How to solve the boarding process once and for all for United
Sep 23, 2018, 2:59 pm
#46
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 844
Agreed that overhead space anxiety is the primary driver of boarding chaos these days. That being said -- don't be so quick to blame bag fees. The wait at baggage claim and potential for loss/delay with checked bags are also a significant factors that drive people to take large bags on the plane with them -- perhaps equally as much as or more so than the fees. Think of all the F and status customers who take large bags onto the planes that could otherwise have been checked for free...
Most everyone in groups 1 and 2 should get free checked bags, yet they will fill up the overheads. I can check bags for free, yet rarely ever do. When I do, my “priority” tagged bag often doesn’t show up until 30 minutes after arrival. I could be out of the airport and halfway to my local destination by then.
A couple months ago, I checked a bag on a flight to Europe with connections. It got to my destination 44 hours after I did (with no flight delays).
If they could somehow make the baggage delivery process more efficient, I’d much rather check a bag instead of dealing with the fight for overhead space. Yet, somehow, despite all the fees they charge which supposedly makes people carry stuff on (when I do visit baggage claim, I still see more than plenty of stuff coming from the hold), they still can’t a checked bag in my hand in a reasonable time.
Sep 23, 2018, 4:42 pm
#47
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: YKM
Programs: UA, AS
Posts: 135
Exactly.
Most everyone in groups 1 and 2 should get free checked bags, yet they will fill up the overheads. I can check bags for free, yet rarely ever do. When I do, my “priority” tagged bag often doesn’t show up until 30 minutes after arrival. I could be out of the airport and halfway to my local destination by then.
A couple months ago, I checked a bag on a flight to Europe with connections. It got to my destination 44 hours after I did (with no flight delays).
If they could somehow make the baggage delivery process more efficient, I’d much rather check a bag instead of dealing with the fight for overhead space. Yet, somehow, despite all the fees they charge which supposedly makes people carry stuff on (when I do visit baggage claim, I still see more than plenty of stuff coming from the hold), they still can’t a checked bag in my hand in a reasonable time.
Imagine if XYZ airline paid you $10 to check a bag instead of taking it carry on.
OR
You get your laptop/purse/backpack carried on included and one checked bag.
If you want to carry on your suitcase, that will be $25. Those that are in a hurry, will pay. Those that have things they don't want to be without, will pay, those that are stingy and rather indifferent won't.
Sep 23, 2018, 6:01 pm
#48
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Sep 23, 2018, 6:06 pm
#49
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Sep 23, 2018, 6:09 pm
#50
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"United is excited to announce a new system of boarding by alphabetical order. Exclusively at PDX this new system will be in reverse order starting with surnames beginning with the letter 'Z' ."
Sep 23, 2018, 6:29 pm
#51
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Now I'm thinking that this is the most wonderful plan but it should be worldwide. Why limit it to PDX?
Sep 23, 2018, 6:51 pm
#52
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