How do you handle Priority Access "gate lice" [EXP / First queue cutters]?
May 15, 2011, 9:45 am
#226
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Atherton, CA
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Owner, Green Bay Packers
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The problem is the absurd checked baggage fees which force people to try to get space on board. Somehow the airlines need to figure out how to let people have 1 carryon size bag free and allow it to be either checked or carried on.
Complain about that instead.
Complain about that instead.
May 15, 2011, 9:46 am
#227
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Signatures
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London, England
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May 15, 2011, 10:17 am
#228
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AA LT PLT; HH Diamond; AS 75K
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May 15, 2011, 11:21 am
#229
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: USA
Programs: AA EXP, UA GLD, Bonvoy Titan, HH Dia, WoH Exp
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Three weeks ago that would be an odd sight to be sure. Since the new boarding process began, it's not really news anymore since F and EXP now board together on 2 class domestic flights.
May 15, 2011, 11:29 am
#230
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Signatures
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London, England
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Posts: 9,765
I don't think F and EXPs get called together on all flights yet. I have have recent flights where only F was called on domestic flights and all the PAs lined up and the GA just waiving them through. Then there are instances where the GAs don't separate PA and non-PA passengers and they are all lined up in the PA lane.
May 15, 2011, 7:18 pm
#231
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: SFO
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May 15, 2011, 7:58 pm
#232
Join Date: Jun 2000
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I ama lways in F, so , thankfully I do not have this issue.
May 16, 2011, 1:17 am
#233
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 993
Wonder how long it will be before EXP start putting their bags in F as they walk by to their seats.
Sep 11, 2011, 4:51 am
#235
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
The problem has gotten worse since airlines started charging for checked luggage, giving non-elite passengers an incentive to carry on. They crowd the gate in order to increase their chances of getting scarce overhead bin space for their carry on bag.
Of all the nuisance travel fees, the checked bag fee irks me the most. (See similar thread in Travel Buzz.) The checked bag fees have an adverse affect on EVERYONE, elites and non-elites alike. Crowded conditions around the departure gate is just one of those adverse effects.
What can be done? Nothing. It's basic human nature to want to save yourself $50 by carrying your bag on the plane and elbowing your way to the front of the line.
Of all the nuisance travel fees, the checked bag fee irks me the most. (See similar thread in Travel Buzz.) The checked bag fees have an adverse affect on EVERYONE, elites and non-elites alike. Crowded conditions around the departure gate is just one of those adverse effects.
What can be done? Nothing. It's basic human nature to want to save yourself $50 by carrying your bag on the plane and elbowing your way to the front of the line.
Sep 11, 2011, 5:29 am
#236
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,523
Funny you should mention this. I've always been tempted to go up to one of those "we'll embroider anything on a cap" places at the mall and get a black cap that says "United Global Services" on it with the UA logo. Then try boarding first...if the GA stops me, I'll point to the hat!
I actually just saw something like this in SFO today after I deplaned from my flight, which I had never seen before. On the boarding LCDs there was a new screen which said something like:
NOW BOARDING:
It had fields for every group, including F, J, EXP, PLT, Priority AAccess, and then it had Groups 1-3.
Very interesting to see if this is being rolled out system-wide, and if it'll do anything.
NOW BOARDING:
It had fields for every group, including F, J, EXP, PLT, Priority AAccess, and then it had Groups 1-3.
Very interesting to see if this is being rolled out system-wide, and if it'll do anything.
Sep 11, 2011, 6:48 am
#237
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 131
I personally believe it's much more of a cultural phenomena than related to the baggage fees. Looking back over my last 40 years of flying (and commuting in general) both civility and "following the rules" have take a back seat to the me first mentality. Many other countries, have, at least for now, managed to avoid the gate lice infestation..... sadly I suspect its only a matter of time though
Sep 11, 2011, 8:57 am
#238
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: POS
Programs: AA GLD
Posts: 92
I personally believe it's much more of a cultural phenomena than related to the baggage fees. Looking back over my last 40 years of flying (and commuting in general) both civility and "following the rules" have take a back seat to the me first mentality. Many other countries, have, at least for now, managed to avoid the gate lice infestation..... sadly I suspect its only a matter of time though
But I think it's a cultural problem though. We're used to pushing and shoving to get up front of a line. Luckily, most of the GA's send them back and let them know that they're not boarding their group yet
Sep 12, 2011, 4:37 pm
#239
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: San Diego
Programs: AA lifetime Gold March 2010
Posts: 86
My Hubby is "Gate Lice"
Oh he is so bad since we reached LifeTime Gold - I'm so embarrased to fly with him! So if you see a tall 6'5" thin silver haired man pushing to get to the front of the line and a cute little blonde acting like (wearing shades so no one will ID her) she doesn't know him that's us!
SD
SD
Sep 15, 2011, 3:21 am
#240
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
About the only thing consistent is that BA tends to pre-board families with children. Flying LHR-LAX on BA in F, when the GA called for "families," half the boarding area made a rush for the gates; middle-aged couples barged over top of everyone, screaming "Family! Family!" OK, technically a married couple is a family, but really.
The people at BA uses the fact that they were a couple as an excuse -- no kids needed!