The Cattle Call: Why crowd the gate?
 

I'm sure this has been covered exponentially in FT, but i bet each time it comes up, it brings fresh gripes.

Why, oh why, do people crowd the gate waiting to board? Is there some special prize for a 14B seat who jumps up as the 25-and-up row is being called?

Get of my way, people. You've got plenty of time to get on, so have a seat in the boarding area -- not by the gate.

(And those who stretch all the way out into the traffic lanes as I'm trying to get the the gate a few doors down -- come on, people!)

I'm not exactly the last one to board, but I sure as heck don't push my way to start breathing that recycled air.

And too many times to count have I been standing behind someone right in front of the gate, wondering why the line isn't moving. Turns out it's because the clown I'm behind is really in 22C and I am boarding with medallion.

Move, people.

I don't understand it either unless some people just cannot resist joining a line when they see one form. I like it a lot when the boarding pass scanner person rejects those attempting to board out of turn. I mean who is in charge? We all benefit when the process is orderly.

I believe the primary factor is overhead bin space. Too many folks carrying too much junk onto the planes. People realize that the last ones to board a full flight will have a challenge finding bin space for their carryon. If carryon limits were enforced then there would be less need to compete for the space available.

Amen

I first saw the term "gate lice" in the United Forum. I do not know who coined it, but I think it is absolutely perfect!

Overhead space
 

I agree with the previous poster - people bring too much carp onboard expecting to fit it all overhead.

What good is the "size limit" sign at the counter and at the gate when it's not being used?

Is that a US thing? Because when I traveled through Europe, overhead bins were relatively empty compared to domestic sardine cans. It made boarding and exiting really fast....

I agree with the stoarge bin hypothesis. Before I was Elite on ATA, I was usually in an exit row in which my being allowed to store my carryon under the seat in front of me was entirely at the whim of the FA. It was also in the last boarding zone to be called. Being first in line vs. being last was often the difference between having my laptop and other in-flight necessities or being forced to watch them sent off and subjected to the whims of the Luggage Handling Gods in one my one tiny carry-on because the bins had been hogged by those who bring a dozen bags containing every possession they've ever owned since birth.

agree, its all about being able to store my carryon. I usually have this only if I don't have any luggage to check. so..if there is no space left over, it defeats the purpose of having only the carryon (a lot of time wasted waiting for luggage..if it ever makes it...recently completely lost a bag on an international trip). frankly, if airlines were efficient in luggage delivery and did not lose bags ...most people would probably check in luggage. but with the current state of luggage handling, I would try to avoid checking luggage if possible.

;)

Well, when they randomly change gates, you want to be out of there fast!

http://www.skyhighairlines.com/Radio...GateChange.mp3

[QUOTE=Orion]I don't understand it either unless some people just cannot resist joining a line when they see one form. QUOTE]


^ ^ ^

im a big believer in this. its not the chow line!

grb

Try going to Asia - they like to put stuff where they can get at it too.

I sure the overhead bin space is a big part of it. But there's also a 'herd mentality' - people instinctively want to move with the crowd.

Maybe airlines should put a scent on boarding passes and have trained Border Collies to keep people under control. :-)

From the recent study data less than 1% of baggage is delayed and the term LOST in its real sense (doesnt ever return) is infantesimally (sm) small. So even if 1% is delayed what is the other 99% of the excuse for all the carry on crap. Really tired of flights leaving late because of trying to stow everything the "cattle" (and elite cattle) drag on. Use the "under foot" storage bin people (cargo hold!)

I don't believe the study. However, even if it's accurate, that means that, for the average FT FF, luggage is going to be delayed once or twice a year. Those of us who travel for business cannot afford this (and I think the figure is much, much higher). As I posted last time this topic was raised (last week, I think), the few times I've checked luggage on business trips, I had my luggage significantly delayed twice. One time, it cost me nearly $1,000 out-of-pocket and unreimbursed by the airline.

I will continue to carryon what I need, fully compliant with the restrictions imposed by the airline, of course, until such time that (1) the airlines take full responsibility for lost or delayed luggage, (2) the airlines can get bags to the carousel in a reasonable time, and (3) the airlines' employees and TSA don't steal from, vandalize, damage or destroy bags.

This situation raises a question about the bin hogs.
One time about a year ago, my spouse gave me his carry-on to take throught the security checkpoint while he went to park the car. Then he was going to meet me at the gate.
So I had both 45" carry-ons & my personal item. The TSA screener gave me a hard time for having "too many pieces of carry-on luggage". Rather than stand there & argue with a human brick wall, I stepped out of line & waited for my husband.

My question is: How do the bin-hogs get away with bringing more than their allowance without the TSA catching them first?