New boarding procedure on trial?
Jun 27, 2017, 6:52 am
#32
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: UK
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Posts: 5,698
What a farce.
Just have the boarding procedure they were supposed to be doing already and run it properly, preferably have someone at the start of the priority queue to ensure only those go forward who have been called or at least rigorously enforce the groups at the desks and turn people away who have not been called. This isn't rocket science but BA are really doing there best to make it look like it. Anyone who has been on AA in the US will understand priority boarding can be done properly.
Just have the boarding procedure they were supposed to be doing already and run it properly, preferably have someone at the start of the priority queue to ensure only those go forward who have been called or at least rigorously enforce the groups at the desks and turn people away who have not been called. This isn't rocket science but BA are really doing there best to make it look like it. Anyone who has been on AA in the US will understand priority boarding can be done properly.
AA are absolutely militant in the enforcement of priority boarding and you dare not attempt to board in the wrong group, lest you invoke the agent's wrath.
Jun 27, 2017, 6:58 am
#34
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, EK Skywards (enhanced Blue !), Oman Air Sindbad Gold
Posts: 6,394
The failure to operate priority boarding with any resemblance of consistent efficiency clearly remains the subject of ongoing negative customer feedback (and it certainly is whenever I get asked to complete one of BA's feedback/survey forms !) However, for as long as management continue to adapt their couldn't-care-less-attitude, I don't see the issue being properly addressed any time soon.
Personally I see PB in much the same context as the hapless implementation of BoB, where - six months on - we still see flight reports from passengers who actually wish to take advantage of what was touted as an improved facility are unable to do so. If the motivation to correct things is itself lacking, then the simple reality is that it just won't happen.
Jun 27, 2017, 7:00 am
#35
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,680
I took a Southwest flight in the US last week, that boarding procedure was interesting!
Not only boarding groups but a numbered position within that group and you all had to line up in order. Bit extreme for my taste but my goodness the ground staff enforced it with gusto.
Not only boarding groups but a numbered position within that group and you all had to line up in order. Bit extreme for my taste but my goodness the ground staff enforced it with gusto.
Jun 27, 2017, 7:05 am
#36
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,680
As I'm sure has been said many times the problem with BA is twofold as I see it. Firstly they don't send away people that ignore which section has been called, they just shrug and that encourages more to chance it, and also that they call the next group before the previous one has cleared. As far as the second of those two is concerned, it means status passengers not yet called line up assuming by the time they get to the front their group will either have been called or they'll get through anyway. It also wouldn't cause any delay to not call the next group until the previous had cleared since many in the next group to be called are in the blocks ready to sprint to the gate, so there's no meaningful delay as it's not long before everyone is either packed on a bus or queueing in the jetway.
Jun 27, 2017, 7:05 am
#37
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Executive Club (Silver), Le Club Accor (Silver)
Posts: 680
It always amazes me in Australia how Qantas can fully load a domestic 737-800 in 20 minutes flat, including orderly priority boarding and stowage for everyone's carry-ons in the overheads. There doesn't seem to be the same "crowd the gate at T-45" mentality down there as you get here in the UK / Europe or in the US.
As others have said, though, even with status, I'll turn up as late as possible on a widebody, and "just in time" for priority boarding to start on a narrowbody (to secure overhead bin space).
As others have said, though, even with status, I'll turn up as late as possible on a widebody, and "just in time" for priority boarding to start on a narrowbody (to secure overhead bin space).
Jun 27, 2017, 7:19 am
#38
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,543
All these other points about AA don't seem at all relevant to this discussion.
To the extent I am trying to suggest BA copy AA it is that the boarding process is clear and enforced. I think it is hard for anyone to argue BA has a boarding process which is clear, consistent, and enforced. This is the case even at it's major base at T5 where all the boarding staff are BA employees and therefore BA has direct control of the process.
To the extent I am trying to suggest BA copy AA it is that the boarding process is clear and enforced. I think it is hard for anyone to argue BA has a boarding process which is clear, consistent, and enforced. This is the case even at it's major base at T5 where all the boarding staff are BA employees and therefore BA has direct control of the process.
I'm happy to stick with airlines that can commence boarding at 20 minutes before departure and leave on time and would be looking at what they do - even if heaven forbid, they manage it without varying boarding orders
American Airlines is a long way from anything that I would be looking to emulate
Jun 27, 2017, 7:22 am
#39
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It is also clear to me , that its boarding process is very poor. So what if a small percentage of people feel good that the priority boarding may have been handled if you end up having to be at the gate even earlier for boarding
I'm happy to stick with airlines that can commence boarding at 20 minutes before departure and leave on time and would be looking at what they do - even if heaven forbid, they manage it without varying boarding orders
I'm happy to stick with airlines that can commence boarding at 20 minutes before departure and leave on time and would be looking at what they do - even if heaven forbid, they manage it without varying boarding orders
Which airlines start boarding at 20 minutes to go?
Jun 27, 2017, 7:24 am
#40
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Qantas and Virgin Australia quite often start at that time before departure and still get a 737 away on time
Jun 27, 2017, 7:25 am
#41
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Jun 27, 2017, 7:38 am
#42
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My observations as a non-status passenger with various airlines, is that I am having a much more relaxed and enjoyable time sat at a cafe/bar near the gate and just waiting till near end of boarding, sipping a red wine, while in my line of sight the priority boarders enjoy the benefit of standing in a line tutting with looks of frustration, stress, anxiety and occasionally panic on their faces. But I guess they do get the warm glow of superiority and you just can't put a price on that 
Jun 27, 2017, 7:40 am
#43
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Jun 27, 2017, 7:44 am
#44
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BA could learn from a number of airlines. I have already mentioned AA. However, based on BA's already noted weaknesses in having an organised boarding process I doubt BA is capable of boarding an A320 and having it ready to push back in 20 minutes. Perhaps they could concentrate on getting it right for the current 30 minute period first.
