Boarding stupidity at ABQ
Jul 20, 2022, 5:01 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
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Boarding stupidity at ABQ
Like most airports, ABQ has two boarding lanes at the gate (one for first class and elite and one for general boarding), with a sign on the end stantion that points people one way or the other. As they started boarding wheelchairs, disabilities, veterans through the general boarding lane, a bunch of us lined up in the FC/elite lane to get out of the way. Like you do.
When first class is called, the guy checking boarding passes looks at me and says “I’m not boarding you from over there - that lane is closed.” Baffled, I backed up and followed the other first class folks to the general boarding line.
I couldn’t help but ask why they had a sign pointing first class and elites to this other, very distinct line, when they don’t use that line. There was some BS about this being a small airport, blah blah blah. The end of the FC/elite line is literally 2 feet from where this guy was standing.
My BIGGEST pet peeve when traveling is lack of consistency. I can deal with less-than-stellar service or experience, but what could possibly warrant having a first class/elite line defined, fully and clearly signed, and right next to the general boarding lane (as it always is) and not using it? Particularly when your first class passengers and elite customers are very well trained to go to this line? If you’re not going to use that line, why even have the sign up, directing people there?
Idiocy without a reason at its finest.
When first class is called, the guy checking boarding passes looks at me and says “I’m not boarding you from over there - that lane is closed.” Baffled, I backed up and followed the other first class folks to the general boarding line.
I couldn’t help but ask why they had a sign pointing first class and elites to this other, very distinct line, when they don’t use that line. There was some BS about this being a small airport, blah blah blah. The end of the FC/elite line is literally 2 feet from where this guy was standing.
My BIGGEST pet peeve when traveling is lack of consistency. I can deal with less-than-stellar service or experience, but what could possibly warrant having a first class/elite line defined, fully and clearly signed, and right next to the general boarding lane (as it always is) and not using it? Particularly when your first class passengers and elite customers are very well trained to go to this line? If you’re not going to use that line, why even have the sign up, directing people there?
Idiocy without a reason at its finest.
Last edited by Red L; Jul 20, 2022 at 5:06 pm
Jul 20, 2022, 5:11 pm
#2
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Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
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I think you misstated your conclusion. Idiocy is the reason. I am recalling a memory of many years past when I was at an AS F/Elite line that was open (at least from the customer's perspective when entering the line) yet did not have an agent. After waiting for a few minutes and seeing that no agent was ever going to come back (or come at all), I waved over to the first Y agent and asked what was up with the F line to learn that no one was or would be attending it, and wondered why it wasn't blocked off from entry (or a closed sign at the counter).
Jul 20, 2022, 5:14 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Reno/Tahoe
Programs: Alaska 75k/One World Emerald
Posts: 413
Like most airports, ABQ has two boarding lanes at the gate (one for first class and elite and one for general boarding), with a sign on the end stantion that points people one way or the other. As they started boarding wheelchairs, disabilities, veterans through the general boarding lane, a bunch of us lined up in the FC/elite lane to get out of the way. Like you do.
When first class is called, the guy checking boarding passes looks at me and says “I’m not boarding you from over there - that lane is closed.” Baffled, I backed up and followed the other first class folks to the general boarding line.
I couldn’t help but ask why they had a sign pointing first class and elites to this other, very distinct line, when they don’t use that line. There was some BS about this being a small airport, blah blah blah. The end of the FC/elite line is literally 2 feet from where this guy was standing.
My BIGGEST pet peeve when traveling is lack of consistency. I can deal with less-than-stellar service or experience, but what could possibly warrant having a first class/elite line defined, fully and clearly signed, and right next to the general boarding lane (as it always is) and not using it? Particularly when your first class passengers and elite customers are very well trained to go to this line? If you’re not going to use that line, why even have the sign up, directing people there?
Idiocy without a reason at its finest.
When first class is called, the guy checking boarding passes looks at me and says “I’m not boarding you from over there - that lane is closed.” Baffled, I backed up and followed the other first class folks to the general boarding line.
I couldn’t help but ask why they had a sign pointing first class and elites to this other, very distinct line, when they don’t use that line. There was some BS about this being a small airport, blah blah blah. The end of the FC/elite line is literally 2 feet from where this guy was standing.
