Two interesting incidents with zone boarding
 

We were on a plane that was leaving late. The Gate Agent made an annoucement that we would not be using zone boarding, as they wanted to board the plane as quickly as possible. Um, I thought that was the point of this new zone boarding.

Next, we were on a flight with our 7 mo daughter. We asked about pre-boarding. Were told by the Gate Agent that since they introduced zone boarding, they no longer pre board infants. She said that they would only clog up the aisle. I did not point out that she was actually giving arguements in favor of pre boarding.

If you read my post again you'll note that I said "in flight". If they are in flight and taxiing at the same time then the a/c is the least of their problems! :D

When I first board the plane I was assigned to Zone 4 and Zone 5 on my connecting to SLC. On the way back I was assigned to Zone 6 and then last zone 9. when they were calling zone 7 my wife and I went in line and got in. and barely had enough room for my bag. I think it is a stupid idea it was just a crowded in the plane where people are trying to get in the back while waiting on the other people to move out of the way or getting up out of their seats so the next person could get in and the flight left the gate 20 mins late while we boarded 20 mins before dept and sitting on the airport burning up.

I dont't think they actually care. Most APU's on the 737-200's are inop meaning they don't work. The older 200's dont cool down too quickly either

Which is why at warmer airports the external air feed is generally connected as soon as practical after the aircraft arrives.

In six months I will leave the ranks of "metal" medallion and join the masses of the other GM referenced above. Considering the way Delta will be treating me, I am more inclined to refer to my new classification as BM for Blue Medallion (or is there another appropriate meaning...). ;)

Ah, my MP3 player and DVD player are better than anything that any airline offers.

Ditto out of MEM on the MD80's. On the other hand, they could be RJ's, given the short distance involved and the experience of folks on much longer flights. So, I'll be hot in FC any day!

All I know is that, as a Gold Medallion SkyMiles member for many consecutive years, I have never been assigned to Zone 3 and I almost always have an aisle seat.

As for faster boarding, I noted this when zone boarding was first introduced and I will re-iterate it now: I have seen little to no difference in the time it takes to board an aircraft versus the old-fashioned way of boarding passengers onto an aircraft.

That is not to say that boarding has not improved; it may indeed have. I simply have not noticed it as it is not apparent at all to me.

I think it might have improved the time that it takes to board ever so slightly (a few minutes max). It has taken a while but it has also helped keeping those from boarding from row 14 when they are boarding "rows 35 and higher". However, I think that only helps when there are GIDS present, I think there is more confusion when GIDS are not present.

zone based boarding
 

I have heard it announced in the gate area that zone 1 is for first, tho recently while I was in F when in Z1 I have seen a few others outside of F that boarded. I have to assume that they are PM/MM super-elite, etc. I have also heard announced that Zones 2 and 3 are for DL Medallion and ST elite. While still a lowly FO :D on a LUT i was always in Z3. I did get Z2 a few times when I was booked in exit row and as I approached GM status. Beyond that I don't have a gread deal of direct experience as I have learned a great deal from the forums here and now frequently get A-fares for max MQM on my typical flts. IMO the rest of the zones board based on a combination of seat row, starting from the rear of the a/c and posibly fare paid and SM status, ie a non-SM on an LUT, in what DL would label a non-premium seat, near the front of the a/c would board LAST - Z9 (OUCH) (:td: - the true souce of FOC). I have nothing to base this on but my meager observations. :p

As always,

the JavaJunkie
... coffee ... the nectar of the gods!

Please accept my apologies, but a quick read of this statement initially made me think that a Silver Medallion on a U or T fare could be considered as SMUT...

No, they could even by non-medallions. I think that row 10 is always in zone 1, though it might depend on the aircraft.

ROFLMAO ! !

I would agree with the row 10 on particular a/c (bulkhead) but I saw several people (3 or so) back a few rows further.