Dec 22, 2018, 7:15 pm
New Delta Boarding Process Jan 2019
Dec 11, 2018, 2:38 pm
#106
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: Now just a lowly DL PM/1MM. This industry needs some competition. It's just not enjoyable anymore.
Posts: 3,543
It's still the same number of people getting on the plane. Rearrange the order all you want, it's still going to take the same time whether there is one group or ten.
Dec 11, 2018, 2:38 pm
#107
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: MCO
Programs: DL PM, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 4,296
I like that C+ and Sky are now separated as this will help crowding at elite heavy stations such as DCA. However everything else about this boarding solution is dumb. The names are even more confusing that before, not sure how DL could have screwed that up. Main Cabin 1? Also why do DMs still get to board with FC? On a ATL-LAX flight with 24 FC seats, FC could have 60 people in line? Here is how the boarding proceeds should be with Pre-boards first, then FC, C+, all other elites in Y and Amex card holders, then three other groups for everyone else. Unless it is a medallion heavy flight on a Monday or Thursday, the majority of elites are probably already in C+ or FC so this will just remove one less zone and make the boarding process so much smother.
Dec 11, 2018, 2:51 pm
#108
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: Delta
Posts: 24
Here’s what makes the most sense for boarding order
1. Wheelchair or elderly
2. People with kids 2 years old and younger. If your kid can pull their own suitcase, walk without looking drunk, or is potty trained then you board with your zone according to ticket
3. Diamond Medallion / 360
4. Friends and family of Ed Bastian
5. First class purchase
6. Platinum Medallion
7. Comfort +
8. Amex Reserve
9. Amex Platinum
10. Gold and Silver Medallion (we all know this isn’t real status but we will throw them a bone)
11. Basic economy
12. Tickets bought through Expedia, etc
1. Wheelchair or elderly
2. People with kids 2 years old and younger. If your kid can pull their own suitcase, walk without looking drunk, or is potty trained then you board with your zone according to ticket
3. Diamond Medallion / 360
4. Friends and family of Ed Bastian
5. First class purchase
6. Platinum Medallion
7. Comfort +
8. Amex Reserve
9. Amex Platinum
10. Gold and Silver Medallion (we all know this isn’t real status but we will throw them a bone)
11. Basic economy
12. Tickets bought through Expedia, etc
Dec 11, 2018, 2:55 pm
#109
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,881
I definitely do not feel bad for the "elite" frequent flyers.
I am fortunate to have a relatively normal job and am blessed to be able to travel in premium cabins with my family on the few vacations I get. It's disturbing to me how often people look shocked when we all sit down in first class section - usually because they think we are in the wrong place.
Note to all you angry "elite" flyers - chill out. It's not your plane and not your company. I know it sucks to wait a while to board a plane, but you'll just have to get used to it. The whole concept of rewarding people with "status" for flying coach all the time is silly. It actually goes to people's head and makes them crazy. If i fly a few times a year and am able to afford first, business, or even comfort plus, then tough luck. I pay more money than you so I get to board before you with your silly little medallion card.
Referring to other travellers as "gate lice" sums up how out of touch all of you are. We are all consumers of the same product. Those that pay more get treated better - bottom line.
Take your medallion status and shove it you know where.
I am fortunate to have a relatively normal job and am blessed to be able to travel in premium cabins with my family on the few vacations I get. It's disturbing to me how often people look shocked when we all sit down in first class section - usually because they think we are in the wrong place.
Note to all you angry "elite" flyers - chill out. It's not your plane and not your company. I know it sucks to wait a while to board a plane, but you'll just have to get used to it. The whole concept of rewarding people with "status" for flying coach all the time is silly. It actually goes to people's head and makes them crazy. If i fly a few times a year and am able to afford first, business, or even comfort plus, then tough luck. I pay more money than you so I get to board before you with your silly little medallion card.
Referring to other travellers as "gate lice" sums up how out of touch all of you are. We are all consumers of the same product. Those that pay more get treated better - bottom line.
Take your medallion status and shove it you know where.
