Originally Posted by
faloppi
I always have a bad 1p boarding experience. Many in economy understandably don't know the procedures so they all file onto the blue boarding lane making it tough for 1p's to get by once they are called, IF the GA is nice enough to make the announcement. Because they are then blocking the lane, it's almost easier to let them by rather than cause a traffic jam.
Agreed. It's not so much the GM crowd (they know they're not first) but the pile of people with "Boarding Zone 1" who naturally figure they are supposed to be the first in line. UA should renumber the boarding zones to give 1P's zone 1, 2P's/premier line Zone 2, and the W/M/A 3/4/5. Or something similar.
Also, if you're a 1P and miss the call for 1P/*G, or even arrive as they're boarding zone 2, you're stuck at the end of the regular line. You should be able to jump the queue at any time just like the crimson rug folks.
Originally Posted by
faloppi
It would make more sense to me to invite 1Ps to board via the red carpet once all 1st/1k/GS have boarded.
Not really, a gaggle of 1Ps could end up blocking the carpet at 28 minutes before flight, when a GS/1K strolls down from the RCC wanting to step straight on. It would make more sense to have multiple colored carpets. Red for GS/1K/F. GOld for 1P/*G. Silver for 2P/*S. And the general boarding line. Each of the other groups, if they arrive after the beginning of boarding, would be able to step up to their line.
WN does it with their A/B/C/D lanes. It's not that hard.
Originally Posted by
faloppi
Seems to me it would work better, be easier to enforce and cause less confusion, but what do I know.
Ditto.