Lan44

Flying out of BKK on Sunday we decided about 50 mins before flight to head to the gate. As we went to leave the F lounge we were told we would be escorted to the plane when it was time to board. We weren't informed about this before. I knew from reading on here though but I thought they could have changed it since it wasn't mentioned to us.

So we were escorted back to our seats and told we would be collected in 10-15 mins. After 20 nothing. So we went to head to the gate again. Same thing. Wait in lounge we will escort you it's all part of the service. Ok, we will wait here.

After another 10 mins or so with nothing we were starting to get a bit nervous so decided to try again. So the guy at the desk said it's ok to board now. Walked about 5 yards into the airport from the lounge pointed and said gate C3 is just down there on the right.

Well thanks a ******* bunch!

BinSabai

escorting to the gate is standard procedure for F passengers (all F passengers on a flight together)
the advantage is that they know when plane is boarding so you do not have to wait at the gate and another advantage that they take some of the hand luggage
in your case the staff got the impression after 3 attempts that you would like to go on your own and not wait for the other F passengers on the same flight

Lan44

How do you then explain we walked past another family on our flight being escorted to the plane?

Globalist

It doesn't always go right. I have had a number of occasions where I could swear they forgot about me but generally at the last possible time they come, collect you and bring you to the plane you get in you seat and the doors close.

They most likely misunderstood and thought you did not want to wait for the escort. It happens...

Globalist.

SunLover

I understand what you are saying Lan44 as I also tend to get antsy waiting for the TG FCL escort. When the gate is far away and they collect you for the tarmac bus there is not much of a choice unless you want the long walk. At a closer gate it is really straightforward finding the departure area. I just tell them I am going for a walk to stretch my legs before the flight.

FWIW the thought is to have F pax board last and spend less time on the plane. Personally I would rather get on board and get settled and relax.


SL

BinSabai

how to explain?
one of the gazillions of misunderstandings due to cultural differences or communication (you might not speak Thai or might not understand Tenglish; they are not perfect in English)
or maybe they thought you look so athletic and sporty that they were afraid, they could not catch up with you during the escort. Speed-hiking is not the usual favourite sport of Thais!

Kacee

Yup. They have never actually forgotten me

If this forum had a "What is the least substantive thing you can complain about" thread the OP would clearly qualify.

Noppasit

You can request to go on board for the first person, they always accept your request as you're a first class customer. Or maybe said "I want to go now", that's it.

BinSabai

not nice!

Lan44

Ha, well the guy would have def not have kept up. It wasn't long before the flight time so we were quite fast.

Where in my post does it say I am complaining? Apart from being a bit nervous and rushing to the gate I thought the incident was quite amusing.

Kacee

They do have that exact thread, to which this kind of post is typically referred, on other forums. For example . . . http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-airlines-mileageplus/Whats the stupidest, least substantive ua related thing you can complain about

But you're right, this is in general a nicer forum than (for example) the UA forum.

I guess I misunderstood this comment:

goodeats21

I so understand the OP's story. The "we will come and get you for boarding" aspect of TGs ground game is not really well communicated.

And I get REALLY antsy about it as the moments tick by. I guess it is all that United Airlines angst about being mistreated that gets to me. Lately, I just let them know that I want to stretch my legs and wander to the gate on my own time.

I do enjoy the walk before the long-haul flights, plus getting settled in with a glass of Dom is relaxing to me.

BinSabai

so what would you like then to be the procedure? That from 60 minutes before departure they come every 5 minutes to inform you that the flight is not yet boarding?
usually intercontinental flights with non bus gates board not earlier then 10-20 minutes before official departure and that's when you get escorted.
I have not heard from any F passenger, who they forgot and missed the flight
have you ever tried to tell them that you would like to be at the gate 40 minutes before official departure?

JVPhoto

The forum of smiles.

Some of us recently have been so lucky that our F on arrival handler had added us on Facebook to flirt!

goodeats21

Maybe I did not explain very clearly. I have never been advised when checking into the lounge that they would find me and escort me to the plane when it was time for boarding. That is what I was describing when I indicated it was not communicated very well.

And my experience has also been that when boarding is delayed a bit, I was not informed of it, hence leading to a feeling of unease.

Frankly, the insinuation that I wanted hand holding every 5 minutes was uncalled for...especially for such a friendly forum