"Within the 5s" - do you care? (boarding line up question)
May 20, 2015, 6:05 pm
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,626
"Within the 5s" - do you care? (boarding line up question)
I'm a few times a year WN flyer. Sometimes I even pay the $12.50. In any event, I've never been worked up over exactly where I am standing within my group of 5 between the two posts, but some people sure are. Does it matter much to you?
May 20, 2015, 6:41 pm
#3
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Rochester, NY
Programs: AirTran A+ Elite, Marriott Rewards Plat, Rapid Rewards A List, National Exec, USAir Div Mil
Posts: 323
It matters to me for a couple of reasons. First, when I'm in the teens, the difference between my place at 16 and being cut by three people and boarding at 19 is often the difference between the exit row and not. Second, how hard is it to just line up in order? In my experience the ones who think it's "no big deal" are usually trying to improve their position.
May 20, 2015, 7:09 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2011
Location: 2C
Programs: MR PP & LT Plat, HH Diamond, WN A+ and CP, Avis First, National E+
Posts: 201
It matters to me for a couple of reasons. First, when I'm in the teens, the difference between my place at 16 and being cut by three people and boarding at 19 is often the difference between the exit row and not. Second, how hard is it to just line up in order? In my experience the ones who think it's "no big deal" are usually trying to improve their position.
May 20, 2015, 7:34 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,626
It matters to me for a couple of reasons. First, when I'm in the teens, the difference between my place at 16 and being cut by three people and boarding at 19 is often the difference between the exit row and not. Second, how hard is it to just line up in order? In my experience the ones who think it's "no big deal" are usually trying to improve their position.
May 20, 2015, 8:36 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: AUS, SAN, EDI, BA F, WN Exit Row
Programs: Southwest Airlines AP & CP; BA Gold
Posts: 169
I'm in the same boat. I am usually A16 so if there aren't many thru passengers or BS customers, I can choose my preferred seat. If I were A40 and A43 was in front of me, my first inclination is to think that it wouldn't be as big a deal, since the "prime" seating is normally snagged by the first few boarders. But, like DoctorK said, why not just line up in order?
May 20, 2015, 9:11 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: STL, MO-US and A , SWA A-List, Marriott LTTE, Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,883
Do you all walk up at the last minute and ask everyone or try and sneak a peek at there BP/phone and taking the approx. spot? Just asking because I'm still trying to figure out the best approach. I'm leaning towards waiting until the last minute and walking up loudly asking everyone what their position is and then sliding into my spot.
I hate having to do this, Lately I've been choosing Delta and their E+ option when available. $25 for more room, unlimited free drinks and early Sky boarding position, better than BS!
I hate having to do this, Lately I've been choosing Delta and their E+ option when available. $25 for more room, unlimited free drinks and early Sky boarding position, better than BS!
Last edited by ALARISstl; May 20, 2015 at 9:22 pm
May 20, 2015, 9:43 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 5,813
It matters sometimes and some people to try to push the limits. Yesterday I was A-21 and when the GA called for the A group to line up he explplicitly called for people to line up according to BP order. I was A-21 There was a gentleman leaning against the A21-A25 post. I initially assumed he was A-20. I stated I was A-21 and he flashed his A-25 BP. He moved back and yielded to every higher passenger as far as I could tell.
May 20, 2015, 10:04 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville, TN
Programs: WN Nothing and spending the half million points from too many flights, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,043
Some people were held back for low grades in "put in order." I was able to ace "round nose scissors and paste" so it was not as important.
May 21, 2015, 6:06 am
#10
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: AUS, SAN, EDI, BA F, WN Exit Row
Programs: Southwest Airlines AP & CP; BA Gold
Posts: 169
May 21, 2015, 10:11 am
#11
Join Date: May 2007
Location: DFW
Programs: WN A+, AA, HYATT DIAMOND, SPG
Posts: 1,125
Yes, I care.
I get in order where I'm supposed to be, not ahead and not behind.
I'll bet those who don't care are many times the ones who will stand at the head of the 5s when they don't belong there.
Counting is easy. Numbers are on the boarding passes for a reason.
Yes, I care.
I get in order where I'm supposed to be, not ahead and not behind.
I'll bet those who don't care are many times the ones who will stand at the head of the 5s when they don't belong there.
Counting is easy. Numbers are on the boarding passes for a reason.
Yes, I care.
May 21, 2015, 10:20 am
#12
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: LAS
Posts: 1,525
Yes, I care.
I get in order where I'm supposed to be, not ahead and not behind.
I'll bet those who don't care are many times the ones who will stand at the head of the 5s when they don't belong there.
Counting is easy. Numbers are on the boarding passes for a reason.
Yes, I care.
I get in order where I'm supposed to be, not ahead and not behind.
I'll bet those who don't care are many times the ones who will stand at the head of the 5s when they don't belong there.
Counting is easy. Numbers are on the boarding passes for a reason.
Yes, I care.
May 21, 2015, 10:20 am
#13
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Orlando, FL, US
Programs: DL-Dirt Medallion;US-Cast Iron Preferred; HH-Gold; Avis First
Posts: 3,617
Do you all walk up at the last minute and ask everyone or try and sneak a peek at there BP/phone and taking the approx. spot? Just asking because I'm still trying to figure out the best approach. I'm leaning towards waiting until the last minute and walking up loudly asking everyone what their position is and then sliding into my spot.
I hate having to do this, Lately I've been choosing Delta and their E+ option when available. $25 for more room, unlimited free drinks and early Sky boarding position, better than BS!
I hate having to do this, Lately I've been choosing Delta and their E+ option when available. $25 for more room, unlimited free drinks and early Sky boarding position, better than BS!
May 21, 2015, 12:54 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SoCal
Programs: AA EXP, HHonors LTDia, Marriott Plat
Posts: 639
I used to always line up in my proper spot and hold my boarding pass folded so the number shows but not my name. People would walk up, glance at it, and then take their position. Usually.
May 21, 2015, 1:58 pm
#15
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: USA
Programs: Chase Sapphire Reserve, WFBF
Posts: 1,573
My philosophy is, if you think it's not a big deal, then feel free to stand at the END of your group of 5.
When I have A17, for instance, I just walk up to the "front" of the non-BS part of the line, and say something like "do you have A16?"
Long ago, I was once B1 on a flight that was completely full and I wanted to ensure an aisle seat. When I approached the front of the line, the girl standing there had B5 and tried to wave me behind her. She said "oh, it's not important where you stand, it's all open seating". I said "I'm glad you think it's not important, so you certainly won't mind being behind me."
When I have A17, for instance, I just walk up to the "front" of the non-BS part of the line, and say something like "do you have A16?"
Long ago, I was once B1 on a flight that was completely full and I wanted to ensure an aisle seat. When I approached the front of the line, the girl standing there had B5 and tried to wave me behind her. She said "oh, it's not important where you stand, it's all open seating". I said "I'm glad you think it's not important, so you certainly won't mind being behind me."