Are 1Ks the Worst Gate Lice? [Merged Threads]
Mar 26, 2008, 8:53 pm
#16
Join Date: Jun 2007
Programs: UA Premier Platinum
Posts: 130
I was flying HKG to ORD on a 744 a few Saturdays ago. The GA had a very organized boarding process and was sure that the line cleared before calling the next group. The first to board were all GS. At least 8-10 people boarded as GS. Then, she called for all F passengers. Another 5 or 6 boarded. Again, she was sure that no one was in line before she called the next group. The third group was 1K. Being that there were dozens of "gate lice" hovering at the red carpet, I was sure that there would be an swarm to board, however, I believe I was the only 1K that boarded and because I wasn't close to the red carpet, I almost didn't make it before she called the 4th group, C passengers. I was surprised that there weren't more 1Ks, however, maybe all of the UGs to F cleared (and mine didn't). Anyway, very organized boarding process at HKG.
Mar 26, 2008, 8:56 pm
#17
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SNA
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I was flying HKG to ORD on a 744 a few Saturdays ago. The GA had a very organized boarding process and was sure that the line cleared before calling the next group. The first to board were all GS. At least 8-10 people boarded as GS. Then, she called for all F passengers. Another 5 or 6 boarded. Again, she was sure that no one was in line before she called the next group. The third group was 1K. Being that there were dozens of "gate lice" hovering at the red carpet, I was sure that there would be an swarm to board, however, I believe I was the only 1K that boarded and because I wasn't close to the red carpet, I almost didn't make it before she called the 4th group, C passengers. I was surprised that there weren't more 1Ks, however, maybe all of the UGs to F cleared (and mine didn't). Anyway, very organized boarding process at HKG.
Mar 26, 2008, 9:17 pm
#18
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
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Now, to the concept of a 1K or GS or F pax standing at the front of the red carpet area way before boarding. I noticed this on a recent flight and at first I had about the same reaction as you (especially since it was a domestic 777 so bin space wasnt an issue) but then after I thought about it I thought.....why not. The front of the red carpet is as good a place as any to wait and if you are going to be sitting on your butt for a few hours on the plane why not stand for a while.
I crowded the red carpet last sunday because I was on a E170 and I saw the carry on of the other F pax.
Mar 26, 2008, 9:29 pm
#19
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Federal Way, WA
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Lining up over an hour before the flight does seem excessive. I tend to get in line when I see it getting more than a handful of folks in it, but mainly because I always have a window seat and I like to minimize the inconvenience for whoever has the aisle.
Mar 26, 2008, 9:35 pm
#20
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: BCN
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,084
I, too, have noticed the 1K gate lice crowd. I am equally baffled.
Okay, so I have to confess, when the red carpet first came out, very often I would still head over to the gate and line up on the red carpet, anxiously awaiting the boarding call.
For the past year, though, my routine is to put off heading to the gate until about 15-20 min before scheduled departure, and then waltz in over an empty red carpet. In a way, though, I can see why people would line up on the red carpet as early as possible:
Okay, so I have to confess, when the red carpet first came out, very often I would still head over to the gate and line up on the red carpet, anxiously awaiting the boarding call.
For the past year, though, my routine is to put off heading to the gate until about 15-20 min before scheduled departure, and then waltz in over an empty red carpet. In a way, though, I can see why people would line up on the red carpet as early as possible:
- They are newly minted 2Ps and haven't figured things out
- paid or upgraded F, "living it up"
- the red carpet is hard to find once boarding has begun on an overbooked 777, and it's easier just to line up before the circus begins
- they just need to feel like the most important person on the plane
Mar 26, 2008, 9:41 pm
#21
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: The KUL city
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I did this once (standing in line 5-10 mins prior to boarding), but that was an anomaly...I was going to board N647UA! Gotta snap some pictures before everyone boards!
Gotta snap some pictures before everyone boards!
Mar 26, 2008, 9:41 pm
#22
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Independent! But mostly BKK, BCN, SFO, PDX, SEA...
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Okay, I understand that most define Gate Lice to be individuals with Group 4 boarding passes crowding the area, but consider this...
3/25 UA703 SEA-LAX -- There are three people lined up on the red carpet before the GA even arrives, 1:05 prior to departure. 15 minutes before boarding, there are 25-30 people lined up awaiting red carpet boarding. I understand the overhead space issue, but this is a 757 boarding from the second door so anyone in F doesn't need to sweat it. Isn't part of the benefit of being a 1K not having to act like you're flying WN?
3/25 UA703 SEA-LAX -- There are three people lined up on the red carpet before the GA even arrives, 1:05 prior to departure. 15 minutes before boarding, there are 25-30 people lined up awaiting red carpet boarding. I understand the overhead space issue, but this is a 757 boarding from the second door so anyone in F doesn't need to sweat it. Isn't part of the benefit of being a 1K not having to act like you're flying WN?
I was on UA55 SEA-SFO on 3/24, in F. Get up to the gate and there's a nice big ol 'line behind the red carpet. No one else in the gate area was standing. And this was a good 15 minutes before boarding. I of course waited until the GA started boarding before getting up.
When I'm not in F, I won't lie, I am a gate louse...even though I usually have Group 1!
Mar 26, 2008, 9:45 pm
#23
Join Date: Dec 2002
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Wow....I knew I had a wierd fetish for early squatting on the red carpet, but this new "gate lice" label has me thinking twice about it - or at least looking over my shoulder at the FTers laughing their ... off at me. Even I laugh at myself sometimes at the way I fight for position on the carpet before boarding starts. What a douche I must be.
Mar 26, 2008, 9:51 pm
#24
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Phoenix
Programs: UA1k;HH Gold;MR Gold
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Since when does Gold BP= Red Carpet??
Mar 26, 2008, 9:53 pm
#25
Join Date: Oct 2007
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Lovin the gate lice thread ^
Mar 26, 2008, 9:55 pm
#26
Join Date: Jan 2008
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Since when does Gold BP= Red Carpet??
Mar 26, 2008, 9:55 pm
#27
Join Date: Sep 2003
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Mar 26, 2008, 10:01 pm
#28
Join Date: May 2001
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Mar 26, 2008, 10:02 pm
#29
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Mar 26, 2008, 10:05 pm
#30
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,970
Topic: Gate lice
Off-topic: Young or young-looking passengers.
That had been discussed in many threads before and in other forums.
Next off-topic post closes this thread.
iluv2fly
Moderator, UA
Off-topic: Young or young-looking passengers.
That had been discussed in many threads before and in other forums.
Next off-topic post closes this thread.
iluv2fly
Moderator, UA
