US Airways Dividend Miles - Preferred lane etiquette

Stand outside the lane and only enter it when First Class is called

Or

Queue immediately in the lane (if seated in F) when arriving at the gate

It seems to me there is no reason not to fill the lane immediately, but that rarely seems to happen.

Thanks,
~shack42

You should see the Priority boarding lane at ORD - utter and complete chaos the other day....

The penalty for anyone lining up before their specific zone is called should be death by firing squad. That goes for everyone except military in uniform and people that need special assistance. Why the heck are you lining up to be the first one in FC?

If one sits in row 1 I try to be one of the first to get in line so I have space to put my stuff in the overhead bins.

The penalty for anyone lining up before their specific zone is called should be death by firing squad. That goes for everyone except military in uniform and people that need special assistance. Why the heck are you lining up to be the first one in FC?

The preferred lane is away from the gate agents and the general lane which is used for special assistance and pre-boards. Lining up early would not interfere with any gate activity before F boarding is called.

What is the purpose of the lane if not to stand in? -- you rarely can get to it after the boarding process starts and half the time many of the F crowd just walks down either lane to hand in their BP because it's silly not to once F is called to board.

F passengers usually stand near the front of the gate anyway as they know they're boarding first.. either along the wall (if there is one) or near the desk leaving enough room for gate traffic and pre-boards.

Only once have i heard a GA announce that F pax can queue up in that lane before the start of the boarding process. When they rolled out these preferred lane signs, they didn't come with any instructions or "intended use" guidelines.

If one sits in row 1 I try to be one of the first to get in line so I have space to put my stuff in the overhead bins.

+1

I was in CLT last week and everyone was patiently waiting to board when some guy walks into the priority lane and queues up - at first it struck me as kind of douchey but as I thought about it I really couldn't come up with a reason that someone in first shouldn't go ahead and enter the lane. Whaddayathink...

It is up to the GAs to enforce keeping the lanes clear. If there was a standard policy and it was adhered to by the GAs, there would not be an issue.

The overhead space for Row 1 does create a need to be among the very first to enter the cabin. It sucks to swim against the tide when leaving the aircraft to retrieve a bag over Row 4, 5 or 6 after you've just flown in Row 1.

If one sits in row 1 I try to be one of the first to get in line so I have space to put my stuff in the overhead bins.

The overhead space for Row 1 does create a need to be among the very first to enter the cabin. It sucks to swim against the tide when leaving the aircraft to retrieve a bag over Row 4, 5 or 6 after you've just flown in Row 1.

Totally agree. What with equipment and crew stuff in some short F cabins (A320), if you're in 1 you get closed out almost immediately if you dawdle.

The penalty for anyone lining up before their specific zone is called should be death by firing squad. That goes for everyone except military in uniform and people that need special assistance. Why the heck are you lining up to be the first one in FC?

AMEN ^ I might even throw in the strollers just to keep things moving later on, but that is another thread.

The overhead space for Row 1 does create a need to be among the very first to enter the cabin. It sucks to swim against the tide when leaving the aircraft to retrieve a bag over Row 4, 5 or 6 after you've just flown in Row 1.
This happened to me last week, sat in 1A but didn't queue until F was announced which put me on last. All the over heads were completely packed in F and I travel light, i only need a 3-4 inch space to put my lap top bag. I wasn't very appologetic when I had to shove my way back 5 rows to get my bag to deplane.

Stand outside the lane and only enter it when First Class is called

Or

Queue immediately in the lane (if seated in F) when arriving at the gate

It seems to me there is no reason not to fill the lane immediately, but that rarely seems to happen.

Thanks,
~shack42

It is truly odd... I agree that as a group we are very uncomfortable with navigating this new toy placed into our hamster tank.

of course on UA, GS, etc. elites fill up the lane and wait there until boarding starts. I suppose in comes along with the level of entitlement that goes along with GS, but it does create for a much more orderly approach. I agree that it would be preferable if the GA would encourage FC to queue into the holding pen so that they can board other specials as needed. It would also make things oh so much more orderly. As it stands right now the addition of the other lane serves zero purpose.

double-edged sword. once F starts lining up, then zones 3+ make their way to within 5 and 10 ft of the other lane.

double-edged sword. once F starts lining up, then zones 3+ make their way to within 5 and 10 ft of the other lane.

