Groups 2 and 3 called simultaneously?
Apr 12, 22, 7:21 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EP, MUCCI, Proudly BA Blue,.
Posts: 878
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?
Apr 12, 22, 7:50 am
#2
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AA PPro, DL Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 627
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.
Apr 12, 22, 7:56 am
#3
Join Date: Mar 2016
Programs: AA-EXP
Posts: 587
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.
Apr 12, 22, 8:37 am
#5
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AA PPro, DL Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 627
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.
Apr 12, 22, 8:39 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 247
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?)
Apr 12, 22, 8:40 am
#7
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP/UAG
Posts: 38
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.
Apr 12, 22, 8:57 am
#8
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: CMH
Programs: BA Gold, AA Plat, NK $9 fare club
Posts: 663
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 always board first...
I've noticed this issue in MIA frequently, too, where multiple groups are called at once. Especially at Gate 60.
Apr 12, 22, 9:06 am
#9
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Stilllwater OK (SWO)
Programs: AAdvantage ExecPlat, World of Hyatt Globalist, plain "member" of Marriott, IHG, enterprise, etc.
Posts: 1,790
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)
(that being said, I personally don't care about boarding order unless I am in F and expecting a PDB)
Apr 12, 22, 9:50 am
#10
Join Date: Feb 2022
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 827
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.
Apr 12, 22, 6:36 pm
#13
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: AA EXP, Hertz Gold Plus, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 328
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.
Apr 12, 22, 9:38 pm
#14
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: MCO
Programs: AA,AC,DL,F9,UA,WN
Posts: 535
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!
