What's the rush to board the plane?
 

I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this question (I'm new to FT) but I see a lot of threads talking about how passengers rush to board the plane, getting in elite lines (when they're not elite) or boarding with the A group when they are holding a B card. I've experienced this on my own flights as well, when passengers are pushing to get on before me.

In cases of assigned seating, I don't understand why people are in such a hurry.

Is it simply because of the limited storage space for carryon items? And if your bag won't fit in the overhead, isn't a gate check almost as fast? Personally, I've never had a flight leave when I was still waiting in line to get on.

Am I missing something?

I have often thought about this myself and have come to the conclusion that it is mostly motivated by need to overhead storage space. Of course, it gets worst in the winter months with the heavy winter coats and Christmas presents.

two thoughts
 

As the other poster pointed out, the storage space issue comes up.
If there is no place to stow my items and the FA has to check it, I have to dig in my bag and pull out my delicate optics and electronics, and it is just a little hassle I would rather not contend with if I didn't have to. But I don't feel strongly enough about it to jump a line ahead of my turn.

I used to fly Southwest, and it seemed that you had to be really aggressive to get a decent seat, so maybe I got trained to be anxious to get on the plane quickly. Sometimes I get airsick and it is better to be in the aisle so I can make a quick run for the lav if need be. Not everyone understands why a petite person can't just sit in a middle seat. Believe me, I am not a naturally pushy person. If I am in a rush to get somewhere, there is a probably a good reason you want to stand well back.

storage
 

Yes - storage is important - as well as the location of the storage (hopefully closer to where you sit).

And duplicate seats is also an issue. while this has changed quite a bit with the automated boarding machines, I can't tell you how often I have had a good seat assigned only to either find somebody sitting there when I got on the plane or somebody come up later and say that they had my seat. And in this case, possession is 99%.

I think a lot of it is psychological, too. The gate area is shared space for everyone. In your "own" seat, you're in your "own" space. People want that. While the privacy and ownership are more an illusion than real, perception is everything.

The other points raised have some validity, but since people with no carry-ons or heavy clothing seem to be as compelled to board quickly as those who have an objective need for overhead space, and most people aren't too concerned about someone else being in their assigned seat, they can't be the whole story.

Control
 

I agree that folks crash the gate because of the limited overhead space. When you check your bag, you give up control. I was flying out to Vegas last week with Ms. Personalcarechemist and her twenty pairs of comfortable shoes. So, we checked the bags and figured on a twenty minute wait to get the bags. No such luck. The cargo door was stuck and we had to wait 80 minutes.

The gate agents should make a bigger deal of getting folks to sit the heck down until their zone is called. And, Corporate ought the spread out the zones. Zone 1 should be for 1st class cabin only, Zone 2 should be for Chairman's only, etc. In Charlotte when you call Zone 1 and Zone 2 together, which is common, you end us with 90% of the plane getting in line.

Welcome to FT! Eventually this thread will probably wind up in TravelBuzz as it's a general travel-related topic not specifically related to frequent-flier miles. But it's a good question...

The Southwest gate-rush is explainable: people have to learn how to game that system as best they can to get a decent seat. In the Southwest forum, there is both a long thread about seating etiquette and a long thread about whether or not WN should consider assigned seating and do away with the A-B-C stuff. Most people on this board hope they keep the A-B-C (I think) because those of us here who fly Southwest know how to play the current game very well to always get A cards.

I think the assigned seating rush has more to do with mob mentality than it does a conscious decision to get on early for prime overhead bin space. Yeah, that might be a little bit of it, but I see just as many people with small carryons or no carryons bum-rushing the gates as I do people trying to carry on the kitchen sink. You're sitting there in the gate area, they call Group 1, everybody around you gets up and starts moving, so you do too. We aren't much different from cattle in that respect. :) I'm guilty of it even when I have a Group 1 card. They make the preboard call, and my inner cow says "Get up there and be FIRST in your group!" No threat at all re: the carryon - it's a purely a mob thing.

As for carryons, it's usually the people who show up last-second at the gate that get hosed and have to check the bag. If you board with your group, and your carryon is "legal" per the size rules, you'll probably get it on somewhere. FA's can help out. Even on full flights I only see 2 or 3 (large) carryons getting carted back off the plane.

--Some people might be concerned about a shortage (actual or perceived) of those germy pillows and blankets.

