United Airlines

[Buckeyephan]

Starting last week, United has a new boarding process. After first and business classes, they board window, middle and then aisle seats. They say this will speed things along and claim a savings of around 3 minutes since people don’t have to get up to seat people. I always get an aisle seat. Well, on my outbound flight, the middle and window people in my row arrived after I had been seated so I still had to move. No big deal. The big problem is that even though aisle seats cost more and we’ve paid for the privilege of stowing a carry on, by the time we’re allowed to board all of the bin space is gone. On both flights, all aisle passengers had to check their carryons. On my return flight, some of the middle seats also had to check their bags. Perhaps they need to rethink things.

[Bill14564]

Starting last week, United has a new boarding process. After first and business classes, they board window, middle and then aisle seats. They say this will speed things along and claim a savings of around 3 minutes since people don’t have to get up to seat people. I always get an aisle seat. Well, on my outbound flight, the middle and window people in my row arrived after I had been seated so I still had to move. No big deal. The big problem is that even though aisle seats cost more and we’ve paid for the privilege of stowing a carry on, by the time we’re allowed to board all of the bin space is gone. On both flights, all aisle passengers had to check their carryons. On my return flight, some of the middle seats also had to check their bags. Perhaps they need to rethink things.

Actually enforce the existing carry on rules and see what happens. Too many people rolling suitcases down the aisle.

[RICH1]

If the Airlines quit charging for Check-in luggage….that would make boarding easier.. I sure miss eating prime Rib in First Class … and being served a drink from a fifth bottle…

[Blueblaze]

The goal of every American airline is not transportation, but merely to discover new ways to torment their fellow citizens in most petty manner possible. Spirit used to lead the pack in this regard, but United believes that this new innovation of charging more for aisle seats while giving all the luggage space to the window seats will vault them into the lead.

It seems like they started this nonsense in earnest about 15 years ago, but they've actually hated us ever since we ended their sweetheart deal with the gooberment back in the 70's. Most businesses value customers, but this pack of geniuses wonder why they perpetually teeter on the edge of bankruptcy while the bulk of their customers would rather drive three days than expose themselves to 5 hours torment at the hands of an airline and their cohorts at the TSA -- and pay three times the cost for the privilege.

Much like the dumbass insurance companies, who flee Florida when they discover that there aren't enough Villagers to fleece so they can offer cut-rate insurance to beach-dwellers, there has never been an airline executive bright enough to discover that if he just quit abusing his customers, he'd drive all the competing dungeon masters out of business, and make up on volume what he lost in baggage fees.

[mickey100]

Starting last week, United has a new boarding process. After first and business classes, they board window, middle and then aisle seats. They say this will speed things along and claim a savings of around 3 minutes since people don’t have to get up to seat people. I always get an aisle seat. Well, on my outbound flight, the middle and window people in my row arrived after I had been seated so I still had to move. No big deal. The big problem is that even though aisle seats cost more and we’ve paid for the privilege of stowing a carry on, by the time we’re allowed to board all of the bin space is gone. On both flights, all aisle passengers had to check their carryons. On my return flight, some of the middle seats also had to check their bags. Perhaps they need to rethink things.

I agree with you, but I think it would be more productive if passengers contacted the United CEO directly to let them know your concerns. I personally think the luggage bins should be first come first served.

[ThirdOfFive]

Boarding a flight in Taoyuan International Airport (Taipei) made the most sense. We had to change planes there for Bangkok. 747 as I recall. I forget the airline but the instructions were basically "OK, you can board now". I think the folks with seats on the upper level got to board first, but after that it was basically get in the boarding lines and get on the airplane. Surprisingly little confusion and people were polite, plus it took only 15-20 minutes to board the entire airplane. Of course it is a different culture and probably wouldn't work over here.

Some airlines do tend to over-complicate things though: One of the worst: flying Frontier from Orlando to Las Vegas. Frontier charges for "personal bags" if over a certain size so there was this line with people holding bags waiting to be cleared for boarding by the Bag Nazi, a ponderous woman with a face like a bulldog. Definitely not someone to mess with. Each person had to put their bag in a wooden box. If it fit (nothing beyond the top or beyond the cutouts in each end of the box) you could board. Otherwise you were sent to another counter for all to see, to stand in a very slow line waiting to pay (as I recall) $99 for the privilege of taking your bag onto the airplane. There was also a board with a big message sort of along the lines of "please DO NOT cause delays by trying to get an oversize bag onto the flight" or words to that effect. Public shaming. Sort of like a penalty box in hockey. It was a zoo: I've never seen such confusion boarding an airplane.

Never again.