They do this anyways. Danger of lining up early is they'll see a line and join it ignoring the preferred designation, especially at those gates where you can get to the preferred lane from the side without seeing the sign.

They do this anyways. Danger of lining up early is they'll see a line and join it ignoring the preferred designation, especially at those gates where you can get to the preferred lane from the side without seeing the sign.

The gate areas are so terribly narrow and crowded with chairs and other structures that the throng of boarders makes it nearly impossible to access the Preferred Lane once boarding has begun; which was one of the intended benefits of the Preferred Lane.

The "we're going to begin boarding soon" announcement at T-15 minutes is effectively a "On your mark, get set" call that triggers everyone in the gate area to instantly form a disorganized mass, blocking both lanes. I sincerely wish they would do away with this announcement and just start boarding at the prescribed time with short, concise messages like "First class may now board", "Zone 3 may now board", etc.

Effective Messages:

Now boarding First class, First Class Only, has to be sung

Now boarding Business Class, Business Class only

Now boarding Cattle Class, Cattle Class only

Now Free for all

IMO, First class should be zone 1. It seems to confuse some people and agents that they are before zone 1 (even though a first class ticket says zone 1 - it should say zone 0).

You should see the Priority boarding lane at ORD - utter and complete chaos the other day....

If you think US is chaotic, try UA. Especially internationally. Try boarding in F on a crowded 747 when F, C, GS, 1K, and Platinum are all Zone 1. :td:

Last real widebody I flew on UA during a weekday was a hop from IAD to SFO on a 777. 1/2 the plane must have been 1K. And that was before the merger (I've since done a 763 flight on system integration day (what hell that was, but that flight was only 1/2 full - upgauged from a 752).

when I have F and am in row 1, I definitely try to be first in line. When in F but another row, i will wait until F is called then try working my way thru the folks already in the priority line. If I'm face to face with them, i do ask, are you in F? but usually just get an ugly stare. Also have had a couple of occasions when military not in uniform boarded before F. Just said "military" and went on (last time, a young couple.) Good for them and their service. Just another interpretation of what the GA is saying, i guess.

I generally only see what I think are marines that do that (as they don't travel in uniforms like other branches). I've seen them showing the military ID.

I generally only see what I think are marines that do that (as they don't travel in uniforms like other branches). I've seen them showing the military ID.

I see this too. I fly into OAJ once a month from CLT, and the flight is loaded with Marines heading back to Lejune. What ticks me off is when the GA tells them, "ohhh I'll let you slide this time, but next time you have to be in uniform." That gets me mad...

I am one of the people in first that tends to go to the priority lane (not the regular lane) and queue up when I get there. Why? Why not?

It seems silly that people stand in a huddle 10 feet away and wait until the actual announcement. The reality is everyone standing is queuing up and waiting to run to the line.

The penalty for anyone lining up before their specific zone is called should be death by firing squad. That goes for everyone except military in uniform and people that need special assistance. Why the heck are you lining up to be the first one in FC?


There is limited space in the F/C bins. Almost every flight some of the F/C bags wind up in the first few rows of coach. Flight attendants tend to put their bags in the F/C bins.
There is a separate line for preferred. Military and special assistance are in a different path. Standing in the preferred queue does not interfere.
Gate agents sometimes call F/C and group 1 at the same time. People in the first few rows of coach have no problem putting bags near the back of the F/C bins.


Why do you care? If you don't want to get in line, wait for everyone else and board. To each is own.

I see this too. I fly into OAJ once a month from CLT, and the flight is loaded with Marines heading back to Lejune. What ticks me off is when the GA tells them, "ohhh I'll let you slide this time, but next time you have to be in uniform." That gets me mad...

