Originally Posted by
Timothy Hillier
Well Qantas sometimes have a dedicated priority boarding queue but once you're past that you have to line up anyway in the aerobridge with the rest of the proles so it really makes no difference. And it's not like you're going to get to your ultimate destination any quicker anyway.
That's only if you arrive at the gate after general boarding begins. If you're there when they first announce the flight for boarding and it's priority only, you get first go at the overhead locker space above your seat.
Originally Posted by
Timothy Hillier
In fact it would probably be quicker for all concerned if they just scrapped it altogether. Priority boarding is one of those useless "perks" they offer that cost the airline nothing and really make no difference to the passenger.
If you're a very frequent flyer, you'd probably appreciate a small benefit like this so that you can, as above, get your bags into the overhead. There is a cost in making up the signage Priority this side, the rest the other. Cathay even has signs for row numbers in Y at some ports.
Originally Posted by
Timothy Hillier
Like the chief steward "recognising" you on board after takeoff on international flights - all they're doing is reading your name off a piece of paper. What's the point? Do any passengers actually feel "special" because he's done that? I guess there are some DYKWIA people that do. I actually find it quite embarrassing - especially when the steward is quite loud in singling me out and announcing my name to all and sundry around me.
Scrap that nonsense and stick him in the galley helping the crew - maybe we'll all get our drinks quicker instead of waiting for an hour after takeoff.
Again, a small bit recognition that you are important to the airline, if they value your business, even in Y. For most people, the only time they have any human interaction with anyone from the airline these days is onboard. It's also the passengers opportunity to say they'd be grateful if a particular meal option was available, even in Y. Small touches that don't cost much or anything and can bring some brand loyalty.
Also, I thought being called by your name was common in the premium cabins - even as a non-status traveller. I'm sure on one A380 PE flight the purser came round and introduced himself to everybody. On my last J flight, whenever they came round with the meals, they had the manifest and were asking people by name what they would like.