UA's Boarding Process with WILMA now - Inconsistent process / PreBoarding issues
#466
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
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I boarded a full 737 earlier this month. I was in eco+ on an aisle. I boarded in group 2 due to CC, about half the plane boarded in group 2 and above. I had to get up twice to let in the window and middle seat person. Don't see how this system is doing much when United has so many people who board in early groups.
#467
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#468
Join Date: Oct 2023
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No, not complaining about myself or that I had to get up. My point was that it doesn't seem to make it any more efficient or really change anything since I still got up and blocked the aisle twice, and so did many others. I thought the point of the new system was to make it faster by not having to have aisle people take time to get up to let the rest of the row in. The flight was out of a hub and more than half boarded in Pre, Group 1 and 2 and just felt more chaotic than before.
#469
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No, not complaining about myself or that I had to get up. My point was that it doesn't seem to make it any more efficient or really change anything since I still got up and blocked the aisle twice, and so did many others. I thought the point of the new system was to make it faster by not having to have aisle people take time to get up to let the rest of the row in. The flight was out of a hub and more than half boarded in Pre, Group 1 and 2 and just felt more chaotic than before.
In all fairness, United had never promised much time savings, even on paper.
This is one of the reasons I usually board last, even though I could preboard. Why should I help United if no one else from gate agents to fellow pax delay the process anyway? I just hang back and watch the usual unfolding of train wreck.
#470
Moderator: United Airlines
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#471
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 1,153
Was it 2 mins average improvement UA said?
so about 5% improvement?
Essentially no change other than a handful of late boarders won't need to faff around as much getting into their seat. UA will grab a few seconds from each of them to make their 2 mins.
so about 5% improvement?
Essentially no change other than a handful of late boarders won't need to faff around as much getting into their seat. UA will grab a few seconds from each of them to make their 2 mins.
#472
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: UA GS, UA 2MM, HH LT Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,802
Two bag limit was heavily enforced ORD-DEN yesterday. Gate agent ended up, announcing that. “Yes, even your crossbody bag, fanny pack, or whatever you’re calling it now days, is still a bag”!
#473
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
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Posts: 4,162
I heard similar PAs regarding stowing such bags for taxi/takeoff/landing on an IAH-CLE yesterday -- makes me wonder if the FAA nailed UA for something bag-policy-related and UA is stepping up attention.
#474
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#475
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#476
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: BNA
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No. There is an exception for a takeout bag of food. It doesn't count.
Remember you'll also see people with what looks like an extra bag but there are a few other exceptions, such as for medical assistance devices. Everyone with three bags isn't over the limit.
Remember you'll also see people with what looks like an extra bag but there are a few other exceptions, such as for medical assistance devices. Everyone with three bags isn't over the limit.
#477
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#478
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While faster boarding is one of the goals of the overall boarding process, it is not the highest goal. US airlines generally do not charge for carry-on bags because US travelers strongly prefer to carry-on their bags. That results in a slower, less convenient boarding and deplaning process but it accommodates the preferences of more passengers.
Passengers would like to sit in First Class, so there's an upcharge for that.
Passengers would like to choose their seat assignments, so there's an upcharge for that.
Passengers would like more legroom (and sitting closer to the front), so there's an upcharge for that.
Passengers would like a snack box or alcoholic beverages, so there's an upcharge for that.
I believe Frontier charges for the carry-on, the personal item is free. I haven't flown on them to see how well it works.
#479
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Anyway, GA should be reasonable but firm, and exercise good judgement. Being a bags police helps no one; Someone could easily hid the fanny pack inside the jacket.
#480
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...so that you have to schlep a stroller to the airport, through TSA, onto the plane to stow, then collect once off the plane and schlep at your destination, all so you can board earlier. Hmmmmm.