Zones are gone, Boarding by row starts 11 May
May 24, 2011, 6:17 pm
#751
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,344
May 24, 2011, 7:13 pm
#752
Used to be MBS PremExec
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Saginaw, MI (MBS)
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Marriott Titanium w/Lifetime Plat, Hilton LIfetime ♢, National Exec, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,722
Sort of like putting "Do Not Duplicate" on a key. 
It just dawned on me this past weekend as I watched the Travel Channel's 'Vegas' programming all day Saturday...They did a thing on comps. To me, it parallels the whole 1K/GS versus everyone else.
I enjoy gambling. My dad enjoys gambling. While I see the airline thing from the top looking down, when it comes to gambling, I see it from the middle/lower end...Call my dad a GS in the gambling world, maybe a 1K...I'm just a lowly 2P.
I play enough to get 'free' nights when I go out to Vegas, have some 'elite' benefits like maybe a meal paid while I'm there, upgraded to a suite if there's availability when I check in...My level of benefits is indicative of my play.
My dad, however, plays quite a bit bigger stakes than I do. He gets picked up in a limo, he gets a suite reserved for him (no worrying about upgrades, and the suite is much nicer than anything I'll ever get), he gets all of his meals paid, and even gets his airfare reimbursed. He got tickets to see a very hot show, 4 of them. I went, but not because of my play, I was one of his 'companion upgrades' on that trip...I've never been given tickets to one show.
Do I feel slighted because he gets 'treated better' than I do?!?!?! Hell no. He has the 'red carpet' to board on...I don't. I know if I played like he did, I too would get that treatment. But they reward his business to them by giving him more, better perks than what they give me--because he 'flies them' more than I do.
When the year is over, there's a good chance that I, despite my much smaller play, may have won more than my dad. There have been years I've lost more than him. There have been years I've won more than him, years where we both won, years where we both lost. But it comes down to giving the best perks to the best customers and realizing that everyone isn't a high roller. I enjoy my benefits, but I know I'm not entitled to everything that others may be entitled to, and I'm fine with that.
Last edited by MBS MillionMiler; May 24, 2011 at 7:32 pm
May 24, 2011, 8:04 pm
#753
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: The World.
Programs: UA MP/UC - "RIP Tulip Plat"
Posts: 1,225
This is just a mess, most if not all of E+ had to gate check the other day... LAME!
May 24, 2011, 8:24 pm
#754
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Washington DC
Programs: Former 1k, Lifetime UA Gold, Starwood Gold; Avis Preferred; Hertz Gold
Posts: 1,732
Like that stopped people! Sort of like putting "Do Not Duplicate" on a key.
It just dawned on me this past weekend as I watched the Travel Channel's 'Vegas' programming all day Saturday...They did a thing on comps. To me, it parallels the whole 1K/GS versus everyone else.
I enjoy gambling. My dad enjoys gambling. While I see the airline thing from the top looking down, when it comes to gambling, I see it from the middle/lower end...Call my dad a GS in the gambling world, maybe a 1K...I'm just a lowly 2P.
I play enough to get 'free' nights when I go out to Vegas, have some 'elite' benefits like maybe a meal paid while I'm there, upgraded to a suite if there's availability when I check in...My level of benefits is indicative of my play.
My dad, however, plays quite a bit bigger stakes than I do. He gets picked up in a limo, he gets a suite reserved for him (no worrying about upgrades, and the suite is much nicer than anything I'll ever get), he gets all of his meals paid, and even gets his airfare reimbursed. He got tickets to see a very hot show, 4 of them. I went, but not because of my play, I was one of his 'companion upgrades' on that trip...I've never been given tickets to one show.
Do I feel slighted because he gets 'treated better' than I do?!?!?! Hell no. He has the 'red carpet' to board on...I don't. I know if I played like he did, I too would get that treatment. But they reward his business to them by giving him more, better perks than what they give me--because he 'flies them' more than I do.
When the year is over, there's a good chance that I, despite my much smaller play, may have won more than my dad. There have been years I've lost more than him. There have been years I've won more than him, years where we both won, years where we both lost. But it comes down to giving the best perks to the best customers and realizing that everyone isn't a high roller. I enjoy my benefits, but I know I'm not entitled to everything that others may be entitled to, and I'm fine with that.
Sort of like putting "Do Not Duplicate" on a key. It just dawned on me this past weekend as I watched the Travel Channel's 'Vegas' programming all day Saturday...They did a thing on comps. To me, it parallels the whole 1K/GS versus everyone else.
I enjoy gambling. My dad enjoys gambling. While I see the airline thing from the top looking down, when it comes to gambling, I see it from the middle/lower end...Call my dad a GS in the gambling world, maybe a 1K...I'm just a lowly 2P.
I play enough to get 'free' nights when I go out to Vegas, have some 'elite' benefits like maybe a meal paid while I'm there, upgraded to a suite if there's availability when I check in...My level of benefits is indicative of my play.
My dad, however, plays quite a bit bigger stakes than I do. He gets picked up in a limo, he gets a suite reserved for him (no worrying about upgrades, and the suite is much nicer than anything I'll ever get), he gets all of his meals paid, and even gets his airfare reimbursed. He got tickets to see a very hot show, 4 of them. I went, but not because of my play, I was one of his 'companion upgrades' on that trip...I've never been given tickets to one show.
Do I feel slighted because he gets 'treated better' than I do?!?!?! Hell no. He has the 'red carpet' to board on...I don't. I know if I played like he did, I too would get that treatment. But they reward his business to them by giving him more, better perks than what they give me--because he 'flies them' more than I do.
