A-list boarding
Sep 16, 2017, 11:31 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: DFW, DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, SWA A-list +
Posts: 1,007
A-list boarding
Why do A-list passengers think they can line up as A61? The last few flights where I have lined up as in the A-list boarding area there has been a person or two try this tactic to jump the queue that has formed in the Alist/family boarding area.
My hope is that the gate agents don't reward bad behavior.
My hope is that the gate agents don't reward bad behavior.
Sep 16, 2017, 12:24 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,868
Why do A-list passengers think they can line up as A61? The last few flights where I have lined up as in the A-list boarding area there has been a person or two try this tactic to jump the queue that has formed in the Alist/family boarding area.
My hope is that the gate agents don't reward bad behavior.
My hope is that the gate agents don't reward bad behavior.
When you do it, do you just get in line with the family boarders? Or do you typically see two separate lines? I'm racking my brain but I really can't remember seeing a separate 'A-Lister' line...
Sep 16, 2017, 12:47 pm
#3
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Sep 16, 2017, 1:01 pm
#4
Original Poster
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Location: DFW, DAL
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... I'm a little confused, as I've only had to take advantage of the perk a couple times, but I was told both times that I could board 'after A-60.' I just hung out right behind A-60 and got onboard. I have never seen signage indicating some other place for A-Listers with pathetic assigned boarding positions to stand. I don't think I'd call it bad behavior, so much as (if there is supposed to be some other method) truly bad communication on WN's part to let us know what we're supposed to do.
When you do it, do you just get in line with the family boarders? Or do you typically see two separate lines? I'm racking my brain but I really can't remember seeing a separate 'A-Lister' line...
When you do it, do you just get in line with the family boarders? Or do you typically see two separate lines? I'm racking my brain but I really can't remember seeing a separate 'A-Lister' line...
TooManyBooks - that thread is about A-list boarding prior to B group, which I am aware of. My comment is specific to where A-list folks line up to board when A-list passengers are called to board prior to B group.
That is interesting that you have been told to line up after the A60 group - I have never been told that, but generally I just go straight to the family boarding area and not the desk.
Sep 16, 2017, 1:10 pm
#5
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,868
I'm trying to recall the phrasing, but I don't think I was specifically told to line up behind A-60, just that I was allowed to board 'after A-60' or 'after A group.' I don't think I was given any real instructions at all, tbh, which is why I'd hesitate to call it bad behavior even if there's some other policy we're supposed to be following.
Sep 16, 2017, 2:09 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 5,813
I just fall in behind A-60 and board at the end of the As. I want to board before Family Boarding. No one usually says anything to me but if they start to and I just say "A-List" and they waive me through.
At times Family Boarding can be a zoo, and I'd rather avoid it.
I don't consider it bad behavior, simply taking advantage of a benefit of my status.
At times Family Boarding can be a zoo, and I'd rather avoid it.
I don't consider it bad behavior, simply taking advantage of a benefit of my status.
Sep 16, 2017, 5:21 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2015
Programs: VX Gold/WN Companion
Posts: 682
Due to last minute changes I am often in that A list with a B or worse position. I wait to be called, but I also hate waiting in the cattle call line. With that, I can tell ya I have no problem with the tactic as the "family boarding" folks can be clogging up the area jockeying for a positions for some reason and you have to fight though them...or worse the GA just announces them all together and you are having to follow all the families as they bum rush the gate.
After A60...the call SHOULD be for A/A+ ...THEN FB anyway, so I have no problem with the A61 procedure even if I am waiting.
If it is A60...then A/A+...THEN FB...what is getting you panties in a wad?
After A60...the call SHOULD be for A/A+ ...THEN FB anyway, so I have no problem with the A61 procedure even if I am waiting.
If it is A60...then A/A+...THEN FB...what is getting you panties in a wad?
Sep 18, 2017, 2:21 pm
#8
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Keep hoping....I tend to think they don't know, and if they know, they don't care. They have one goal in mind: turn this aircraft ASAP.
I know it's anecdotal, but I have not seen a GA dissuade a line jumper in years. What I HAVE heard when I hear anything is "Well, don't do it next time"
I know it's anecdotal, but I have not seen a GA dissuade a line jumper in years. What I HAVE heard when I hear anything is "Well, don't do it next time"
Sep 18, 2017, 2:47 pm
#9
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Keep hoping....I tend to think they don't know, and if they know, they don't care. They have one goal in mind: turn this aircraft ASAP.
I know it's anecdotal, but I have not seen a GA dissuade a line jumper in years. What I HAVE heard when I hear anything is "Well, don't do it next time"
I know it's anecdotal, but I have not seen a GA dissuade a line jumper in years. What I HAVE heard when I hear anything is "Well, don't do it next time"
Sep 18, 2017, 2:59 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,868
It just occurred to me that it's entirely possible that's been announced on flights I've taken, but I justlet it go in one ear and out the other because I had an A boarding pass. I will keep my eyes and ears open in the future, it may happen more frequently now that I have more opportunity to get bad boarding position due to standing by for earlier flights.
Sep 18, 2017, 4:02 pm
#11
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Sep 18, 2017, 4:45 pm
#12
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,868
I should have realized that, it makes perfect sense. You're allowed to board as soon as you're cleared in that situation, yes? I expect to (attempt to) take advantage of it more in the future, especially if they continue/expand the points discounting of late flights.
Sep 19, 2017, 9:12 am
#14
Join Date: Jan 2013
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I buy a lot of last minute flights for work and I think I have done it both ways, line up a the gate, line up behind A60. I don't worry about it too much, as by the time you are past A30 all the exit rows are taken and at that point all windows and aisles are the same to me.
I also feel like the gate agent always announces that A-List is welcome to board between A and B groups and always calls them before family boarding.
A-List preferred benefits are pretty light, I'd love to see them move A-List Preferred boarding to in between A30 and A31 which would provide some additional value.
I also feel like the gate agent always announces that A-List is welcome to board between A and B groups and always calls them before family boarding.
A-List preferred benefits are pretty light, I'd love to see them move A-List Preferred boarding to in between A30 and A31 which would provide some additional value.
Sep 19, 2017, 9:16 am
#15
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