They could travel in dress uniforms (A, B, C, D) but not in utility/battlefield uniform.

One of my biggest pet peeves! Stay out of everyone's way until your group is called. If you are group 1 - AND it says group 1 on your boarding pass, then it's reasonable to get in the line. Still ridiculous - but I can forgive it. I do try to get closer to the front if I'm in Row 1, but since I carry on a reasonable amount of luggage and not everything I own, I can usually fit my bag in even if I'm not first.

I love it when a FC Lard get on and blocks the walkway while they are prepping putting their bags away for the next 5 minutes, with their head turned toward the back of the seat... CLT the other day,while standing there waiting for my seat, by the window. Think the idiot was playing with his computer...

So actually your behavior changed when they introduced Preferred line? I do not have US Club membership (so so other place to spend time at the airport:p), so I queue up 30 minutes prior to departure, anyway. As in old days...

EDIT - just realized that most of my US flights are point-to-point - people might not be that early at the gate when they connect from other flights...

IMO, First class should be zone 1. It seems to confuse some people and agents that they are before zone 1 (even though a first class ticket says zone 1 - it should say zone 0).

Amen to the GA confusion. Last week I paid $89 for a "choice" exit row seat and got zone 1. I dutifully stayed in the hallway and listened to the military, first, preferred member announcements, still waited for zone 1 to be called, and BANG, she called zone 2. I was then at the back of the zone 2 "just about everyone" stampede.

I'm dirt status and have to wait until check-in to be able to buy an exit row.

It is especially important to follow boarding lane etiquette if you don't have a preferred lane BP. If you have, say, a Group 4 BP you'd want to:

1.) Stand as near to any physical bottle neck you can.
2.) Keep your 6 carry ons *beside* you, not behind you to maximize your lateral blocking capability.
3.) Fully obscure your BP so those with F or preferred BPs can't see you are Group 4 and instead will wait behind you.
4.) Regardless of what the GA calls, move forward as if you intend to board.
5.) As you near the podium, either:
5a.) Stop until your group is called but make sure you are blocking as much access as possible.
5b.) Attempt to board and engage in a lengthy discussion with the GA about boarding groups to delay your fellow passengers as much as possible.
6.) Do not prepare your carry ons in the jetway. The aircraft door is the best place to stop and do this. This is particularly important if you are boarding early and there is a long line behind you.
7.) Rolling bags and meant to be rolled. This is especially important to remember when your rollaboard is wider than the aisle. DO NOT CARRY THESE BAGS DOWN THE AISLE. If you keep trying to roll it down the narrow aisle, the rules of physics will eventually bend and your bag will suddenly fit. Be persistent.
8.) The airplane seat is the most important piece of safety gear on an airplane. If you try to hit as many seats as possible with your bags the airline will be very grateful for the added stress testing prior to flight. This is especially important if someone is already in the seat. The passengers you strike with your bags will subsequently rest assured that their seat will survive an incident after seeing the force you exert against their seat with your carry on.
9.) Do not step in to your row to unpack your carry on bags. Make sure you spread out the items you need for your flight in as many bags and compartments as possible. A good rule is flight_length_in_hours x 10 = total items you need to unback- so a 2 hour flight is 20 and an 8 hour flight is 80. The airlines appreciate this slight delay so they have more time to load bags underneath.
10.) The overhead bins are there for a reason. Make sure you place your bags in the least efficient manner possible. Also, make sure you place your bags 10+ rows ahead of your seats, preferably in F or a bulkhead. This helps with weight and balance and saves the airline fuel.

Some general tips:

1.) If possible, throw a few elbows.
2.) If you have access to children, make sure they are not following any logical line rules and instead encourage them to run about as much as possible.
3.) Try to possess more carryons than you can physically carry at all times.
4.) Do *NOT* eat in the terminal or at home. Instead, purchase food in the terminal and take it on the airplane (provided you met point #3 above). Only purchase food that is not well packaged, is composed mostly of liquids, and has a strong odor.
5.) Try to make as many cell phone calls as possible during this process. It is considered quite rude to talk directly in to your phone or earpiece. Instead, try to use your speakerphone at all times. Ensure these conversations include as many uncomfortable details as possible.
6.) You are highly educated with respect to the airline business, airplane mechanics, and weather. At the first sign of any delay, even if only a few minutes, loudly protest and suggest betters ways of operating. The phrase "I don't see any weather. The hurricane is in Florida" is particularly useful. Make sure you state "I will never fly XYZ" as many times as possible.