Dec 11, 2018, 3:09 pm
#110
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: LAN
Programs: DL Skymiles, AF/KL Flying Blue
Posts: 304
Here’s what makes the most sense for boarding order
1. Wheelchair or elderly
2. People with kids 2 years old and younger. If your kid can pull their own suitcase, walk without looking drunk, or is potty trained then you board with your zone according to ticket
3. Diamond Medallion / 360
4. Friends and family of Ed Bastian
5. First class purchase
6. Platinum Medallion
7. Comfort +
8. Amex Reserve
9. Amex Platinum
10. Gold and Silver Medallion (we all know this isn’t real status but we will throw them a bone)
11. Basic economy
12. Tickets bought through Expedia, etc
1. Wheelchair or elderly
2. People with kids 2 years old and younger. If your kid can pull their own suitcase, walk without looking drunk, or is potty trained then you board with your zone according to ticket
3. Diamond Medallion / 360
4. Friends and family of Ed Bastian
5. First class purchase
6. Platinum Medallion
7. Comfort +
8. Amex Reserve
9. Amex Platinum
10. Gold and Silver Medallion (we all know this isn’t real status but we will throw them a bone)
11. Basic economy
12. Tickets bought through Expedia, etc
Dec 11, 2018, 3:20 pm
#111
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,021
I actually don't mind this change. As a Plat who buys or is upgraded into D1 or F I can see where Plats might be upset but generally speaking I wonder how many Plats are not in C+ or F? Yes I know there's the last minute purchase but how many per flight I wonder? 1? 2?
To me the Priority line was getting completely out of hand with half the plane in it. This at least gives some sanity to the process.
To me the Priority line was getting completely out of hand with half the plane in it. This at least gives some sanity to the process.
Dec 11, 2018, 3:29 pm
#112
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,458
I definitely do not feel bad for the "elite" frequent flyers.
I am fortunate to have a relatively normal job and am blessed to be able to travel in premium cabins with my family on the few vacations I get. It's disturbing to me how often people look shocked when we all sit down in first class section - usually because they think we are in the wrong place.
Note to all you angry "elite" flyers - chill out. It's not your plane and not your company. I know it sucks to wait a while to board a plane, but you'll just have to get used to it. The whole concept of rewarding people with "status" for flying coach all the time is silly. It actually goes to people's head and makes them crazy. If i fly a few times a year and am able to afford first, business, or even comfort plus, then tough luck. I pay more money than you so I get to board before you with your silly little medallion card.
Referring to other travellers as "gate lice" sums up how out of touch all of you are. We are all consumers of the same product. Those that pay more get treated better - bottom line.
Take your medallion status and shove it you know where.
I am fortunate to have a relatively normal job and am blessed to be able to travel in premium cabins with my family on the few vacations I get. It's disturbing to me how often people look shocked when we all sit down in first class section - usually because they think we are in the wrong place.
Note to all you angry "elite" flyers - chill out. It's not your plane and not your company. I know it sucks to wait a while to board a plane, but you'll just have to get used to it. The whole concept of rewarding people with "status" for flying coach all the time is silly. It actually goes to people's head and makes them crazy. If i fly a few times a year and am able to afford first, business, or even comfort plus, then tough luck. I pay more money than you so I get to board before you with your silly little medallion card.
Referring to other travellers as "gate lice" sums up how out of touch all of you are. We are all consumers of the same product. Those that pay more get treated better - bottom line.
Take your medallion status and shove it you know where.
The very nice older woman next to me looked him in the eye, smiled and said "I'm old, I'm rich and I paid for this seat, any more questions" I just burst out laughing and the FA shoved "el jerko" back to the back
And NO it does NOT make sense for DM to trump First Class especially paid First Class or whatever Delta is calling it this year. LOL! That's a prime example of "DYKWIA" (Oh and what happens if your DM ticket had to be bought via corporate agent, does that put you back behind BE LOL!)
What would make most sense would be the model where those of you who paid a lot for the ticket on THAT flight got to board first and those of us who didn't boarded LAST. So if you are a DM on a Basic Economy sit there and whine LOL!
There's a lot DYKWIA in this thread
1. "How dare a vacation traveler assume that they know anything about travel"?
2. Assuming that "gate lice" does not refer to elite travelers (who in reality are often among the worst gate lice" LOL!) I have seen elite travelers practically body slam Grandma to be first on a plane. (I assume there's a prize for being first. No idea what it is)
3. "If I can't be first on the plane I am taking my toys and going home"
4. "If anyone without status boards in front of me I am taking my toys and going home" LOL!
Dec 11, 2018, 3:33 pm
#113
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,458
But if he has to let 20 people on the plane in front of him then everything's horrid my bet is "I was using that space for my carryon" LOL!
Dec 11, 2018, 3:38 pm
#114
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Back in Reds Country (DAY/CVG). Previously: SEA & SAT.
