Loading those that need extra time and exit rows first.
 

I flew from SFO to FSD (Sioux Falls). It took me thru MSP. At SFO and MSP they loaded "those passengers seated in exit rows, and those needing more time" first, then offered up the aircraft to the "F" class flyers. I asked the gate agent in MSP what was up and she told me that the folks with disabilities have been complaining that they need more time. Sounds like the policy changed 2/19 or 2/20. Was not a big thing, but I heard the grumbling in F already.

The "pre-boarding" (I hate that term - reminds me of a George Carlin joke) is supposed to be in the following order:

1) Those needing assistance (with wheelchairs, etc), families with small children, children traveling alone and anyone requiring extra time down the jetbridge (due to a physical disability).
2) First Class
3) Elite members

I don't know if you were upset by this procedure...but it makes sense. Those requiring the assistance of an agent (unaccompanied children, customers in wheelchairs, etc) should be boarded first to prevent a later interruption/slowdown in the boarding process (hopefully!).
Exit row passengers are included in the pre-boarding process so the FAs have more time to brief them on the exit procedures...I don't necessarily think this is required but nonetheless, they are supposed to be part of the pre-boarding. This policy has been in place for some time but has more recently been emphasized (MEMOS!).



[This message has been edited by Vegas Agent (edited 02-21-2003).]

I have no problem with it, but heard grumbling about it alreadyin first. I am sure if the taste of the pretzels upset them....... well you understand. I wonder how long until everyone in first will start limping on to the jet.

Let the daredevils get "on" the plane, I am getting "in" the plane.

[This message has been edited by SoldIt (edited 02-21-2003).]

On a NWA fligth a few years ("96 I think) back my family was denied early boarding. No problems. We then boarded when our row was called and the 6 of us went in - 2 adults, 14 month old, 3, 5,and 7 year old. Did I mention 6 back packs, 1 stroller. We found our seats and took some time to settle the kids in. Took roughly 5 min. which delayed boarding since we had to use the aisle. Probably could have been done more efficiently if we had had pre-boarding.

If FC passengers are interested in leaving on time, pre-boarding of those who take an extra minute or two should be welcome.

FC passengers should remember that we all get there at the same time! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

As far as I can recall at least in the last 7+ years, its always pre-board for those who really need it including the "specials". I have seen some stations then board exit rows on a regular basis before the F and Elites groups (that's fun to watch http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ).

Having a pretty good upgrade string going, Im always amazed by those who like to cut in front of those needing extra time, as well as others who are pre-board. Maybe its a midwest thing, however I have on many occasions participated in a moving "fence" to slow down the "herd" to allow those that need the time to get on http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif.

Of course in NRT its a differant story altogether http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif.

I wouldn't consider it new. Lots of gate agents have been doing it for some time. It's possible that all gate agents are now required to it that way.

Makes sense.

You want somebody near the exits if you need to evac on the ground.

Its no big deal unless you are flying SouthWest then its a big deal

I do get a kick out of the traveling party of 8 who all have to pre-board with Granny though... like all 8 of them have to go at once

Is it nwa standard policy to board in this order?

1 - Families with children and those needing assistance
2 - First Class
3 - Elite

The last couple flights I've taken from LAX-MEM dont board Elites at all. It goes straight from First Class to General boarding.

I was under the impression that the exit row passengers loaded first to allow the FAs the chance to personally review the safety card with those pax and inspect those sitting in those rows to be sure they qualify to sit there.

Being 6' 7" tall and a mere silver (for now), when the EUA computer passes me over, or if I'm flying CO (when I can guarantee the EUA computer will pass me over) I am in the emergency exit row.

NW seems to be getting worse about elite boarding. We've seen more reports on Flyertalk about gate agents skipping elite boarding, and I've seen it myself on a couple of recent flights. What is frustrating is that when they make no announcement, you don't know if they're skipping elite boarding deliberately or if they just forgot out of incompetence.

As a flight attendant, I think it is ridiculous to pre board exit rows. "You are sitting in an exit row, do you have any questions?" How long does that take? A minute? Most of the exit row people don't preboard anyway so you cannot brief them until they are all on (unless you like to ask that question 10X).

I fly 46 weeks out of the year. From my experience, it is not the pre-boarding of First Class that slows down the boarding process, but the families that board with 8 backbacks, 3 diaper bags, 6 kids, 3 strollers, and don't have a clue where their seats are, even though anyone can see the rows start a 1 and go to 2 and go to 3, etc. Frequent flyers tend to know where they are sitting, stow their bags quickly, and settle in much faster that those seated in coach.

It's an interesting discussion and we talk about this quite a bit on the plane. The flight attendants get frustrated with the boarding process mostly because we do not get paid for boarding so of course we would like to see it shortened.

There are a few problems. One is the FC stand by list. If the flight is full and people are on the stand by list, they don't get cleared until later in the boarding process and then expect their roller board to fit into FC.

The families who don't travel much can really slow things up. I always offer to strap in car seat because 1. I have small hands and 2. I can do it quickly but no, they seem to know better than me and want to do it themselves. I will however never understand why these people insist on standing in the aisle and making people wait until they are settled.

The silver elites are another interesting bunch. Everytime there is a problem in FC I will bet my next paycheck it is a silver.

I would also like to know why people sitting at the bulk head put bags at their feet. I would think everyone by now would know that everything must be stowed. I am surprised how many people I have to remind to stow their bags.

I know this is a little off topic and I'm sorry but I (along with those I fly with) would really like to know why passengers think the seat pocket doubles as a trash can?

I am constantly amazed by the stuff I find in there. Why is it that when we walk through with a trash bag and ask for newspaper and trash, people will still leave junk in the seat pocket?

Also, I will NEVER understand the families who leave crushed bits of food and paper on the seats and floor. That is just plain rude.