[kkingston57]

The goal of every American airline is not transportation, but merely to discover new ways to torment their fellow citizens in most petty manner possible. Spirit used to lead the pack in this regard, but United believes that this new innovation of charging more for aisle seats while giving all the luggage space to the window seats will vault them into the lead.

It seems like they started this nonsense in earnest about 15 years ago, but they've actually hated us ever since we ended their sweetheart deal with the gooberment back in the 70's. Most businesses value customers, but this pack of geniuses wonder why they perpetually teeter on the edge of bankruptcy while the bulk of their customers would rather drive three days than expose themselves to 5 hours torment at the hands of an airline and their cohorts at the TSA -- and pay three times the cost for the privilege.

Much like the dumbass insurance companies, who flee Florida when they discover that there aren't enough Villagers to fleece so they can offer cut-rate insurance to beach-dwellers, there has never been an airline executive bright enough to discover that if he just quit abusing his customers, he'd drive all the competing dungeon masters out of business, and make up on volume what he lost in baggage fees.

Might re consider or do a little research on insurance companies. Lived near the beach in S. Florida and premiums were 4X higher than in TV. Laws in Florida were pro consumer before recent legislation regarding attorney fees. Insurance companies are like any other business. They want to make a reasonable profit. When they pull out, they are looking at the bottom line

[Altavia]

Not so sure this is about saving 2 min in the boarding process. May be more a way for United to effectively charge for carry-on bags.

Economy Plus Passengers who purchase Priority Boarding are able to board with Group 2.

Having a Chase United Credit Card ($95/yr) will also put you in an earlier boarding group and allow one checked bag at no charge.

[kkingston57]

Starting last week, United has a new boarding process. After first and business classes, they board window, middle and then aisle seats. They say this will speed things along and claim a savings of around 3 minutes since people don’t have to get up to seat people. I always get an aisle seat. Well, on my outbound flight, the middle and window people in my row arrived after I had been seated so I still had to move. No big deal. The big problem is that even though aisle seats cost more and we’ve paid for the privilege of stowing a carry on, by the time we’re allowed to board all of the bin space is gone. On both flights, all aisle passengers had to check their carryons. On my return flight, some of the middle seats also had to check their bags. Perhaps they need to rethink things.

Personally, liked this idea. Now feel there is no good answer to the boarding problems. Amazing how many people think that they have all day to board and stand in the aisles

[Babubhat]

Get a United credit card that gives status and avoids this issue. They are not rethinking the process, it incentivizes revenue

[retiredguy123]

The solution is to eliminate the overhead bins. Either check your bag or put it under your seat.

[golfing eagles]

Get a United credit card that gives status and avoids this issue. They are not rethinking the process, it incentivizes revenue

I liked the "old days" much better. No overhead bins, no carry on luggage, every bag checked without additional baggage fees. Planes boarded and deplaned in less than 1/2 the time.

Which brings up another pet peeve: I weigh 190 and if I check 2 bags of 30# each for a total of 250, I pay for my seat + $75-95 for baggage. Then, the 350# passenger crams in next to me with fat rolls hanging into my "space" and just pays for the ticket. I suggest that airfare is charged for the seat + per pound over the average weight including baggage which, of course would go over like a lead balloon. OK, all the bleeding hearts can pile on now :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[alwann]

Starting last week, United has a new boarding process. After first and business classes, they board window, middle and then aisle seats. They say this will speed things along and claim a savings of around 3 minutes since people don’t have to get up to seat people. I always get an aisle seat. Well, on my outbound flight, the middle and window people in my row arrived after I had been seated so I still had to move. No big deal. The big problem is that even though aisle seats cost more and we’ve paid for the privilege of stowing a carry on, by the time we’re allowed to board all of the bin space is gone. On both flights, all aisle passengers had to check their carryons. On my return flight, some of the middle seats also had to check their bags. Perhaps they need to rethink things.

Yeah, and once everybody is seated frustrated and angry, a fight breaks out and you go back to the terminal. So much for saving time.

[LuckyS]

Always thought they should board the last rows first and then move forward and make sure to keep an eye on passengers to make sure they put their carry-ons over their seats not somewhere close to the front

[fdpaq0580]

I liked the "old days" much better. No overhead bins, no carry on luggage, every bag checked without additional baggage fees. Planes boarded and deplaned in less than 1/2 the time.

