Originally Posted by
pretzlaff
So, with my new (bought) 100k status, I am again seeing "Board First" as some sort of benefit with the "purchase" of a carry on.
Does anyone know what this really is/ does?
On a recent round-trip MCO-CLE, we boarded when 'elites' were requested at MCO. My wife has no status but came with me. United allows elite companions to board early, so we just did it. No issues with that.
Then in Cleveland, they do the 'need extra time' group, then asked for 'elites' and, without waiting a beat, 'and Board First'. Are Board First folks right after elites, or are they part of or the beginning of Group 1.
Or are Board First folks usually called after I have entered the plane as an elite and so I never hear that announcement.
How did you buy the 100k status? I assume status match but wondering if there was another way.
To answer the original question, I often here preboard/elite/board first called at the same time in most cities. MCO seems to do a pretty good job of giving a few extra mins before zone 1... at least in my experience. Vegas tends to call those and then zone 1 all at the same time.
So really just depends on who is calling it out and how motivated they are to follow the policy.
That said, I have never had an issue anytime I have walked up when they announce preboard. I just tell them I'm elite if they say they aren't doing general boarding yet.