I am one of the people in first that tends to go to the priority lane (not the regular lane) and queue up when I get there. Why? Why not?

It seems silly that people stand in a huddle 10 feet away and wait until the actual announcement. The reality is everyone standing is queuing up and waiting to run to the line.


^

DillMan, I agree wholeheartedly, except for one thing - don't deny groups 1-4 from these excellent pointers! Remember - if you're 1-3, you need to spend as much time as possible making sure that people know that you are very, very important! If you don't take your time getting on the plane, less people will notice you.

Flew last week to CUN and it was my first time experiencing the new lanes, however they were irrelevent in my case; was traveling with my wife and 2 kids (22 months old). My question however is when did US stop allowing pax with children to board ahead of everyone? As we were traveling in F cabin this became a non-issue but after a call for anyone needing special assistance to now pre-board, we were met by GA's with "you can't board till zone 2 with children". Last year I traveled with my kids about 12 times and never had this come up. Why announce preboarding for anyone needing special assistance and then tell me that I cant preboard with children?

Flew last week to CUN and it was my first time experiencing the new lanes, however they were irrelevent in my case; was traveling with my wife and 2 kids (22 months old). My question however is when did US stop allowing pax with children to board ahead of everyone? As we were traveling in F cabin this became a non-issue but after a call for anyone needing special assistance to now pre-board, we were met by GA's with "you can't board till zone 2 with children". Last year I traveled with my kids about 12 times and never had this come up. Why announce preboarding for anyone needing special assistance and then tell me that I cant preboard with children?

There are layers of logic superimposed in this new boarding system. If you are going to start posing specific existential questions like this, we are never going to get anywhere.

There are layers of logic superimposed in this new boarding system.


And where may I find out more information on this new boarding system?

If you are going to start posing specific existential questions like this, we are never going to get anywhere.

??? Sorry but I failed 10th grade Sci-Lit.

There are layers of logic superimposed in this new boarding system.


And where may I find out more information on this new boarding system?

Try here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/us-airways-dividend-miles/1245363-elite-boarding-lane-testing.html).

But good luck making sense of it (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/us-airways-dividend-miles/1245363-elite-boarding-lane-testing-10.html#post18317932). I can't (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/us-airways-dividend-miles/1339544-us-now-selling-preferredaccess-good-bad-preferreds-2.html#post18457223)

If you are going to start posing specific existential questions like this, we are never going to get anywhere.

??? Sorry but I failed 10th grade Sci-Lit.

Not to worry -- you may have a future designing boarding systems for airlines. ;)

Flew last week to CUN and it was my first time experiencing the new lanes, however they were irrelevent in my case; was traveling with my wife and 2 kids (22 months old). My question however is when did US stop allowing pax with children to board ahead of everyone? As we were traveling in F cabin this became a non-issue but after a call for anyone needing special assistance to now pre-board, we were met by GA's with "you can't board till zone 2 with children". Last year I traveled with my kids about 12 times and never had this come up. Why announce preboarding for anyone needing special assistance and then tell me that I cant preboard with children?

I think was the issue was when they said "pre-board" half the plane stepped forward. Isn't zone 2 still plenty early?

Stand outside the lane and only enter it when First Class is called

Or

Queue immediately in the lane (if seated in F) when arriving at the gate
Or

C) Stay in lounge for another drink

C) Stay in lounge for another drink

+1. IMO, flying F means I don't have to deal with that queuing nonsense... And no offense meant, but my loathing of the queue is the key reason I *never* fly SWA.