Which brings up another pet peeve: I weigh 190 and if I check 2 bags of 30# each for a total of 250, I pay for my seat + $75-95 for baggage. Then, the 350# passenger crams in next to me with fat rolls hanging into my "space" and just pays for the ticket. I suggest that airfare is charged for the seat + per pound over the average weight including baggage which, of course would go over like a lead balloon. OK, all the bleeding hearts can pile on now :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Agree. Do away with the overhead bins. Store small/personal items under your seat or on your lap.
To deal with "over hang" from the next seat, a dividing wall/panel separating the seats. It is always a battle for the armrest anyway, now gone.
Since weight affects fuel consumption, charge by total weight of each customer + all their baggage. Smaller/lighter folks and those with less baggage will pay less because they "use" less fuel.

[Babubhat]

Queuing studies show it is the most efficient process. What people are missing is it applies to economy tickets and those without Status. The better revenue passenger avoids it.

Plenty of YouTube videos confirm the process

[fdpaq0580]

Always thought they should board the last rows first and then move forward and make sure to keep an eye on passengers to make sure they put their carry-ons over their seats not somewhere close to the front

Makes sense. Carry it farther. No overhead bins. Only small personal items (coats, purses, briefcase or laptop) stowed under seat or on your lap. No seat selections. Load back right window, back left window, back right middle, back left middle, back right aisle, back left aisle. Next row same procedure, all the way forward. Quickest way. Time is money.

[golfing eagles]

Queuing studies show it is the most efficient process. What people are missing is it applies to economy tickets and those without Status. The better revenue passenger avoids it.

Plenty of YouTube videos confirm the process

So what about the passenger that pays extra for an aisle seat only to get shut out of overhead storage????? Tough luck???? One could argue that they paid extra for the seat, not overhead bin space, but if the airlines aren't catering to those that pay extra and everyone has equal chances at the overhead bins, why board business class and premium first??? Why reserve "their" overhead bins for "their" use????

[Blueblaze]

Might re consider or do a little research on insurance companies. Lived near the beach in S. Florida and premiums were 4X higher than in TV. Laws in Florida were pro consumer before recent legislation regarding attorney fees. Insurance companies are like any other business. They want to make a reasonable profit. When they pull out, they are looking at the bottom line

A whole 4x times higher for 100 times the risk! Scandalous! Why obviously, people who can afford to live on the beach ought to be subsidized by people who can't, right? Shame on us Villagers for whining about the insurance costs on our practically risk-free fortresses, built to hurricane standards, in a place too far from the ocean for a hurricane to reach! Can't we just be happy that our insane insurance bills make it possible for a few fortunate folks to live on the beach?

Other People's Money -- it's the American Dream!

[Topspinmo]

The goal of every American airline is not transportation, but merely to discover new ways to torment their fellow citizens in most petty manner possible. Spirit used to lead the pack in this regard, but United believes that this new innovation of charging more for aisle seats while giving all the luggage space to the window seats will vault them into the lead.

It seems like they started this nonsense in earnest about 15 years ago, but they've actually hated us ever since we ended their sweetheart deal with the gooberment back in the 70's. Most businesses value customers, but this pack of geniuses wonder why they perpetually teeter on the edge of bankruptcy while the bulk of their customers would rather drive three days than expose themselves to 5 hours torment at the hands of an airline and their cohorts at the TSA -- and pay three times the cost for the privilege.

Much like the dumbass insurance companies, who flee Florida when they discover that there aren't enough Villagers to fleece so they can offer cut-rate insurance to beach-dwellers, there has never been an airline executive bright enough to discover that if he just quit abusing his customers, he'd drive all the competing dungeon masters out of business, and make up on volume what he lost in baggage fees.


I’m pretty sure the real goal is to extract as money as they can from you and make you feel like you got good deal:eclipsee_gold_cup:

[matandch]

Starting last week, United has a new boarding process. After first and business classes, they board window, middle and then aisle seats. They say this will speed things along and claim a savings of around 3 minutes since people don’t have to get up to seat people. I always get an aisle seat. Well, on my outbound flight, the middle and window people in my row arrived after I had been seated so I still had to move. No big deal. The big problem is that even though aisle seats cost more and we’ve paid for the privilege of stowing a carry on, by the time we’re allowed to board all of the bin space is gone. On both flights, all aisle passengers had to check their carryons. On my return flight, some of the middle seats also had to check their bags. Perhaps they need to rethink things.

Trust me they are constantly rethinking boarding procedures as time is money. The longer it takes to board the more it costs them. Surprisingly the Southwest open seating policy has proven to be the fastest and most efficient boarding process.

[mikeycereal]

I'm an aisle seater and don't care if I board first or last, long as the aircraft is on time.

[ron32162]

Wow! all the things we don't see and hear taking first class.

