Groups 2 and 3 called simultaneously?
 

Anyone noticing that GA’s are calling groups 2 and 3 simultaneously more often these days? The difference in numbers between the two groups is already significant, and I think is only going to get more disparate under the new LP scheme. Thoughts?

Yes, particularly at out-stations it seems like the GA calls group 3 and 4 before I can even get into to the queue as group 2. And I am usually quite close without trying to totally camp the line with group 1. Certainly doesn't feel very premium. I wrote about it a feedback email but I doubt they care, all about D0.

Not always simultaneously, but some gate agents seem to think the faster they call group numbers, the faster people will board. It is ridiculous when there is a huge crowd already lined up and they keep calling more groups. I have noticed this particularly in CLT, although it is possible at any airport.

I am group 2 and have noticed that it gets quickly skipped over. However, I have never had an issue as a group 2 member boarding with group 1 especially at the tail end of the group 1 line.

True, by that measure you can be group 8 and board when they call Concierge Key as far as I can tell. I've never seen an AA GA call anyone out for boarding at the wrong time. Whereas I have very clearly seen people with late boarding groups cut right in front of me with no repercussions.

I've heard this happen for years now. I've always suspected it's because they know how many people are supposed to board with each group and there are very few in those groups, but that's basically just a guess. (Maybe someone can confirm if that's even possible?)

group 2 definitely seems to be the smallest of the groups that I have seen. having said that, have seen many times people in groups 4 and above be told to wait and step aside when groups 1-3 are being called.

So true. I pretend not to speak English and ask "Boarding???" several times right after CK is called for my CMH departures. Small F cabin luggage space demands proper response. Certainly not helped by the monstrosity that's become Group 1 after last year's change.

I always board first...

I've noticed this issue in MIA frequently, too, where multiple groups are called at once. Especially at Gate 60.

Back when Exec Plat was group 2, groups 3 and 4 were called together 100% of the time in my experience. Not even a pause for more than 5 seconds. I was group 3 for a year and a half and never boarded before ~80% of group 4, which is half the plane sometimes. Only seems consistent to screw over PlatPro now by rushing groups 2-4. For AA, if you aren't at least ExecPlat, you are nothing.

(that being said, I personally don't care about boarding order unless I am in F and expecting a PDB)

The boarding process is all over the map, particularly when it comes to enforcing the groups. I've given up and just realize it's a nightmare except a wide body where I don't have to worry about me being row 1 but my bag back over row 4.

I flew AGS-ORD yesterday and the gate agent called Groups 2, 3, 4 together.

Definitely seems to be the norm nowadays, there can be a queue for group 1 and they start calling additional groups.

Group 2 being the usually tiny number of Plat Pro folks, I never cared when the GAs called Groups 2 and 3 together. Then I became Plat Pro, and it's now become a dreadful, unacceptable affront to my hard-earned elite AA status.

I'm Group 5 because of my AA credit card. I've seen Groups 2 & 3 called within moments of each other because so few if any people step forward when 2 is called. When Group 4 is called, there's a huge flood of people. I actually asked the GA the last time I flew, what is Group 4 because there's so many people? I couldn't hear what she said so I just smiled. So what is Group 4, there's lots of you!

The Agents do receive info on how many people are in each Group.

Group 4 is Gold


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Group Boarding