New Gate Employee....the “Boarding Helper”
Nov 9, 2017, 3:25 pm
#1
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New Gate Employee....the “Boarding Helper”
First for me today....DL was using a “Boarding Helper” to ensure ATL-PIT left on time. I boarded with Sky, but was sitting in the back due to my BE ticket; so I had a good view of the action.
As people would come on board, the young man would take their carryons and run them to the bin closest to their seats. No one had to “swim-upstream” after placing their bags behind their seats. He was also looking at tickets to discern seats and then run to that row to prep the already seated passengers to get up as their window seat partner was coming down the aisle.
I think he actually shaved 10 minutes off the boarding process.
As people would come on board, the young man would take their carryons and run them to the bin closest to their seats. No one had to “swim-upstream” after placing their bags behind their seats. He was also looking at tickets to discern seats and then run to that row to prep the already seated passengers to get up as their window seat partner was coming down the aisle.
I think he actually shaved 10 minutes off the boarding process.
Nov 9, 2017, 3:30 pm
#3
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Nov 9, 2017, 5:34 pm
#4
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Maybe this is a trial run for the holiday season.
I've seen trainee FAs work on board wearing badges and civilian clothes, with an obvious dress code, so the guy might be a new DL employee.
I don't know whether ready reserve folks wear civilian clothes or have DL uniforms.
I've seen trainee FAs work on board wearing badges and civilian clothes, with an obvious dress code, so the guy might be a new DL employee.
I don't know whether ready reserve folks wear civilian clothes or have DL uniforms.
Nov 9, 2017, 7:23 pm
#6
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Maybe this is a trial run for the holiday season.
I've seen trainee FAs work on board wearing badges and civilian clothes, with an obvious dress code, so the guy might be a new DL employee.
I don't know whether ready reserve folks wear civilian clothes or have DL uniforms.
I've seen trainee FAs work on board wearing badges and civilian clothes, with an obvious dress code, so the guy might be a new DL employee.
I don't know whether ready reserve folks wear civilian clothes or have DL uniforms.
Were they wearing a vest like this? If so, probably an ACS manager:
https://johnnyjet-wpengine.netdna-ss...e-2014-010.jpg
Nov 9, 2017, 7:49 pm
#7
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Nov 9, 2017, 7:54 pm
#8
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I saw similar on an AS flight last year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Not since though.
It would indeed be a very good idea if implemented on every fully booked flight. Not only do you get on quicker, you get off quicker too.
It would indeed be a very good idea if implemented on every fully booked flight. Not only do you get on quicker, you get off quicker too.
Nov 9, 2017, 11:22 pm
#9
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I often carry fragile items along with expensive equipment in my carry-on and would not feel comfortable turning it over to this “helper” to run down the aisle or place under a seat. I would refuse his/her offer of assistance and would be interesting to see their response. As long as it’s voluntary and it works, no problem. Just my two cents and personal comfort level.
Nov 10, 2017, 1:53 am
#10
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I often carry fragile items along with expensive equipment in my carry-on and would not feel comfortable turning it over to this “helper” to run down the aisle or place under a seat. I would refuse his/her offer of assistance and would be interesting to see their response. As long as it’s voluntary and it works, no problem. Just my two cents and personal comfort level.
However your fragile item is subject to being moved on the plane. Can be moved by a passenger even. At least employee is likely to take care not to damage.
Nov 10, 2017, 9:29 am
#11
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I can see it as a viable experiment...does the savings in delays justify the cost of the wages of the helpers? If it does, then it's a no brainer! Maybe they can be trained to boot poachers, reduce gate lice and enforce boarding order.
Nov 12, 2017, 6:54 am
#12
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I saw this on my LAX-ATL segment this past Tuesday morning. An older gentleman with Delta credentials hanging around his neck in a dress shirt (no necktie) and slacks but not in FA uniform was in the aisles on our 777 helping put luggage into the bins, and then got off the flight before the door closed.
Nov 12, 2017, 11:47 pm
#13
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I promise my point is not to start a silly online argument, just a statement.
