UA's Boarding Process with WILMA now - Inconsistent process / PreBoarding issues
Jan 6, 2023, 6:49 pm
#196
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: CT/NY
Programs: UA 1K/1MM, AA EXP, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 6,020
Boarding on Wednesday for UA 2490 (787-10) at EWR C108 was tragic.
Wheelchairs boarded first followed by all the families with any sort of kids pushing like crazy.
Then the incompetent GA called « Active Military, GS and all other preboarding groups ».
Of course it turned into a total mess.
Worst part is when she barked at my GS / Business class companion for after scanning the BP for having a roller bag, a backpack and a computer in a protection : « YOU CAN’T HAVE 3 CARRY ON, MOVE AWAY AND CHECK YOUR BAG »
« This is your guide to United Global Services, the very best that United has to offer. We are more focused than ever on providing you with exceptional service. Be sure to look for the United Global Services emblem representing our unwavering commitment to provide you with our best service possible. »
Wheelchairs boarded first followed by all the families with any sort of kids pushing like crazy.
Then the incompetent GA called « Active Military, GS and all other preboarding groups ».
Of course it turned into a total mess.
Worst part is when she barked at my GS / Business class companion for after scanning the BP for having a roller bag, a backpack and a computer in a protection : « YOU CAN’T HAVE 3 CARRY ON, MOVE AWAY AND CHECK YOUR BAG »
« This is your guide to United Global Services, the very best that United has to offer. We are more focused than ever on providing you with exceptional service. Be sure to look for the United Global Services emblem representing our unwavering commitment to provide you with our best service possible. »
Perhaps the delivery could be better, but if it's the latter, your companion had one too many carry-on bags per policy. GS is not exempt from this policy.
Jan 6, 2023, 7:48 pm
#197
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: New York City
Programs: UA GS 1MM
Posts: 390
A desktop ? Seriously ?
The whole thing was ridiculous.
Jan 6, 2023, 7:59 pm
#198
Join Date: Jul 2022
Programs: United MileagePlus
Posts: 336
technically, laptops in protective sleeves are not enumerated in the exceptions (which includes things like jackets, reading materials, etc) listed as the official policy on the website. should the above photo be classified as a personal item? IMO no, but you can't fault the gate agent for enforcement. I suppose you can fault UA for inconsistency on a flight by flight basis though. Perhaps you could claim it was merchandise purchased at the airport? lol.
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly.../carry-on.html
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly.../carry-on.html
Jan 6, 2023, 8:04 pm
#199
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: New York City
Programs: UA GS 1MM
Posts: 390
technically, laptops in protective sleeves are not enumerated in the exceptions (which includes things like jackets, reading materials, etc) listed as the official policy on the website. should the above photo be classified as a personal item? IMO no, but you can't fault the gate agent for enforcement. I suppose you can fault UA for inconsistency on a flight by flight basis though. Perhaps you could claim it was merchandise purchased at the airport? lol.
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly.../carry-on.html
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly.../carry-on.html
Jan 6, 2023, 8:06 pm
#200
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott LTPP/Platinum Premier, Hyatt Lame-ist, UA !K
Posts: 20,061
Jan 6, 2023, 8:06 pm
#201
Join Date: Jul 2022
Programs: United MileagePlus
Posts: 336
Jan 7, 2023, 5:19 pm
#202
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: SEA/HNL/TPE
Programs: UA Plat & 1MM (40 yr MP), HH Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 51
Jan 7, 2023, 6:18 pm
#203
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,511
LGA GA called every preboard group to board at once. Chaotic as usual but at least LGA gate areas are a lot more spacious than EWR. More than half of the plane were preboarders.
Jan 31, 2023, 4:09 pm
#205
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Programs: United 1K, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 520
Jan 31, 2023, 4:30 pm
#206
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,165
Feb 9, 2023, 4:26 am
#208
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,381
If united metal, zone 2 for star alliance silver (no other benefits)
*silver has zero guaranteed benefits via *alliance other than better standby priority, this is just United throwing you a bone
Mar 5, 2023, 6:22 am
#209
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,165
At CLE this morning -- and a 737 with a UG list 43 deep -- "I'd next like to continue our pre boarding with 17 of United's most valued customers -- our 17 Premier 1Ks and their families are welcome to board. I'll be beginning Group boarding with Group 1 in just a few minutes...Premier 1Ks are welcome to preboard"
I thought it was a very nice and tactful way to handle it...
I thought it was a very nice and tactful way to handle it...
Mar 5, 2023, 8:59 am
#210
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,462
At CLE this morning -- and a 737 with a UG list 43 deep -- "I'd next like to continue our pre boarding with 17 of United's most valued customers -- our 17 Premier 1Ks and their families are welcome to board. I'll be beginning Group boarding with Group 1 in just a few minutes...Premier 1Ks are welcome to preboard"
I thought it was a very nice and tactful way to handle it...
I thought it was a very nice and tactful way to handle it...
I have seen GAs do it that way a couple times, when there are large numbers of status preboards, and I agree it is a good way to handle the situation.