--For people riding in steerage, getting a seat toward the back is usually a guarantee of having enough overhead space when one's row or group is called; however, the people who rush to board the plane are often the same people who get seats as far forward as possible. Unless I have an untra-tight connection, I like to sit toward the back.

For me, definitely the carry-ons. If I'm checking baggage, I don't care when I board. If not checking, I do NOT want to gate-check, or end up in 7a with my bag somewhere near 30. While I have been pleased with the new elite baggage service (actually got my bags within minutes), I have in the past waited upwards of 1 hour at EWR, and had bags lost. Actually, on my last trip checking baggage, the speed of the elite service caused me to lose a bag - some moron claimed it and left before we reached the carousel. CO tracked them down and retrieved the bag within about 24 hrs. (I feel justified in using the term moron: my bag: about 75lbs, huge. Theirs: about 25lbs, small. Similarity: they were both red. Hope they got penalized somehow.)

Some of us who are sitting 'upfront' like to board early to 'eye-up' all the other passengers. ;) :D

Also, you get to establish yourself with the flight attendants ( to see if they'll be an OK crew).

Its mostly about the overhead space. Personally, the aircraft type and cabin I'm in makes a big difference. For instance, a UA 767 has a terrible bin situation. I often choose row 1 in many 2 cabin planes and know I have no option but to find space.

I do think there is some sort of psychological desire to get on the plane fast and settle in because it is the final step in what has already been a stressful day for many - from the trip to the airport, to the check-in, to security, to everything involved. Once you are in your seat, you've "made it."

As I almost always travel with carry on only, I have been traditionally eager, but not pushy, to get on the plane sooner rather than later. However, in the handful of trips that I have had checked luggage and a smallish carry-on in the past couple of years (especially those in 1 cabin planes), I find that I am in no rush to get on the plane.

One time I was particularly eager to get onboard is when I saw someone holding the identical seat assignment in the gate area, and I thought I should mark my territory first :p

As pinniped so eloquently stated:

"Welcome to FT! Eventually this thread will probably wind up in TravelBuzz as it's a general travel-related topic not specifically related to frequent-flier miles. But it's a good question..."


Craig6z
Moderator


P.S. Welcome to Flyertalk

For me, the prime reason is overhead storage space (above where I am sitting). Sometimes when I am on a tight connection I want to be able to exit the plane quickly, without the possibility of waiting for the whole plane to empty if I have to store my rollaboard behind where I am sitting.

I also like the security of being on board, and can take out a book and relax without having to check the monitors, or worrying about nodding off in the RCC.

John

It's the overhead space for me as well. When I fly coach, I tend to try and board sooner (but not jumping in line), rather than later. I almost never check bags because of the delay, so overhead space is a concern for me.

When I fly through a busy/large airport with a small connection window (20-25 minutes), those precious 3-4 minutes (at best) that it takes them to bring gate-checked baggage to the jetway cause you to run in order to catch your next flight. Or, if you end up sitting in the front of the plane (ie, boarding later), on full flights you may have to stick your bags near row 27, forcing the entire plane to unload before you can get your bag - thus chewing up time on short connections.

If I have a few hours between flights, I tend to not worry as much, but still would much prefer to not have to worry about whether I have packed something fragile/expensive in my soon-to-be-gate-checked bag.

The gate check itself is quick, but actually retrieving your bag may take an extra half-hour. There's no gate-claim at the destination.

I want my carry-ons near me -- never behind me. It is a pain to go *backwards* to retrieve your bag.

Those who get on first also get dibs on :

Magazines
Pillows
Drinks (In first)

Plus FC seats are always more comfortable than the seats in the terminal. I like to get on board... settle in with a drink my book (or newspaper) slip on my noisebusting headphones and relax.

My carry-on stuff is usually limited to a backpack containing my laptop, which can be stuffed anywhere because I keep the laptop with me, and a tote bag that goes under the seat in front of me- so snagging a lot of overhead space isn't the priortity. For me, it's the advice my Dad the 1960s Frequent Flyer told me: you don't have a confirmed seat until you're sitting in it.

I do carry-on only -- I only check bags when forced to (for example, on intra-Europe flights where the carry-on limit is only a few kg.). So getting overhead space above my seat is important, as I need both that and the underseat space.

Also, I nearly always have a window seat, so I prefer to board early and not have someone in my way when I'm stowing my luggage overhead and getting into my seat. Alas, even though I usually do board very early, quite often the turkey in the aisle seat is already there before me, comfortably esconced in his seat! :( :D

I used to fly Midwest Express which was 2 X 2 all the way, in other words, more bin space for fewer pax. There was never a rush to board. So I think this speaks for itself...the rush is for overhead space.