As long as the preferred lane is clear-able (even though I may get some nasty looks), I'm content to board whenever. It's only if I'm later than Zone 3 and on E70s that I have legitimate problems with overhead space. The people who give you nasty looks on your way by are also the ones giving you envious looks as you sip your bourbon as they walk by upon boarding.

I boarded late, from the "blue lane" for Preferreds; I walked up, and the US employee standing at the front said, "First class?" and I said, "Yes", and he said, "Right over here", and led me to have my boarding pass scanned, making a coach passenger wait. I felt like a jerk but was apologetic.

I boarded late, from the "blue lane" for Preferreds; I walked up, and the US employee standing at the front said, "First class?" and I said, "Yes", and he said, "Right over here", and led me to have my boarding pass scanned, making a coach passenger wait. I felt like a jerk but was apologetic.

Why feel like a jerk? that's why the lane is there.

Why feel like a jerk? that's why the lane is there.

I agree.

Every once and a while I fly an airline where I have no status. I wait my turn for boarding zone 9,432 and watch as all the elites and anyone else with status boards. No worries, no complaints.

Maybe I don't think twice about it because I know the 100,000 + miles I fly on different airlines to get that status and so I know the people who board in front of me have done something to deserve to board earlier.

When someone gives me a look for boarding early, I don't think twice about it. I fly a ton to get that privilege.

Queue immediately in the lane (if seated in F) when arriving at the gate

I tend to arrive at the gate at least 90 minutes early and queue immediately in the lane, even if the GA is working another flight. (Those people can just go around me and my herd of carry-on bags.) Brings back fond memories of flying Southwest in the 1990's. :p

Flew DL for the first time in years. 99% of my flights are US with an occasional AA or UA. Neither of my 2 DL flights had any gate lice and no one abused the boarding procedure. Elite lanes were used only by elite. This might have been an exceptional situation, but if not, why shouldn't it be that way with other airlines?

Not looking for someone to say if I don't like US to fly on another carrier. Just looking for rational explanations.

Flew DL for the first time in years. 99% of my flights are US with an occasional AA or UA. Neither of my 2 DL flights had any gate lice and no one abused the boarding procedure. Elite lanes were used only by elite. This might have been an exceptional situation, but if not, why shouldn't it be that way with other airlines?

You just got lucky. I've been on some US flights where the boarding went smoothly and Delta flights where it was a disaster.

I think it is a problem for all airlines. The "solution" would be for GAs to be trained to be rigid in their application of the rules -- turn everyone away who tries to go through the line before their zone is called. If they did that consistently for long enough, people would learn and they would stop jamming up at the podium. Unfortunately, it would take years, since many people don't fly that often and don't learn that easily. There is also a PR problem because the airlines don't like to make customers angry and turning them away from boarding will tend to upset people.

The other issue being tons of non english speakers traveling to and from tourist destinations.... when they see the GA get on the speaker, they are ready to board in zone 5.

My $0.02 -- I don't care whether people line up in the lane or not, but I'd like a clear policy.

Perhaps as part of the "boarding soon" announcement, the GA could invite FC to queue in the blue lane?

The other thing other carriers do that US appears not to is physically block the red lane prior to the completion of elite boarding (usually by putting a rope across it). This would prevent my biggest pet peeve: elites who line up in the red lane to skip ahead of the ones who got in the blue lane like they were told.

My $0.02 -- I don't care whether people line up in the lane or not, but I'd like a clear policy.

Perhaps as part of the "boarding soon" announcement, the GA could invite FC to queue in the blue lane?

The other thing other carriers do that US appears not to is physically block the red lane prior to the completion of elite boarding (usually by putting a rope across it). This would prevent my biggest pet peeve: elites who line up in the red lane to skip ahead of the ones who got in the blue lane like they were told.

I agree that is annoying. Last week I was boarding in the preferred lane and some lady who was queued up in the red lane (behind zone 2 pax) realized she was in the wrong lane and ducked the rope right in front of me. You don't get to cut in line because you can't follow directions!

