New Delta Boarding Process Jan 2019
#361
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: Avis President's Club, Global Entry, Hilton/Marriott Gold. No more DL/AA status.
Posts: 4,422
Given the new graphic, I'm really confused why they don't just print on the boarding pass and verbally say Zones 1-8 (I think that's how AA does it?), in addition to the verbal name. i.e., "Now boarding Zone 3, Delta Comfort+."
I get the idea that the color on a mobile boarding pass could match the color on the gate area screens as a nice secondary indicator that you're boarding at the right time, but a straight set of numbers seems easiest for people (especially non-frequent fliers) could understand.
I get the idea that the color on a mobile boarding pass could match the color on the gate area screens as a nice secondary indicator that you're boarding at the right time, but a straight set of numbers seems easiest for people (especially non-frequent fliers) could understand.
GIVE US NUMBERS, DELTA! It's okay to admit that AA does something right when it's actually true! Don't let ego and "Zone 1" Amex advertisements stand in the way of real progress!
#364
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: CT
Programs: DL DM 2MM, MR LTT, Hilton D, Hertz PC. National Emerald Exec, UA Silver(thanks to Marriott)
Posts: 2,026
I have experienced what MCOFlyer is talking about at MCO, It is that there are so many of them and the clog the boarding area, half of them don't even have a stroller but feel they are entitled to board with their Mickey Mouse hats on just because they has kids with them.
#365
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: MSN
Programs: Delta DM, Bonvoy LT Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,987
I have experienced what MCOFlyer is talking about at MCO, It is that there are so many of them and the clog the boarding area, half of them don't even have a stroller but feel they are entitled to board with their Mickey Mouse hats on just because they has kids with them.
I remain fine with the new, or any, boarding process because if I'm up front I board first and if I'm in back, whether it's C+ or Y, I'm going to be one of the last people to board the plane by choice. But I do wish they would just simply have numbered the group so Main Cabin 1 doesn't think that really means 1. And I do wish they'd make a pre-announcement that basically says if you aren't pre-board or in first 1-2 groups, don't clog the boarding area. Such an easy stand alone announcement and it would make life easier for the GA's (and customers).
#366
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Dayton, OH/CVG
Programs: DA Diamond(1 MM), Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador/Charter Ambassador, Hyatt Glob, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 886
will delta have to make new boarding pillars for the airports that currently have them? Seems a little pricey to do so.
#367
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,423
No pillars at SLC, but went like this:
Extra assistance
Military
FC and DM
Strollers and Children
Sky
Extra assistance
Military
FC and DM
Strollers and Children
Sky
#368
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MEM
Programs: Starbucks Green Card
Posts: 5,431
I have experienced what MCOFlyer is talking about at MCO, It is that there are so many of them and the clog the boarding area, half of them don't even have a stroller but feel they are entitled to board with their Mickey Mouse hats on just because they has kids with them.
#369
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
MSY went:
First/DM
C+
SKY
No idea
Was in SKY since I declined C+ to have whole exit row but plane was pretty empty so wasn't a big change except I was the only person who boarded with SKY (apparently all other DM/PM/GM opted for C+)
First/DM
C+
SKY
No idea
Was in SKY since I declined C+ to have whole exit row but plane was pretty empty so wasn't a big change except I was the only person who boarded with SKY (apparently all other DM/PM/GM opted for C+)
#371
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,885
Upside is that there will be more gaps in the boarding process so there is no excuse for not providing PDBs. The downside, is that it seems you will be on the plane longer and you will have more people bumping into you as they board since either the parents are hauling more stuff than they can fit in the aisle or the kid is going to be dragging a suitcase and hitting every armrest on the way by with it. Although admirable for a kid to be hauling their own stuff, coordination and steering of the luggage is lacking. I think I will probably wait and board with C+.
#372
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: US-Europe
Programs: DL DM Charter/2.5MM, AA EXP, Marriott AMB, LT Titanium, HH Diamond, Avis PP, National Exec-E
Posts: 529
Just Checked in for tomorrow's flight and got "FIRST" rather then "PREM" on the BP. Didn't really pay much attention to this "new" boarding process thread until now. DL has really made this more complicated than it should be and I am expecting lots of confusion with those that don't read these forums. Agree with the comment above about AMEX advertisements in the way of progress. One question,... When does my FO Sherpa board?
#373
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: MCO
Programs: DL PM, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 4,320
Just Checked in for tomorrow's flight and got "FIRST" rather then "PREM" on the BP. Didn't really pay much attention to this "new" boarding process thread until now. DL has really made this more complicated than it should be and I am expecting lots of confusion with those that don't read these forums. Agree with the comment above about AMEX advertisements in the way of progress. One question,... When does my FO Sherpa board?
#375
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: DL DM, UA Gold, Alaska MVP, Bonvoy (lol) Ambassador
Posts: 2,994
I think the consensus is more that they don't want to do numerical zone boarding because then "priority boarding" would be Zone 5 (if we don't include preboards, military, children / strollers - Zone 8 if they are included). A casual traveler will see "Zone 1" and think their priority boarding is actually meaningful. Seeing Zone 5 would make them feel ripped off. It's not so much a contractual issue as it is a perception issue.