[Dilligas]

The solution is to eliminate the overhead bins. Either check your bag or put it under your seat.
No, the solution is to have two free bags checked and modern interiors with overhead bins that allow carry on bags to be put in like books standing up on a shelf. If not, fly another airline like southwest

[MandoMan]

Starting last week, United has a new boarding process. After first and business classes, they board window, middle and then aisle seats. They say this will speed things along and claim a savings of around 3 minutes since people don’t have to get up to seat people. I always get an aisle seat. Well, on my outbound flight, the middle and window people in my row arrived after I had been seated so I still had to move. No big deal. The big problem is that even though aisle seats cost more and we’ve paid for the privilege of stowing a carry on, by the time we’re allowed to board all of the bin space is gone. On both flights, all aisle passengers had to check their carryons. On my return flight, some of the middle seats also had to check their bags. Perhaps they need to rethink things.

I fly United, and I wondered about that. I pay to be in boarding group 2 and buy seats near the front for extra money, so I’m hoping I get to get on before the overhead bins are full. You are right about the need to enforce the rule to send oversized suitcases to checked baggage. Then there are the people who put a little book bag or purse or stuffed animal or coat or purse up there, or don’t load the suitcases properly.

[airstreamingypsy]

I think it's odd that first class goes on first. They sit there getting pounded by a couple of hundred people, if they are in an aisle seat.

[midiwiz]

Starting last week, United has a new boarding process. After first and business classes, they board window, middle and then aisle seats. They say this will speed things along and claim a savings of around 3 minutes since people don’t have to get up to seat people. I always get an aisle seat. Well, on my outbound flight, the middle and window people in my row arrived after I had been seated so I still had to move. No big deal. The big problem is that even though aisle seats cost more and we’ve paid for the privilege of stowing a carry on, by the time we’re allowed to board all of the bin space is gone. On both flights, all aisle passengers had to check their carryons. On my return flight, some of the middle seats also had to check their bags. Perhaps they need to rethink things.

Delta piloted this thought about 7 or so years ago.... note they don't use it. total failure and complaints up the a$$ aside from upgrade mix ups, it also brought confusion at the gate with "who's on first" and actually took longer because as usual people don't listen. Also the amount of complaint from the aisle seats was amazing as just about all of them never had their carry on anywhere near them. so who should be first off the plane in that row ended up to be the last due to the lack of having their carry on.

[Janie123]

Starting last week, United has a new boarding process. After first and business classes, they board window, middle and then aisle seats. They say this will speed things along and claim a savings of around 3 minutes since people don’t have to get up to seat people. I always get an aisle seat. Well, on my outbound flight, the middle and window people in my row arrived after I had been seated so I still had to move. No big deal. The big problem is that even though aisle seats cost more and we’ve paid for the privilege of stowing a carry on, by the time we’re allowed to board all of the bin space is gone. On both flights, all aisle passengers had to check their carryons. On my return flight, some of the middle seats also had to check their bags. Perhaps they need to rethink things.
If you have any status with United such as Silver, Gold or higher, you will board in groups 1 or 2 no matter where you are sitting. Also, if you have one of the United credit cards, you board in group 2. everyone else, groups 3, 4, or 5.

[Arletti]

That is unfair, and agents often jump the gun. Only the cabin crew knows when the overhead bins are full, so the agent should check with them before they deny boarding with a carry-on.

[Arletti]

This is incorrect. It doesn’t cost any more to take longer to board, as long as you leave on time. Crews are not paid until the aircraft blocks out of the gate.

[fdpaq0580]

Wow! all the things we don't see and hear taking first class.

Must be grand not having to bother with the unwashed masses.

[Charsaunt]

Just flew back to The Villages last week from Providence to Orlando on Southwest. We usually board in the A group but my husband was a little slow in getting our boarding passes so we were first in B group. Southwest boards people needing assistance first (usually a long line) and then A group. We then were first in B group while they boarded people with children. One couple with a small child tried to board but the gate agent stopped them. He was carrying a long pole of some kind in a bag and it had to be over 6.5 feet long. Have no idea how this schmuck thought it would fit in the overhead. Gate agent had to call someone to come get it checked. Held everyone up for a good 10-15 minutes on boarding time. An airline employee should be overseeing the types of carry ons people have.
And that remark that someone made about first come first served regarding overhead space is absolutely stupid!

[Bwanajim]

I think a better idea would be to board from the back of the plane going forward. They let people in the front on first and everyone gets backed up as they try to put carry-on in the storage bin.

[sowilts]

Brilliant

[Topspinmo]

I feel like runt pig being loaded up for market when I board any airlines. The

[fdpaq0580]

I feel like runt pig being loaded up for market when I board any airlines. The

Runt? Certainly not!

Sorry! Couldn't resist the smart-ass joke. No harm intended.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

Charge to carry a bag on and make checked bags free and you will solve the boarding speed and bin space issues at the same time.