What's the difference between last call, flight closing and gate closed in departure?
 

What's the difference between "last call", "flight closing" and "gate closed" in departure boards of certain airports?

Welcome to FlyerTalk, colintonky!

I am moving the thread to TravelBuzz.

NewbieRunner, co-moderator, CommunityBuzz

traffic light analogy
 

green yellow red.

Interestingly, I've only seen these terms used in European airports (possibly elsewhere, I can't remember), but not in the United States. In the US, flights go from "On Time" (or whatever the delayed time is) to "Boarding" to "Closed" (or they just drop off the screen).

There are no uniform announcements or definitions worldwide.

What airport and what air carrier are you speaking of?

This is a good way to look at it but you would be unwise to rely on some airport systems.

IMHE there can be a delay between what's happening at the gate and what is shown on the monitors. If you turn up past the closing time shown on your boardng pass don't expect sympathy even if the monitors show the flight is still open!

This is the last of several regular announcements that it's time to board. Board in an orderly but timely manner.

Boarding is ending, we're closing the door. Run.

The Door is closed. You're SOL.

I always chuckle when occasionally the GA announces "last and final call, door is closing" (or similar) and then a couple minutes more repeats it!

The other "last call" that concerns me is at the bar.

Often they are meaningless.

I once was at an airport bar when 'last call' came up on the screen for my flight. I downed my drink and ran to the gate. On arrival, I found that boarding hadn't actually began. When I complained to the person at the desk, she stated that they wanted to make sure everyone was at the gate area for when we actually boarded thirty minutes later..... :/

this can be found at SIN flight information monitors. I dont typically run, means its time to go. Being familiar with the airport, I can estimate how long will it take me to reach that gate,besides theres still 25 mins before departure and I have checked luggage ( its not easy for them to unload luggage :),and yeah, my bp shows, gates closes 10 mins before departure. The only thing is you are the last one to board which for me is really not a nice thing to do especially if your there 2 hours before.So Ive changed that attitude. MY rule , be at the gate 45 mins before departure. Im not a business traveller though.

The exact progression I see at many European airports is:

To Gate (or Go To Gate) at the time they post the gate number (many airports don't reveal actual gates earlier) - this means "Stop shopping and Start Walking"
Boarding - this means "the flight is actually boarding
Closing or Last Call - we're about to close the door
Closed - you just missed your flight.

I've had a flight go from pre-boarding, boarding, final boarding call within 5 minutes. Got to the gate and there's still a massive queue to get on... not sure why they announced final boarding call.