Programs: DL PM 1MM, AA PLAT, UA Silver, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 10,333
I like that C+ and Sky are now separated as this will help crowding at elite heavy stations such as DCA. However everything else about this boarding solution is dumb. The names are even more confusing that before, not sure how DL could have screwed that up. Main Cabin 1? Also why do DMs still get to board with FC? On a ATL-LAX flight with 24 FC seats, FC could have 60 people in line? Here is how the boarding proceeds should be with Pre-boards first, then FC, C+, all other elites in Y and Amex card holders, then three other groups for everyone else. Unless it is a medallion heavy flight on a Monday or Thursday, the majority of elites are probably already in C+ or FC so this will just remove one less zone and make the boarding process so much smother.
Dec 11, 2018, 3:46 pm
#115
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: DL DM, UA Gold, Alaska MVP, Bonvoy (lol) Ambassador
Posts: 2,994
Dec 11, 2018, 3:52 pm
#116
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,015
This reminds me of the jerk who did the survey to see how we got in First Class over him.
The very nice older woman next to me looked him in the eye, smiled and said "I'm old, I'm rich and I paid for this seat, any more questions" I just burst out laughing and the FA shoved "el jerko" back to the back
And NO it does NOT make sense for DM to trump First Class especially paid First Class or whatever Delta is calling it this year. LOL! That's a prime example of "DYKWIA" (Oh and what happens if your DM ticket had to be bought via corporate agent, does that put you back behind BE LOL!)
What would make most sense would be the model where those of you who paid a lot for the ticket on THAT flight got to board first and those of us who didn't boarded LAST. So if you are a DM on a Basic Economy sit there and whine LOL!
There's a lot DYKWIA in this thread
1. "How dare a vacation traveler assume that they know anything about travel"?
2. Assuming that "gate lice" does not refer to elite travelers (who in reality are often among the worst gate lice" LOL!) I have seen elite travelers practically body slam Grandma to be first on a plane. (I assume there's a prize for being first. No idea what it is)
3. "If I can't be first on the plane I am taking my toys and going home"
4. "If anyone without status boards in front of me I am taking my toys and going home" LOL!
The very nice older woman next to me looked him in the eye, smiled and said "I'm old, I'm rich and I paid for this seat, any more questions" I just burst out laughing and the FA shoved "el jerko" back to the back
And NO it does NOT make sense for DM to trump First Class especially paid First Class or whatever Delta is calling it this year. LOL! That's a prime example of "DYKWIA" (Oh and what happens if your DM ticket had to be bought via corporate agent, does that put you back behind BE LOL!)
What would make most sense would be the model where those of you who paid a lot for the ticket on THAT flight got to board first and those of us who didn't boarded LAST. So if you are a DM on a Basic Economy sit there and whine LOL!
There's a lot DYKWIA in this thread
1. "How dare a vacation traveler assume that they know anything about travel"?
2. Assuming that "gate lice" does not refer to elite travelers (who in reality are often among the worst gate lice" LOL!) I have seen elite travelers practically body slam Grandma to be first on a plane. (I assume there's a prize for being first. No idea what it is)
3. "If I can't be first on the plane I am taking my toys and going home"
4. "If anyone without status boards in front of me I am taking my toys and going home" LOL!
Dec 11, 2018, 4:00 pm
#117
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: IND
Programs: DL DM, SPG AMB, National EE
Posts: 1,301
"Is it time to board yet?"
"No, we are light gray. Right now they are boarding slightly lighter gray."
Dec 11, 2018, 4:07 pm
#118
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nashville -Past DL Plat, FO, WN-CP, various hotel programs
Programs: DL-MM, AA, SW w/companion,HiltonDiamond, Hyatt PLat, IHF Plat, Miles and Points Seeker
Posts: 11,072
BUT - how do you explain to casual flyers that Main Cabin 2 is NOT the 2nd group and they should not be crowding the gate. Or that Main Cabin 1 has many groups before them?
Don't get me started on this color thing. That is nuts. Am I plum or red of blue or.... And which comes first?
As to your idea of boarding by the ticket you purchase, why not just assign them a zone on their boarding pass?
Zone 1 - Boards First (first class, priority, military - whatever they want - does not matter, they are first)
Zone 2 - Boards Second
Zone 3 - Boards Third
Zone 4 - etc.
Dec 11, 2018, 4:12 pm
#119
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Flying to a boat
Programs: DL DM/2MM, Bonvoy Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 823
Talk about a tempest in a teapot...
Dec 11, 2018, 4:12 pm
#120
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Kanasas City
Programs: DL DM, 2 MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 358
HA! I like to think of the people that print their BPs at home in grayscale ... which also brings up the question of the BP printers in the kiosks or at the desk - those aren't in color either.
"Is it time to board yet?"
"No, we are light gray. Right now they are boarding slightly lighter gray."
"Is it time to board yet?"
"No, we are light gray. Right now they are boarding slightly lighter gray."