My BIGGEST pet peeve when traveling is lack of consistency. I can deal with less-than-stellar service or experience, but what could possibly warrant having a first class/elite line defined, fully and clearly signed, and right next to the general boarding lane (as it always is) and not using it? Particularly when your first class passengers and elite customers are very well trained to go to this line? If you’re not going to use that line, why even have the sign up, directing people there?
Idiocy without a reason at its finest.
Jul 20, 2022, 5:36 pm
#4
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I'd more go for general lack of power of observation, compounded by laziness ... at DCA a couple weeks ago the GA was *leaning against the wall by the boarding door* (maybe so he wouldn't have to pull the mic cord more than a foot?) and was having everyone board thru the "First Class and Elites" lane (which of course was closer to the door) ... I was in 1F, so just walked to the divider across the front of the "Main Cabin Passengers" lane; he eventually noticed me looking directly at him, scanned a few more Y pax as he walked over to me, and then asked me what boarding zone I had 
Jul 20, 2022, 5:44 pm
#5
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Jul 21, 2022, 2:28 am
#7
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
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Since these are not being used half the time, would AS mind if we borrowed them for our own use at home? 
Jul 21, 2022, 8:11 am
#8
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Jul 21, 2022, 1:22 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2019
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I phoned in a pizza order to Costco recently - went to pick it up and there's a big sign reading "Pizza Order Pickup". So, I go stand there and the pizza dude first ignores me for several minutes then finally stops by and tells me I need to wait in the general line to pay first since he doesn't have a register. When asked what the point of the sign was he couldn't come up with one!
It cracks me up how large businesses can get away with complete stupidity. I run a small business and if I had policies/procedures like some of these big outfits I'd starve.
It cracks me up how large businesses can get away with complete stupidity. I run a small business and if I had policies/procedures like some of these big outfits I'd starve.
Jul 21, 2022, 1:38 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: SoCal,
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Posts: 771
I'd more go for general lack of power of observation, compounded by laziness ... at DCA a couple weeks ago the GA was *leaning against the wall by the boarding door* (maybe so he wouldn't have to pull the mic cord more than a foot?) and was having everyone board thru the "First Class and Elites" lane (which of course was closer to the door) ... I was in 1F, so just walked to the divider across the front of the "Main Cabin Passengers" lane; he eventually noticed me looking directly at him, scanned a few more Y pax as he walked over to me, and then asked me what boarding zone I had
Jul 21, 2022, 3:09 pm
#11
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Join Date: Oct 2014
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Agents not using both lanes is one of my biggest irritations. There are times that I don't board right when they start and I like the option to walk up into the Priority lane and step into the jetway. Even when its backed up, which it always is. If I have to queue to board, I'd rather do it in the jetway. And yes I am fully aware that this is truly a First World problem, but it still annoys me. Cheers!
I was seriously considering turning back when they finally started letting us on the plane.
Jul 21, 2022, 5:10 pm
#12
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sometimes it’s easier to put up with the “not climate-controlled” jetway for two or three minutes than terminal/gatehouse chaos
Jul 21, 2022, 5:46 pm
#13
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Why would you rather queue in the jetway? Those things are not climate controlled. Last time I was in F (on a different airline) I was one of the first ones on... unfortunately they started boarding several minutes before we could actually get on the plane. So I was standing there sweltering in the jetway rather than waiting in the air conditioned terminal.
I was seriously considering turning back when they finally started letting us on the plane.
I was seriously considering turning back when they finally started letting us on the plane.
Jul 21, 2022, 8:50 pm
#14
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Given your handle, I now assume that you have an air conditioned car greeting you at the LAS airport, escorting you directly into some private indoor casino car entrance, exiting into a nicely chilled casino. Your favo(u)rite deity (or lack thereof)-forbid you should plotz between the airport and the casino, or the casino dropoff point, and getting inside.
But, yeah, back in the day, limo to the casino. Although I did enjoy walking the strip. But there's a big difference between indoor heat and outdoor heat.
Jul 21, 2022, 9:02 pm
#15
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