Consolidated "New CO/UA Boarding Process (Effective 8 June 2011)" Thread [Merged]
Jun 2, 2011, 3:30 pm
#46
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: UA Gold-MM, AA Gold-MM, F9-Silver, Hyatt Something, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,393
******
So where's all the CO folks telling us that complaining won't do any good?
Jun 2, 2011, 3:42 pm
#47
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: PHX and TUS
Programs: UA 1K SPG Plat HHonors Diamond
Posts: 253
I don't think this will stop the complaining from top elites about the carpet being "crowded" by lesser elites. But zone boarding is a good thing I guess and a huge plus for E+ travelers.
Jun 2, 2011, 3:46 pm
#48
Join Date: Mar 2009
Programs: UA 1K MM, Marriott Titanium, HH Gold
Posts: 644
Perhaps, but I think as long as the GAs consistently wait long enough before announcing the next group on the carpet, crowding the carpet should not be an issue anymore.
Jun 2, 2011, 3:47 pm
#49
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Colorado Springs
Programs: UAMP Gold Million Miler; American, Delta, Southwest; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt; Marriott, A-Plus
Posts: 33
Nailed it!
I'm thrilled that UA came forward and confirmed. I'll see how it works myself a week from Saturday. Though, I'm already in FC
Endzone dance!
Endzone dance!
Jun 2, 2011, 3:50 pm
#50
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: The KUL city
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, TK Elite+
Posts: 2,663
Great news! ^ Thank you Scott for letting us know! 
Jun 2, 2011, 3:53 pm
#51
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: What I write is my opinion alone..don't read into it anything not written.
Posts: 9,686
So kudos to those that provided feedback.
Also "I.T. HAS FOUND A WAY FOR SHARES (CO*S SYSTEM) TO SUPPORT ZONE BOARDING...WHICH WILL ALLOW CO TO BOARD IN ZONES IN THE NEAR FUTURE. UNTIL THEN...CO WILL CONTINUE TO BOARD REAR TO FRONT. "
So the theory that CO's system limitations were a reason behind it is (or at least was) true.
I for one was against the change, and I still like the old way better, but it wasn't as chaotic as I expected, especially on smaller planes. The bigger planes though, got pretty chaotic. Maybe this is why it takes CO 1.25 as long to board their planes as UA and they need longer turn times (short turn times=aircraft utilization=$$$)
Last edited by iluv2fly; Jun 2, 2011 at 4:38 pm Reason: off-topic
Jun 2, 2011, 3:55 pm
#52
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,169
Jun 2, 2011, 4:02 pm
#53
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,038
I think it would be nice if we could keep the tone of this thread positive; this is a change that many appear to like and I think we are lucky to have such a high-placed insider with the company to provide us direct updates based on our feedback. I wonder if we can avoid the "UA won and CO lost" and similar posts; we really don't need to go there, do we?
FlyinHawaiian, Co-Moderator
United Mileage Plus Forum
FlyinHawaiian, Co-Moderator
United Mileage Plus Forum
Jun 2, 2011, 4:07 pm
#54
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: On strike
Posts: 8,135
Here’s what we’re doing, starting next week…
We’re reinstating zone boarding on the United side. Beginning Jun. 8, United will return to boarding by zones. Among other things, this should directly improve the experience for the folks who purchase Economy Plus by ensuring they aren’t in the last boarding group. In addition, we’ve found a way for our combined airline to support zone boarding, and expect to introduce zone boarding to Continental in the coming year.
We’re reinstating zone boarding on the United side. Beginning Jun. 8, United will return to boarding by zones. Among other things, this should directly improve the experience for the folks who purchase Economy Plus by ensuring they aren’t in the last boarding group. In addition, we’ve found a way for our combined airline to support zone boarding, and expect to introduce zone boarding to Continental in the coming year.
If it's really a return to the old UA zones, then this totally rocks.
Jun 2, 2011, 4:19 pm
#55
Company Representative, United Airlines
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Chicago, Houston, or somewhere in between
Posts: 2,176
Hi beltway, it'll be a return to window-middle-aisle.
Jun 2, 2011, 4:20 pm
#56
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: COS
Programs: UA Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz 5 Star
Posts: 677
Thanks Scott.
Jun 2, 2011, 4:21 pm
#57
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: PDX
Programs: DL DM, AS MVP 100K, Amtrak peon, Colbert Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 4,534
Jun 2, 2011, 4:23 pm
#58
Join Date: May 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP 2MM
Posts: 644
This is great news, even as a 1K, I found the new, now old, boarding process to be a mess. Especially on elite heavy widebody routes. Big ^ to UA for paying attention and bringing the zone process back!
Jun 2, 2011, 4:25 pm
#60
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Near SEA
Programs: UA MM, AS MVPG75K, Marriott Lifetime Gold
Posts: 7,969