boarding by zone
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
boarding by zone
I'm really and truly not complaining, just curious. Why do passengers gather around the boarding line before their boarding zone or whatever it's called is announced? I don't think it's because of the lack of overhead bin space, because we always saw this even before the new luggage restrictions. Their seat is assigned, so that can't be it. The plane will not leave until all passengers have boarded. We sit until we're called because I'd rather sit than stand. I'm OK with it, just wonder why it's done.
#2
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think there are always people who are anxious to get to where they are supposed to be - even if it is only to be crammed into a flying tin can.
But I think the current gate lice situation (as coined over at Flyertalk) does have to do with lack of overhead bin space. My regular carryon is a small-ish on the shoulder style bag that I never had problems storing in overhead bin space prior to the airlines imposing fees for checked bags.
I always have an aisle seat and with United and that is the last boarding zone called. (I really need to work on flying enough to get status so I can board first). With all of the 22 inch mini suitcases that people are storing in the overhead bins, it is always a challenge by the time I get on the aircraft to find a small space to wedge my carryon into.
And don't get me started on the gate agents turning a blind eye to people bringing more than their allotted amount of carryons on board.
So while I am not hanging around the gate when zone 1 is called, I do try to make sure I'm one of the first of zone 4 to board when it is called. Otherwise I'm having to put my carryon under the seat in front of me and I'm not a happy camper about that.
But I think the current gate lice situation (as coined over at Flyertalk) does have to do with lack of overhead bin space. My regular carryon is a small-ish on the shoulder style bag that I never had problems storing in overhead bin space prior to the airlines imposing fees for checked bags.
I always have an aisle seat and with United and that is the last boarding zone called. (I really need to work on flying enough to get status so I can board first). With all of the 22 inch mini suitcases that people are storing in the overhead bins, it is always a challenge by the time I get on the aircraft to find a small space to wedge my carryon into.
And don't get me started on the gate agents turning a blind eye to people bringing more than their allotted amount of carryons on board.
So while I am not hanging around the gate when zone 1 is called, I do try to make sure I'm one of the first of zone 4 to board when it is called. Otherwise I'm having to put my carryon under the seat in front of me and I'm not a happy camper about that.
#5
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Why do passengers gather around the boarding line before their boarding zone or whatever it's called is announced?"
I can't say I've heard this for certain, but I'm almost positive there is an announcement: "We are now boarding seating area 1. Will those in areas 2,3,4,and 5 please block the gate."
Exactly right, chepar, about the luggage allowance, although I think that's improved.
I can't say I've heard this for certain, but I'm almost positive there is an announcement: "We are now boarding seating area 1. Will those in areas 2,3,4,and 5 please block the gate."
Exactly right, chepar, about the luggage allowance, although I think that's improved.
#6
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 23,073
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
simpsonc - 95 channels of live TV, plus a few movies and recorded stuff. Notably missing - ABC network.
http://www.continental.com/CMS/en-US...nelLineup.aspx
Preview available as soon as you get on, till about 15 minutes in the air (at least for this morning). And if you've paid, available all the day until you get off the plane. Since I paid with a CO credit card, it's $4, $2 off.
http://www.continental.com/CMS/en-US...nelLineup.aspx
Preview available as soon as you get on, till about 15 minutes in the air (at least for this morning). And if you've paid, available all the day until you get off the plane. Since I paid with a CO credit card, it's $4, $2 off.
#8
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In regards to the boarding by zone, I believe it does have to do with the space in the overhead bins. However, I am a 1K with UA and I board in the first group, over the red carpet. I have had to contend with crew bags in the overhead bin over my seat! That bugs me!
#11
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My flight with Continental from Maui to LAX had no television screens or DirecTV. It was a long flight.
Air New Zealand boarded the plane with the window seats first and then the isle seats. This made a lot of sense unless you had a middle seat.
Air New Zealand boarded the plane with the window seats first and then the isle seats. This made a lot of sense unless you had a middle seat.
#13
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 23,073
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
wally - Most of CO's domestic fleet have DirecTV now, with notable exceptions of the newest aircraft with borrowed seats due to issues with the original seat supplier, Koito.
But even if you get one with DirecTV, for HI flights, you won't get live TV programming half a hour west of the mainland coast. You will only get the pre-taped programming.
But even if you get one with DirecTV, for HI flights, you won't get live TV programming half a hour west of the mainland coast. You will only get the pre-taped programming.
#14
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
pdx, are you flying without a specific seat assignment? I think we are talking about having a specific seat...? But I could be wrong here. If you are without a specific seat, yes, you would want to stand in line. I completely understand this situation.
#17
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've never flown on Southwest. Do you board by zones? I guess I pictured a long line of passengers waiting in line to get any available seat (or two seats for a couple)... is this not the way it works? What sort of zones does Southwest use? Just curious.
#19
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 23,073
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Southwest used to be just zones A, B or C. But now, it's a more complicated, as you get a specific boarding number and you'll line up as groups of 5 within each zone.
If you aren't at your specific spot when your zone is called, you lose your position; it may mean middle seat or separated from your traveling partner if you have a tight connection or a flat tire and get to the gate late.
If you aren't at your specific spot when your zone is called, you lose your position; it may mean middle seat or separated from your traveling partner if you have a tight connection or a flat tire and get to the gate late.