a few minutes early.
Judy Nov 18th 2007 3:55PM
I have started flying frequently because it is much easier and time saving (the trip Part) in the long run. I have always had a pleasant time checking in and out of a plane. I know there are delays because of security(would rather be safe than sorry), but I have never had a problem with carry-on luggage. Most flight attendants are willing and able to help you if you can't find a place for your luggage, even if they have to have it sent to the checked baggage compartment. As far as boarding and taking time to get on and off the plane, remember, there is more than you and your family to get on and off (as would be in a car). It takes time, and most people are already tired from getting to the airport, so everyone is slower than usual. Make the most of your flight.....whether it is a trip for business or pleasure...keep smiling, be curtious, I promise it will be a much better experience
Cathy Nov 18th 2007 4:02PM
I would go along with the suggestion of doing away with carry on luggage and the over head storage bins as soon as the airlines do away with charging for check in luggage.
beanie8875 Nov 18th 2007 4:05PM
For all of you who think that people who have carry-on bags other than a purse or laptop should just check their bags obviously have never had TSA go through your bag, break valuables, steal prescription drugs, and then leave you a note about how to properly pack your bag. And you have obviously have never had to file a report with the TSA to have them replace what was stolen either. Or what about flying stand-by? If you don't get on the flight and have to wait over night what are you supposed to do then? My luggage has been lost, broken into, valuables stolen and broken, and prescription drugs stolen. I will never check a bag again. So when your complaining about not having enough space on the plane to put your stuff or because you cannot put your bag in the bin directly about your seat, just think about how much worse it could be when you are stranded thousands of miles away from home with NOTHING, or when TSA decides your camera might be worth something on e-bay, or they think that your prescription narcotics would be good for their pharm-party that night, maybe then you will rethink having to wait 45 seconds longer or to take three extra steps to get to your luggage!!!
lode1stone Nov 18th 2007 5:20PM
I fly for business almost every week. Sometimes up to 7 flights in a 24 hour period. That is more than some flight attendants. I always use carryon because it often makes the difference between making a connection or not. Sometimes I have to switch air carriers on my way to my destination and checked bags have difficulty keeping up with me. It may also save a trip to baggage claim and a recheck into a different airline.
Sometimes the airline knows there is a problem with the flight and will pull me and other frequent flyers that have carryon luggage and put us on other flights. This only works if you have carryon. I am happy with the current treatment the airlines give frequent flyers and the privileged boarding process.
Sheila Nov 18th 2007 5:24PM
For the person that said that the airlines charge for checking bags I just want to clarify that. It's not the airlines themselves that charge, it's the airport. Most airlines use airport personnel to work the curbside check-in so the airport then charges a fee for bags. Southwest uses their own personnel (except in a few airports where the airport won't allow it) so they don't charge the fee for checking your bags, you make the decision on whether or not to tip them. As for the overhead bin space, bags are supposed to fit with the bottom of the bag (when it's standing) towards the bag and the top handle in the front but most people put their bags in sideways and then that's when you have the problem of items not fitting in the overhead. The overhead bins were made for 3 bags to fit in it, coinciding with the 3 seats below it. Most airlines also have a luggage sizer showing how big your bag has to be in order to go in the overhead, and you're also only supposed to have 1 bag in the overhead per person and your second item (remember it's supposed to be a small personal item) goes underneath the seat in front of you. The people traveling with children really don't need to bring their carseats and strollers to the gate if they're not going to use them and have them gate checked since that takes up more time also. If you really don't need it, then you should just check it if you're already checking bags anyways.