I agree that is annoying. Last week I was boarding in the preferred lane and some lady who was queued up in the red lane (behind zone 2 pax) realized she was in the wrong lane and ducked the rope right in front of me. You don't get to cut in line because you can't follow directions!

I had that happen to me a few weeks ago in IAH. Kudos to the GA that told that guy that he would have to wait until he had boarded all of us in FC that had already been waiting in the blue line.

I agree, it's very annoying, and not all that hard. Blue = preferred, Red=not preferred. However, it is a pain when you are in FC and the blue lane is clogged with non-FC preferred pax. First world problems, I know :-):rolleyes:

Doesn't paying $10+ for Priority Access give someone non-Preferred the right to board in the blue lane?

I was in the Preferred security line in Charlotte and there was a passenger behind me who definitely did not look Preferred, and I thought about making a light-hearted comment- "your child must be one of the youngest frequent fliers around- hope you've had a lot of great trips!" but then caught myself before being judgmental by realizing that the passenger might have just paid $10 to use the lane.

Doesn't paying $10+ for Priority Access give someone non-Preferred the right to board in the blue lane?

I was in the Preferred security line in Charlotte and there was a passenger behind me who definitely did not look Preferred, and I thought about making a light-hearted comment- "your child must be one of the youngest frequent fliers around- hope you've had a lot of great trips!" but then caught myself before being judgmental by realizing that the passenger might have just paid $10 to use the lane.

What makes someone look "not preferred?" Perhaps the adult was a Chairman and was just taking a holiday with their kid?

What makes someone look "not preferred?" Perhaps the adult was a Chairman and was just taking a holiday with their kid?

I'm anxiously awaiting the answer to this, too! Was it his clothing or something else that allowed the poster to ascertain the frequency of the passenger's travel?

On a related note, I was traveling in Europe over the winter on an envoy ticket, and I walked up to the First Class/Envoy counter to check in. (I think this was in MAN.) I was by myself, dressed in jeans, boots, and a parka. No, it was not a cocktail dress or a suit, but I was perfectly presentable. The agent immediately snapped, "This is for first class passengers only."

clt-las 07/07, only 2 of us in the blue lane when GA started boarding FC. and no one in red. maybe b/c she had only made 1 pre-board announcement and no one heard....

What makes someone look "not preferred?" Perhaps the adult was a Chairman and was just taking a holiday with their kid?

Well, yes. Sometimes us preferreds do take our kids on trips. And yes, we too can board with Zone 1....

i just did lax to charlotte to newark; first leg was a bit delayed, so when i landed in charlotte i had to run between gates. the line was looking pretty ugly and i heard them call zone 3 as i approached. lucky for me, the preferred lane was wide open, so i made it over to there. the GA put her hand up and told the z3's "please wait, this gentleman is in first class". i dont know how she knew before looking at my ticket, but i was happy. i always feel a little bad skipping past the non-preferreds, but that melts away after a little rum.


re: looking preferred, i tend to dress like a shlub unless i come directly from (or are going directly to) a mtg. no need to get all decked out and wrinkle my nice suits and scuff my shoes and be all rigged up and uncomfortable when i'm doing 10h on airplanes.

I too often fly the day before in jeans, running t-shirt and running shoes. Unless I go directly to/from meeting I "don't look preferred" ;)

And coming Sunday you will see this "not looking preferred" with his "not looking preferred" family in CLT and PHL club on our CLT-PHL-MUC route. And if you are lucky enough that you are sitting in one of the rows close by and if my 2 year old doesn't do well flying for her first time then I do apologize in advance.

I'm anxiously awaiting the answer to this, too! Was it his clothing or something else that allowed the poster to ascertain the frequency of the passenger's travel?

On a related note, I was traveling in Europe over the winter on an envoy ticket, and I walked up to the First Class/Envoy counter to check in. (I think this was in MAN.) I was by myself, dressed in jeans, boots, and a parka. No, it was not a cocktail dress or a suit, but I was perfectly presentable. The agent immediately snapped, "This is for first class passengers only."

I would have blurted back "Well US Airways does not have an international First Class, are you able to assist Envoy passengers?"

