One of the reasons I didn't renew my Skyclub membership was because of the fact that DL has turned me into a louse with their new boarding process!

I guess they saved me money right? :rolleyes:

I really have to say that I've noticed a distinct increase in 'line up' before boarding lately. However, I'm also noticing some GAs are starting to call FC before Sky Priority.

Not to mention the fact that the bag does NOT appear as though it will fit in the size-wise.... (another pet peeve of mine.)

I have seen both ways. I was on a PHL-SJC-PHL flight (with connections) and the outbound flight had a visitor to the line 30 minutes before the GA got to the gate (which was 1hr before the flight). He didn't move.

On the return, it was clear until she called the first boarding group (pre-board) and then clear until the first group (SkyPriority). Boarding seemed orderly, fast/efficient, and we pulled back on the button... So if the system is followed it seems to work (it wasn't a 100% full flight and they were using front and back stairs to get to the plane which helped of course)

I do LOVE when they use the front/back stairs @ SJC, boards 'er up quick.

As for the lice. Had the same guy @ MCI last weekend, sitting in 4C of an M88 to ATL. I was in line @ the ticket desk to volunteer and, 25 minutes before the flight he rolls up, parks his roll aboard in the SkyPriority line and just sits there.

To be fair, since MCI lost that amazing little CRC, I can understand that a little more.

Gate lice infestation at DTW this morning:

http://i49.tinypic.com/281uanb.jpg

Bring out the RAID! You know, that stuff that shoots like 30 ft? :p

Look at the bag with the lady in the stripes....WHOA. Yeah, I am sure that meets the dimensions.

actually, what's even better is a sprint between 2E to 2D at CDG :D

Oh crap! I'm probably considered one myself though I've never been in line as early as these examples and always try to get the bulkhead of FC. I just want a place to store my bag since I can't have it under the seat and not hold up traffic fighting upstream to get it when we land.

Very true. I'm not that thrilled with the free for all Zone 1 for SkyPriority now. It seems like half the 737 to PHL tonight was in Zone 1.

Okay, I'm trying to figure out this "gate lice" thing, because it sounds bad, so I don't want to be one. But honestly, lining up before you're called doesn't sound inherently wrong.

I board in Zone 1 (Delta PM). Is the expected behavior to stand well clear of the boarding area until Zone 1 is called, keeping the "Sky Priority" lane open and then run for it from some distance away when it's called?

Check this out: Musical Gate Lice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/membe...usical-gl.html

From this weekend at ATL. Took my nephews to the airport. They were flying to see Grandma and Grandpa. This is technically not DL gate lice, it's AirTran. I'm not sure why this was incredibly amusing, but watching everyone walk over this guy when boarding while he was blissfully unaware was classic. Each person walking over him glared at him, but he kept strumming and singing. You could hear the granola crunching in his brain, bless his heart.

Sorry the picture is so grainy. I was unable to take a picture during boarding without being obvious.

:D Interesting to see that even first class and elite passengers can be gate lice. Wonder if it applies to Business Elite pax too. :) (But they're busy getting buzzed in the SkyClub until boarding. I bet they move in hoards, as they're called out of the lounge as a group.)

I have been known to be a marginal louse since the advent of the "new" Sky Priority boarding CF. I like bulkhead and I don't check bags on the shorter trips (a week or less). I like the extra time to get my stuff organized before being run over by the masses headed for Y.

When I do TATL it isn't necessary to board early as there is always overhead space and in most cases, it's mid-door boarding - Y to the right and J to the left.

AS has been using DL's new system of F/Elites all-at-once system for some time now. Here's a shot from LAX the other day taken just as pre-boarding was being announced. Can you find the gate?


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/...0444bdc643.jpg

No, but I'd hate to be stuck next to the big dude with the stripes in the middle there.