Originally Posted by
cs19
I think if you want to incorporate any complex boarding scheme, such as back windows first, back aisles next, middle windows, middle aisles, front windows, front aisles... you would have to implement a Zone system. Unlike some airlines, you would probably want several zones, not just three or four. They also need to print the zone in huge type. People have no clue what's on their boarding pass, and certainly have no clue about window versus aisle seats.
A zone system lets the computer determine the order, rather than the passenger try to determine their order based on what the GA announces. It also creates consistency for the GA as well... one thinks the "back" of the plane is row 20 and above, another row 18, another row 15... all over the board.
Maybe a section of the BP that has a single digit the height of the BP would make it easier to understand, and a large LED display with a "now boarding zone" sign would also help. I'd say too many zones would be a problem also, maybe seven to nine on a longer plane, like a 753. As with any system, enforcement is key, and we've seen far too many boarding with the F and elites that aren't turned back. I know not turning them back is easier to deal with in the moment, but it causes more problems down the line.