Originally posted by BIM:
Maybe it's just me, but I noticed this past week in IAD that the Gate Agents were making a point to board FC first, then Premiers. One particular flight, I happened to be first in line, but my boarding pass was held momentarily while the Agent admonished me that I needed to wait until after the F passengers went by. Is this a new thing?
I wholeheartedly disagree with the agent scolding you and making you wait a little longer to board, but I will say this...
I've often noticed that when they do board F and Premiers at the same time (on any front-door boarding, single-aisle aircraft) that it's often a mess trying to stow a bag, take off your jacket, sit down, etc while in F...At the same time, Y passengers are waiting to get by, climbing over you, etc.
Sometimes they do announce with F being first then Premiers, but the time frame between the two is so small, it's pointless.
My opinion (and I see this sometimes and like it) is to first announce F...Wait 20-30 seconds, then announce 2P, 1P, 1K boarding. It makes things much smoother and still allows the people with status to be the first into coach.
When I'm flying in Y, I try never to be the first 5-10 people on board...Still giving me plenty of overhead bin room and ability to snag a pillow or blanket if necessary, and not having to stand there fighting to get by someone trying to get settled in F.
Just my $0.02
To answer your question, no, it isn't a new thing, and much like everything United does, it's the GA's choice on how to board. (Still waiting to hear the "Gold Boarding Passes may board first" announcement)