I'm anxiously awaiting the answer to this, too! Was it his clothing or something else that allowed the poster to ascertain the frequency of the passenger's travel?

On a related note, I was traveling in Europe over the winter on an envoy ticket, and I walked up to the First Class/Envoy counter to check in. (I think this was in MAN.) I was by myself, dressed in jeans, boots, and a parka. No, it was not a cocktail dress or a suit, but I was perfectly presentable. The agent immediately snapped, "This is for first class passengers only."

I really did this...

I had this happen once - I was on vacation but in international First.... without asking anything, pointed to the coach line and said, "YOU, need to go in that line and wait your turn with the rest of the coach passengers."

I smiled to myself and said to her... "I need to talk to a supervisor. Now." She tried to say something else. I simply replied, "Supervisor. Now. Please."

When the supervisor came over, I handed my card and my passport to them and said, "The agent here does not know how to speak to passengers, let alone First Class International passengers. Can you please assist me as your agent refused to."

The supervisor even tried to say the agent was quite capable to check me in. I stopped them mid-sentence and said, "We are beyond that now. Where we are at now is whether or not when I write my complaint to both the CEO and the airport operations manager, the shift supervisor became part of the problem or part of the solution."

The agent actually had the nerve/guts to try and say something else. I stopped her mid sentence and said "I don't think we need your help here any more. I looked at the supervisor and said, "Do we?" The supervisor suggested she help load some other bags. (She turned and was clearly miffed.)

The supervisor apologized the rest of the way through the check-in process.

By the way - I did write the letter.

What makes someone look "not preferred?" Perhaps the adult was a Chairman and was just taking a holiday with their kid?

I'd love to hear the answer to this too. I was, at one point, a 22 year old Chairman (who looked about 17) and frequently chose to fly a day early to wherever I needed to be and would dress in 'normal' clothes - jeans, flip flops, polo shirt, etc.

While I was never questioned by another passenger, more than once, when taking drink/food orders and crosschecking names and status, a FA would be surprised by the face s/he was looking at and the status I had, and (half) jokingly ask if I was flying on my "dad's" FF account... i was never offended by it, but would simply explain my work and my travels. This, btw, usually led to a full drink for the duration of the flight. :D

The supervisor even tried to say the agent was quite capable to check me in. I stopped them mid-sentence and said, "We are beyond that now. Where we are at now is whether or not when I write my complaint to both the CEO and the airport operations manager, the shift supervisor became part of the problem or part of the solution."


They apparently Did not Know Who you were.

I'm anxiously awaiting the answer to this, too! Was it his clothing or something else that allowed the poster to ascertain the frequency of the passenger's travel?

On a related note, I was traveling in Europe over the winter on an envoy ticket, and I walked up to the First Class/Envoy counter to check in. (I think this was in MAN.) I was by myself, dressed in jeans, boots, and a parka. No, it was not a cocktail dress or a suit, but I was perfectly presentable. The agent immediately snapped, "This is for first class passengers only."

The passenger was a young mother with a child in a stroller, and not dressed for either a business trip or to get through security quickly.

I did not say anything to the passenger- I figured that she may well have just as much right to be in the Preferred line as I did.

They apparently Did not Know Who you were.

The issue here - treat all customers with respect. It is easy to ask if someone is first class, business class, elite or coach and direct them - with respect - to the right line.

Respect should be expected - and provided by airlines. We are not just fliers, we are customers. All of us.

The issue here - treat all customers with respect. It is easy to ask if someone is first class, business class, elite or coach and direct them - with respect - to the right line.

Respect should be expected - and provided by airlines. We are not just fliers, we are customers. All of us.

Don't disagree with this. But you could have gotten what you wanted by simply saying "I'm in first, not coach, but either way, is that an appropriate tone?" to the rep. But instead you don't give them a chance to correct their mistake, you verbally berate them and their supervisor, and send off an angry letter, all of which are more the actions of a DYKWIA, especially since their actions didn't actually harm you.

