Swanhunter

A positive step but, as ever with BA, I fear for their ability to implement this with any degree of competence or consistency.

Diver Boy

The question is how will they measure whether this trial is a success? As has been said where this will be most beneficial is on shorthaul. Is there a risk that if we don't make use of it on the long haul that BA decide it is not wanted at all?

EuropeanPete

Which of course is what was intended for Golds and First Class, but which isn’t working very well simply because BA doesn’t execute properly.

I suspect that on all but the most premium routes (mainly JFK), simply following the designed boarding scheme would have a much greater benefit than trying out new things requiring systems changes and aimed at a group so much smaller than one can’t help but wonder if boarding staff will bother.

BA is putting almost all their effort at service experience enhancements by experimenting with new things. I think they’d do better to instead get the basics right and deliver simple things correctly, efficiently and cleanly instead. Honestly, if BA just worked consistently and to spec I think we’d have relatively few complaints.

chriswiles

Seems a little pointless on these routes though? On long haul there's plenty of luggage storage and you won't get two welcome drinks.

It's just another reason for Gold's to feel privileged and love to form their own queue in front of priority boarding to show they are *so* privileged that they have a right to show they can board before anyone else. I see that all the time. Perplexes me.

msm2000uk

This was something that BA have been looking into since April, and it was meant to have been implemented over summer.

It was then delayed so it could be launched at a time when the airport is less busy, and I'm pleased it's actually happened!

M

Jimmie76

Maybe screenshot your card showing GGL on your phone?

Jimmie76

Oi I resemble that remark!

i_concur

surely the benefit would be at precisely the time the airport is more busy?

jwhite9185

As others have said, it's a little pointless when priority boarding is currently group 1-3 all at once and presumably 4-38 (or however many they have these days) all at once.

nk15

If this is the situation at LHR, I can imagine what happens in the outstations...

subject2load

Though a non-GGL, I do support this change in principle (and I’m sure BA will be glad of my endorsement ) - if only because it is right that any privileges which help smooth the journey are granted according to passenger status.

However, as others have already said, it would perhaps be a better idea if BA managers were to focus their efforts on bringing some consistency and efficiency to the existing Group boarding policy before adding yet another category, with the very real risk of potential further complications.

Am inclined to see one of three likely outcomes :

• GGL’s are boarded promptly ; but - for other groups - the all-too-frequent chaos and general mayhem continues

• the process remains periodically chaotic for everyone (inc. GGL’s) ….. so, no change

• GGL’s are boarded promptly AND all other groups are henceforth also prioritised correctly …… so, a much-needed all-round improvement

I suspect there are perhaps other variations-on-a-theme, ie over & above those I have suggested……. ?

It will be interesting to see how things actually pan out in the wild, once launched.

Enforcement, enforcement, enforcement !

FlyingScientist

"At this time, we invite passengers in groups 0-3..."

nk15

"We will begin boarding shortly. Groups 0-9 are welcome to board... "

seanp7

Non-GGL and also support this. And to eventually include F.

Group zero is an odd name though. Can't we just say "GGL are welcome to pre-board" like the yanks!?

jjLDNY

I've seen this a few times. Why is it more beneficial on short-haul than long-haul?