Aside from the need/desire for overhead storage space, this is my take on the question, too. Until I'm actually on the plane and in my seat, I'm not as relaxed a traveler as I probably should be. Somehow the "comfort" and "security" (not meant literally) of my seat allows me to calm down and settle in for my flight. I'm often sound asleep before the plane is even in the air (not to say that, if I have an aisle or middle seat, that I don't remain awake to ensure that my fellow passengers can get to their seats).

Somehow I find being in my seat very relaxing, as at that point I have no worries (not missing my alarm for an early morning flight, not hitting unexpected traffic on the way to the airport, not being able to find a parking space at the airport, having to go through security, all the other "little" things that accompany air travel) as everything's behind me and now I have the flight time to myself to sleep, read, do work, whatever. I guess I find the flight time as the only time that's really "mine" - I can't be reached by cell phone, don't have to worry about e-mail, etc. (Yes, I know this may be changing if cell phone usage is allowed during flight).

Anyway, I just like getting to my seat as soon as I can to "settle in" for my flight, especially in first or business class.

No rush for me!
 

I carry on very little. I don't like standing in the jet bridge waiting to board or standing in the aisles while everyone stows their personal mountain of c##p. I like aisle seats, but I hate being jostled by people carrying afore-mentioned mountain through the aisles. I don't board with my fellow elites because it adds about 20 minutes extra sitting time. If I am carrying something large, the FA's are very helpful at getting it stowed so they can get the bins closed. Often someone is sitting in my reserved seat, but they scurry away when realize it is rightfully mine. Sometimes when I come on last, I find an entire empty row in E+. You may call me last2board. :D

I tend to agree with this. Some folks have ulterior motives such as overhead space or getting to their seats in case of a double booking. But in my experience, most flyers aren't savvy enough to even consider those problems. They just want to go first because it's first, before everyone else -- it's a psychological thing.

I think one exception to this rule of wanting to be first on board is when you're in first or biz on a transoceanic flight. Bin space is protected and the lounge is usually even nicer than the plane, plus you don't have to stand in the jetway or in the boarding area waiting for them to call the flight. Most people wait until last call and then saunter on board. Pre flight drinks are served at pushback not during boarding, so it's all so much more relaxing to wait.

Overhead space is about my only reason. When I'm on an RJ, they usually close the door right behind me.

Less time sitting in the plane the better for me - back gets sore after sitting for a long time. I will take my chances with overhead storage once I get on the plane.

I agree with MA here. I love to have my overhead storage as I have a rolling computer case and a smaller computer case (where my computer resides). I want a little leg room so the overhead storage is a must.

Europe is a bit different on this subject for several reasons.

1. We usually take buses from the gate to the plane. So who cares if you are first on the bus? In fact, I prefer to be last on the bus rather than sitting out on the tarmac in the hot summer sun or cold winter for 15 minutes. And last on the bus can often mean first on the plane.

2. I think it is a historical and cultural issue especially in southern Europe that people rush to get a seat first. Going back in time when we didn't have assigned seating on boats and trains, etc., it was first come first served. And that mentality prevails today. So you have a big rush up, especially in Italy, to get on first. I don't think they give a thought about overhead space, rather they will subconsciously be more comfortable knowing they have a seat.

3. I often fly RJ's in Europe where my larger bag will get checked at the plane. So I don't care about overhead space and thus I endeavor to be the last on board. On board the RJ, I have no elbow space and I can't make phone calls. Why would I want to rush to get on board for that?

A little OT, but in my experiences in Europe a few years ago (a majority in Spain), people were pulling their things from the overhead bins about 10 seconds after the plane touched the ground after landing. Not sure if it's a cultural difference as well, but I was always amazed, as that would never fly in the US.

When Did This Mad-Dash Begin?
 

I don't remember an interim period between civility (what the boarding process was like) and being rude. Any idea?

Yes it is a cultural thing in most parts of the world outside of the US. In general, it comes down to respect for the FA's. I personally know that I can safely get up and move around during taxi, however I respect the job the FA's have to do to keep control of the cabin. So I stay in my seat. In other cultures you don't have that respect. This used to be true in the US too. It wasn't until after womens lib that FA's really started to assert themselves in the US. Not cooincidently that's when FA's stopped calling themselves Stewardesses. ;)

Yeah...probably not a good idea to yell "Hey beerwench! Gettin' thirsty over here!" at an FA. :eek:

I like to board early . . .

