Boarding by Elite Level
 

If this has already been discussed, accept my apologies...

At IAH a couple of weeks ago, I had flown LAS-IAH overnight arriving at 6AM, and had an 8AM back to ORD. When the time came to board (there was a 4 minute delay) I heard the GA tell everyone that because there were so many elite pax on the flight, that they would preboard, UMs and disabled, then first class, then elites by elite level, then general boarding. First time I'd had this happen. Is this their SOP or is this a last minute decision by the GA?

I actually think it's not a bad idea since this eliminated the stampede for the blue carpet.

--PP

This is a good solution for flights with over counts of Elites. It's certainly better than NW's system of just suspending Elite boarding and board by row numbers for everyone. They just end up with a general stampede for the door that way.

Good idea by the GA. Should implement it system wide!

Stampede report: this past friday the 4pm EWR-PBI flight had about 40 elites run up on preboarding. PC agent couldn't even find my name on the upgrade list at first. It was a 753 and had been sold out in FC more than a week in advance, but I think a few last minute cancels/no-shows probably resulted in a few lucky Platinums.

Elite boarding by level is a great idea, elite boarding by row is a TERRIBLE one.

It would be such an easy thing ti implement I wonder why they haven't yet...

-Vincent

Boarding by status level is a GREAT IDEA, especially for Elite-heavy flights! It's on the DO list and let's make sure to follow through on asking...

I never saw more than 20 elites on a flight, but even 40 is hardly a stampede. i say if its not broke, don't fix it...

Want to see a lot of Elites all flying on the same flight? Try the DAL-IAH run on a Thursday or Friday afternoon, or at IAH on a Monday morning or Sunday afternoon.

I have had more than my share of those COEx flights that were an entire plane full of Elites. All angry because they didn't get to board first or get their "A" side seat. I just stand back and board when they tell me. It is not worth getting my limbs broken in the buffalo stampede. :D

spoken like a true gold :D


40 elites on that little blue carpet..... that definitely qualifies as a stampede. even 12 FC pax can creat a bottleneck if they all want to be the first to board.
we all know the guy who "excuse me's" his way to the front of the scrum because after all... he's 'elite'. "hey dude, we're all elite!"
boarding by level is a simple, easy to implement tool for quick loading. FC, plat, gold, and silver in that order typically (heaven knows, not always) have the most experience and can seat themselves and stow their stuff quickly and clear the way for the herd.
my solution is to make everyone stand in a numbered circle (ex: 14A) on the floor in the gate area corresponding with their seat number on the aircraft. (ala disneyland). now that would be an orderly boarding.

i vote for boarding by level.

ps - i'm platinum :)

Just what CO needs, more procedures for gate agents to police. Maybe they should add kissing the ... ofr those loyal Plats paying $203 for their transcon

Where do I sign up!

Interesting that most of those for boarding by level are...yes you guessed it - platinum. I wonder if they would have felt the same way if they were silver. Remember Platinums get many perks from CO. Priority boarding is just about the only perk a CO silver sees these days - maybe have mercy of your underclass and let them board with you?

Excellent idea!

It would help substantially help in EWR-TPA on Monday morning flights and they often board First and all Elites together. Without a doubt a cattle call, since easily 40-50 of the passengers are Elites at busy travel times throughout the year. I've been dressed casual a few mornings and been pushed out of the way by that stampede. Granted I always feel a little better when I look back to see the guy that did it and he's in coach....

Const3 would love to be on those flights with no more than 20. Do they really exist? Certainly hasn't seemed that way on my flights the last couple of months! Recently had 28 other Platinum's ahead of me on a standby list out of Vegas, so god knows how many elites where on that flight.

Even when I was silver I thought this was a good idea.