Do you exercise your priority boarding when arriving late at the gate?
Jul 12, 2019, 6:16 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2018
Programs: Global Entry
Posts: 125
Do you exercise your priority boarding when arriving late at the gate?
When there is a long line for general boarding as you arrive late at the gate, do you exercise your elite status and go to the priority boarding lane? I've always thought of it as a bit douchey move and potentially provocative to those in general boarding lane. I've personally never seen an elite cut off general boarding folks before. I'm assuming it's not a common practice?
Jul 12, 2019, 6:23 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,246
Happens all the time. That's what the priority lane is for.
Jul 12, 2019, 6:28 pm
#3
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: SNA
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K (until it expires then never again), *wood Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 9,239
Nothing douchey about it, the sole reason for having a second lane is to allow priority boarding after boarding has started. There's no reason to even have a second lane if you're only supposed to board first.
Jul 12, 2019, 6:29 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,733
Yes. If AA is going to offer me the opportunity, I’m going to take it.
Douchey would be using it while sticking your tongue out at those still waiting.
Douchey would be using it while sticking your tongue out at those still waiting.
Jul 12, 2019, 6:39 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: ELP
Programs: AA EXP/LT PLAT, Marriott Titanium/LT PLAT
Posts: 4,120
Of course .. all the time.
Jul 12, 2019, 6:51 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW-In Plano & CDG-In the 11th
Programs: DL Diamond, AA revenue negative, Bonvoy Titanium +, Avis likes me
Posts: 3,209
Always.
(Sarcasm) That way I can see them twice. Once as I go by to get on, and 2nd when they walk past me in F. (Sarcasm off)
(Sarcasm) That way I can see them twice. Once as I go by to get on, and 2nd when they walk past me in F. (Sarcasm off)
Jul 12, 2019, 6:54 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: YVR, HNL
Programs: AS 75k, UA peon, BA Bronze, AC E50k, Marriott Plat, HH Diamond, Fairmont Plat (RIP)
Posts: 7,832
Exact same question, albeit on UA.
Boarding Etiquette when arriving late, after your boarding group - opinions wanted
Boarding Etiquette when arriving late, after your boarding group - opinions wanted
Jul 12, 2019, 7:13 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Dallas, Texas
Programs: AA Exp. Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum.
Posts: 1,186
I usually just join the regular line. In fact the last time I went to the empty priority line the gate agent completely ignored me which was unpleasant.
Jul 12, 2019, 7:55 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Brighton. UK
Programs: BA Gold / VS /IHG Diamond & Ambassador
Posts: 14,195
I use the priority line and leave it up to the gate staff as to when they scan me through
You are still going to be at the end of the queue on the jetway though!
You are still going to be at the end of the queue on the jetway though!
Jul 12, 2019, 8:12 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Denver
Programs: AS, AA, UA, Hilton, Marriott, Caesars DE
Posts: 2,070
If people are going to crowd around the line before their group is called, I am surely going to go right ahead after my group has.
Jul 12, 2019, 8:16 pm
#12
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: The FT AA forum, until it no longer wants me.
Programs: CK or bust
Posts: 1,913
Yes, I make it a point to take out my priority, let it run some laps until it tires out, and then pack it back in its kennel before boarding.
Jul 12, 2019, 8:27 pm
#13
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP, 2 Million Miler
Posts: 821
There is nothing doucy about this. I believe AA list this as a specific benefit. I go to the Priority line all the time if I get to the gate and they are on group 5 or greater. I am always noticed by the GA and taken. It may take the GA a few general boarding scans to notice you as they have their head down scanning boarding passes.
Now, it would be doucy to cut in front of Priority 1 - 4 boarders if their number was already called and you have a lower number.
Now, it would be doucy to cut in front of Priority 1 - 4 boarders if their number was already called and you have a lower number.
Jul 12, 2019, 8:32 pm
#14
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,159
I use the lane, wait quietly to be called up by the GA, and then say "excuse me" to the general boarding pax I am stepping in front of.
Jul 12, 2019, 8:38 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2018
Programs: Global Entry
Posts: 125
I saw a couple of pax do that. I chuckled when I saw them seating in Y. I chuckled even harder when one of them was told to use the lavatory in the back by an FA in F.