More flies with honey than vinegar and all that.

The passenger was a young mother with a child in a stroller, and not dressed for either a business trip or to get through security quickly.

I did not say anything to the passenger- I figured that she may well have just as much right to be in the Preferred line as I did.

A couple years ago I was checking in for a ridiculously early flight at LAX with my son about age 6 or 7, car seat in tow, running late, dressed in jeans. Guy next to me, in nice business casual clothes, walks ahead of me when the next agent opens up - I stop to correct him but first the agent waves him on. He looks back at me and says very obnoxiously "Ha, I am a SILVER preferred member." To which I say to both he and agent, "And I am Chairman."

Most of my flights each year are on business, and I look the part. The other 2 or 3 when I have part or all of my family with me, I definitely do not - but it doesn't change anything.

Don't disagree with this. But you could have gotten what you wanted by simply saying "I'm in first, not coach, but either way, is that an appropriate tone?" to the rep. But instead you don't give them a chance to correct their mistake, you verbally berate them and their supervisor, and send off an angry letter, all of which are more the actions of a DYKWIA, especially since their actions didn't actually harm you.

More flies with honey than vinegar and all that.

Berate? Really? Silly. It seems you are caught up is some sort of "elite envy". Most of us that fly hundreds of thousands of miles a year, just want to get from point a to point b.

I could have easily just ignored the snotty agent - and I do most of the time. But, if you fly a lot, you see how bad some agents (not all, but some) treat passengers/customers that are not elite. Treat all customers with respect.

Not an angry letter at all. Just recounted the facts. If the airline felt there was no problem, then they would ignore the letter. Up to them. Of course they sent a letter back apologizing for the behavior of the agent and assuring me that is not appropriate. (And a 100 voucher - but that was not the point of the letter.) Did it get back to the agent? I would have no idea. But, perhaps if more people would speak up - respectfully, agents would treat customers with more respect.

The squeaky wheel and all that.

+1

I was in CLT last week and everyone was patiently waiting to board when some guy walks into the priority lane and queues up - at first it struck me as kind of douchey but as I thought about it I really couldn't come up with a reason that someone in first shouldn't go ahead and enter the lane. Whaddayathink...

I agree. It's ridiculous to hang back from the priority lane if you're in F. I usually get in line about 5 - 10 minutes before boarding starts when I'm in F and half a dozen lemmings immediately follow. Going back in time when TSA had mandatory random bag checks at the gate, everyone held back from being the first to line up to avoid a bag check. I think that legacy is why some people still don't want to be the first in line.

They apparently Did not Know Who you were.
Worse, they did not know what the benefits of the ticket in hand were.

I agree. It's ridiculous to hang back from the priority lane if you're in F. I usually get in line about 5 - 10 minutes before boarding starts when I'm in F and half a dozen lemmings immediately follow. Going back in time when TSA had mandatory random bag checks at the gate, everyone held back from being the first to line up to avoid a bag check. I think that legacy is why some people still don't want to be the first in line.

I'd still rather have that then the random bag checks. BTW, I actually saw a random bag check about a month ago. I was quite surprised...

I'd still rather have that then the random bag checks. BTW, I actually saw a random bag check about a month ago. I was quite surprised...

RDU TSA has tried that on me twice in the past month at the gate. Both times, I was (truthfully) on conference call at the time, I ignored them, walked on by and boarded. The gate agents chuckled. I feel safer.

Gate checks, while they do provide a backup control against the failure of the main checkpoint to detect something bad, are an admission of failure at the main checkpoint if they have to be used regularly.

Actually, once the prior flight has de-planed, I just go ahead and get in the line. To me, it is just a clear place to stand and I am eligible to use it, anyway.

Actually, once the prior flight has de-planed, I just go ahead and get in the line. To me, it is just a clear place to stand and I am eligible to use it, anyway.

I do that as well. However, on several occasions, especially in PHX, I have had the GAs tell me to move out of the line, and not approach until boarding starts. So, then I move out the line, and more people start the line, and I end up at the end of the line. :rolleyes: