findark

If numbers 1-20 are reserved for F on a 739, then whichever 20 pax with F seat assignments when boarding is called can hold those numbers. There will be some check-in dance, but it just replaces the gate-lice dance where we all stand for 15 minutes at the gate before boarding. WN also used to be first to the gate, first to board - and I'd much rather pull out my phone at T-24 to hit a button than dance around the gate constantly. And with numbers, you could put 1Ks ahead of Plats with Group 1, and Golds ahead of Silvers, etc.

Baze

do you really think UA's IT could handle implementing this?

seat38a

Why would you checkin at the window?? WN has had online checkin for ages and everything gets assigned when you checkin online. The Group and numbers are automatically assigned when you checkin online or pay for a better slot at WN. In United's case, if there are 20 FC seats on the plane, then weather your battlefield upgrade or whatever there are 20 slots in Group 1 so Group 1 Slot 1-20 will always be for first class, you might be number 20 since your a last min upgrade on the last seat but still does not change the fact that you still get a spot in the reserved slot and not the 75th person standing in line in Group 1 under the current system. In regards to connecting passengers, I think your drilling down way to deep into this. Personally, If I was paying for FC, I could care less if I was in Group 1 spot 1 or Group 1 - spot 20, more interested in weeding the line jumpers and the Credit Card people who think they are automatically entitled to join Group 1. If you really must be in Group 1 Spot 1 well then I can't see any system that can really help you there other than maybe another fee to cut in line to the very front of the line.

Everyone else would get a spot in there groups based on elite level, checkin times etc.. GS already board before anyone else so really does not matter for them.


For all who have never seen or flown WN before, here is the setup. Some habits are hard to break as you can see, but gate lice or not, I can waltz right up in front of them and take my assigned slot when boarding is called.
DSC08289 by B H, on Flickr

DSC08290 by B H, on Flickr

DSC08333 by B H, on Flickr

seat38a

I have hopes for them after seeing and trying United's app on 4 segments this year so far.

Baze

Did you really and honestly think I meant check in at a physical "window"? Don't think I have ever seen a "window" at an airport to check in at. Of course I meant the T-24 hour time window of opportunity to check in by what ever means you want to use.

And if you get that battlefield upgrade it is usually after you are on the plane and in your coach seat and the whole plane has loaded. So them handing you a BP with #20 on it does no good. Same situation we have now with overhead space when you move up. That is what a battlefield upgrade is. And I have flown SW before and didn't like it. But you are more than welcome to fly them if you like them.

seat38a

I fly United, and ONLY fly WN when United's schedule does not fit my plans. Its the first time I've flown WN in 10 years. And thank you for clarifying what the battlefield upgrade is. Of course if you don't get FC until after you are already on the plane your SOL. I'm trying to suggest a solution to a broken system from the paid FC/BC/ full fare Y/ Confirmed Upgrade passenger perspective not every special case like you bring up.

Baze

I just pointed out some scenarios where it would make no difference. I don't like {Southwest}. The boarding is just one aspect of it and that works for SW. I personally don't think it would work for UA. But that is my opinion and I am entitled to it like you are yours. Please feel free to ignore my comments, I won't be offended.

seat38a

{J}ust {being} passionate about the mess of a boarding system at United Not praising WN, believe me I have a longer negative list than good. I'm just giving credit where credit is due and pointing out the current United system that I think needs some improvement. Will it fit all situations? Absolutely not. My points are nothing more than a broad suggestion from personal experience. Its really not for armchair CEO's to define the fine details but, HEY OSCAR IF YOUR READING THIS, FIX YOUR {deleted} BOARDING SYSTEM.

krazykanuck

I agree with most of this; UA's boarding process is a mess if you're not in group 1 or 2 and pretty inefficient, though IMO it's not materially different than DL/AA.

While I don't really like to, I'll fly WN when it's better than United in both price and schedule, which being in Houston, is not very often unless I my destination is Dallas.

entropy

I agree with the #1-3 here for sure. They "pre-board" the families/medical and then they end up clogging up the whole system. Its a lot harder to enforce something that has a lot of exceptions, etc.

UA also takes an extra 20-30s to wait for the GS, and then wait for the military; and then Group 1, they should announce (GS/Mil/F) that at once. Its not like it makes a difference when you're talking about the 8-25 of them on a mainline flight.

MattR23

I flew on WN for the first time just recently. It was the only flight that had the timing I needed from MCO to DEN. I bought early boarding and ended up with border order B5. It ended up being OK. Since it was just me solo and then otherwise a lot families, there was a single aisle seat in the second row that I was able to get.

What struck me the most different from UA was the "folksy" attitude of the staff. All of them had their own little quips and jokes that they made in announcements and during my interactions with them. UA is a bit more by-the-book. Sometimes that felt like WN was quite a bit warmer in attitude than UA, but it could also, at times, feel a little too relaxed.

JBord

Yeah, some people like this and some don't. It's always been the culture at WN. I don't care for it either. I remember a particularly unpleasant flight sitting a couple rows in front of about 8 women traveling for a bachelorette party. They had obviously started the party early, and were very loud and disturbing other passengers. From what I could tell the FAs were actually encouraging it.

Again, it's fine for a lot of people, especially casual travelers. But for me, the whole experience just adds unnecessary stress...worrying about checking in right at 24 hours, getting my place in line, dashing for a seat, etc. And I don't check bags, so my bags always fly free.

Lani1

I have had great experience on Southwest - no FC is a deal breaker for me on flights 2+ hours

wetrat0

I don't see how it could be stressful. Aside from a very small number of seats (that you need to be A-List to get), all the seats have identical space. It's your preference whether you want front/back, aisle/window. You just walk on in your assigned order and sit down somewhere that looks good. Of course it helps to be near the beginning if you're picky. But I have to agree with the OP that boarding is messed up at United (and AA).

Doc Savage

For more complex itineraries, just book one ways. Makes it easier when you have to change flights later anyway.