1. to get the bin space of my choice (this can be tricky on full flights, even on transatlantic flights in business class, depending on the configuration of the plane). My favorite computer backpack is an odd lumpy shape when full and often won't fit under the aisle seat in front of me where the space is narrow, or where there is no space at all on some planes

2. to calmly enjoy first class beverage service in a comfortable F seat before take-off (e.g., not have to rush to wolf down my class of nice wine because I boarded late), while listening to my mini-POD on my BOSE and unwinding from the airport stress

3. to get out of the often unpleasant gate area ASAP when it is a busy flying day (it is sometimes too hot, too smoky if international, too dirty from spilled sticky drinks or someone changing a diaper, or too loud, e.g., children crying or slightly intoxicated vacationer pax yelling in your ear, etc.)

Since I have been flying mostly in business-first I have not found someone squatting in my assigned seat (except by honest mistake), but when I flew coach this was not uncommon and they often did not want to move. I don't like to start a trip with a debate about whose seat it is.

"Skywaitress" doesn't seem to be endearing, either :D

I have seen this happen in Asia and boy was I astonished and I mean push and shove especially in BKK :confused:

I board early for overhead bin space.

But also because I like to get settled in. If I'm not being hit in the face with other people's bags, I can usually fall asleep before takeoff.

Sometimes I take medicine for motion sickness, and sometimes even the non-drowsy version really knocks me out. In those situations it's tough for me to stay awake in the gate area, so I want to be on board before I pass out. Oddly, but fortunately, my motion sickness problem seems to be going away, so I take the medicine less often these days.

I've personally never found insufficient overhead space and don't necessarily mind if I get some small "exercise" by getting something from my bag a few rows back during a flight - I'm almost always an aisle seat and usually combine with a bathroom trip. And I may be one of the few suckers that takes seriously that I should first put things under the seat in front of me - usually it's just a briefcase and in EconPlus I don't feel like I lose too much space.

With that said, one thing I haven't seen on this thread yet is: one reason I like to board early is that for some reason I cannot understand, many people take forever to get on and put their stuff away in the overhead and you just end up in this logjam on the jetway or the plane - many people don't seem to realize if they can get out of the aisle while they are taking their coat off, removing their book or laptop or whatever that everyone can keep moving and find their seat - potentially we leave sooner, which I sorta doubt, but minimally we can all get situated and relax faster - because this really doesn't happen, I like to board early and start relaxing out of the cattle line. The same thing happens on disembark, by the way as we all observe. This isn't meant to be a rant - it's not important enough for that - but I have no trouble accessing the overhead bin while standing in front of one of the aisle seats, whether it's in my row or an adjoining one, while allowing others to pass.

By the way, I've maintained status for a few years now and early board often because of it. But I never objected to the old way of filling the plane from the back - it seems so sensible. But somehow boarding early became part of a status thing that the airlines could sell/market.

I board as early as I possibly can because I prefer and am usually assigned a window seat, but if the passenger in the aisle seat and middle seats are already there, they'll need to get up to let me by. And as often as not these individuals are already settled in with headphones, blanket, seat belt and magazine, and judging from the looks on their faces, having to get up again must be the Greatest Injustice In The History Of Human Civilization, done politely but with an audible sigh and a noticeable delay to the pax boarding behind me. For someone who not only won't be using the lav on any flight under 6 hours, but will probably be asleep by the time the safety video is over. :rolleyes: Pouncing saves that incremental bit of stress for everyone.

I've seen this phenomenon - good point. I do think I have the (tongue in cheek) answer - they should board from the back of the plane forward depending on seats - first board all window seats from back to front, then start over with middle seat from back of the plane forward and finally with the aisle seats. Am not sure how this would work on a wide body with middle seats. :cool:

I look very carefully towards where my seat is. If the overhead bins look full, I'll put my backtop in the nearest space forward of my assigned seat.

Regards
I

Thanks for this. I have always struggled to understand what the rush is about.

Generally I try to be one of the last to board to maximise time in the lounge enjoying a drink or freshening up. While early boarding may enable an extra pre take-off drink (where available) it usually is lesser quality than that you get in the lounge.

At risk of generalising, it seems that americans take a lot more hand luggage than others elsewhere and US-based airlines dont police as well as other airlines the quantity or where carry-ons are stowed.