When the year is over, there's a good chance that I, despite my much smaller play, may have won more than my dad. There have been years I've lost more than him. There have been years I've won more than him, years where we both won, years where we both lost. But it comes down to giving the best perks to the best customers and realizing that everyone isn't a high roller. I enjoy my benefits, but I know I'm not entitled to everything that others may be entitled to, and I'm fine with that.
May 24, 2011, 8:46 pm
#755
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: DCA
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 1,653
May 24, 2011, 8:49 pm
#756
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,167
What's not believable about elites in E+ waiting til the end of the boarding process to hit the gate? Sure they can cut a few on the carpet, but may be stuck behind others in the jet bridge.
May 24, 2011, 8:52 pm
#757
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,603
May 24, 2011, 9:11 pm
#758
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Greater DC
Programs: UA plus
Posts: 12,943
It's more likely to make them hate UA, because they won't understand why they were forced to check their bags. And will likely leave their valuables in the bag when it's sent down, also causing loss and more annoyance with UA.
May 24, 2011, 11:04 pm
#759
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: The KUL city
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, TK Elite+
Posts: 2,663
Just received a reply from the 1K desk (and it's a non-template reply!) 
Looks promising for now!
Looks promising for now!
Dear nov11:
I am sorry to learn of your disappointment with our new boarding announcement.
As part of our United and Continental’s integration of products and services, as of May 11, 2011, our airport agents should be boarding global services, First Class, 1K, Continental Presidential Platinum and Platinum passengers, followed by Business class then Premier Executive with Premier members only if the elite members comprise less than 50 percent of cabin. When elite members comprise more than 50 percent of cabin, we will board the flight based on the following sequence: Premier Executive, Star Alliance Gold, Premiers and Star Alliance Silver. I apologize if this was not the case on your recent flights with us. Mr. Foo, you are our "road warrior" and your feedback is very valuable to our Senior management especially in this coming year where we are making strides in bringing out the best of both airlines to create a very special one. Without your help, and guidance, we don't know what we are doing wrong. Please know our leadership team routinely reviews business policies that negatively impact our customer’s perception, and on many occasions has resulted in us making changes that benefit you, our customer.
Mr. Foo as a 1K member, you are one of our most valuable customers. We're grateful for your loyalty and look forward to the continued privilege of serving you.
Regards,
UA CSR
United Airlines Customer Relations
I am sorry to learn of your disappointment with our new boarding announcement.
As part of our United and Continental’s integration of products and services, as of May 11, 2011, our airport agents should be boarding global services, First Class, 1K, Continental Presidential Platinum and Platinum passengers, followed by Business class then Premier Executive with Premier members only if the elite members comprise less than 50 percent of cabin. When elite members comprise more than 50 percent of cabin, we will board the flight based on the following sequence: Premier Executive, Star Alliance Gold, Premiers and Star Alliance Silver. I apologize if this was not the case on your recent flights with us. Mr. Foo, you are our "road warrior" and your feedback is very valuable to our Senior management especially in this coming year where we are making strides in bringing out the best of both airlines to create a very special one. Without your help, and guidance, we don't know what we are doing wrong. Please know our leadership team routinely reviews business policies that negatively impact our customer’s perception, and on many occasions has resulted in us making changes that benefit you, our customer.
Mr. Foo as a 1K member, you are one of our most valuable customers. We're grateful for your loyalty and look forward to the continued privilege of serving you.
Regards,
UA CSR
United Airlines Customer Relations
May 24, 2011, 11:20 pm
#760
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: DAL
Programs: UA 1K AA EXP
Posts: 632
With all the talk about the new UA boarding process and the issues, DAL Dallas Love Field has a unique solution to boarding. They have THREE lanes. Yes THREE! For all those have trouble with the two lanes, three just make it more fun! It goes like this, one lane with blue carpet for CO Elites, one lane for Continental General Boarding, and one lane for ALL United. GS, 1K, and kettles all use the same lane with no red carpet. And Continental Express also flys to Denver and not UA according to the computer screens at DAL.
Here is DAL THREE boarding lanes and process.
http://youtu.be/dSQYc7qb6Ns?hd=1
.
.
.
Ok, before anyone blows a gasket. United does not have a gates at DAL, plus UA and CO use two different computer systems right now. So UA has a little podium and thus the need for three lanes. Also all DAL computers are on CO machines and counters so all flights listed under Continental Express.
It goes like this, one lane with blue carpet for CO Elites, one lane for Continental General Boarding, and one lane for ALL United. GS, 1K, and kettles all use the same lane with no red carpet. And Continental Express also flys to Denver and not UA according to the computer screens at DAL. Here is DAL THREE boarding lanes and process.
http://youtu.be/dSQYc7qb6Ns?hd=1
.
.
.
Ok, before anyone blows a gasket. United does not have a gates at DAL, plus UA and CO use two different computer systems right now. So UA has a little podium and thus the need for three lanes. Also all DAL computers are on CO machines and counters so all flights listed under Continental Express.
Last edited by CO777DAL; May 25, 2011 at 1:13 am
May 25, 2011, 3:25 am
#761
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: The World.
Programs: UA MP/UC - "RIP Tulip Plat"
Posts: 1,225
You FAIL to realize that E+ would have been long announced gone if E+ was only utilized by elites, and not getting sold... get your head out of your small little world and smell the roses, the hub to hub flights are not the only flights in the system lol.
Last edited by UAL4life; May 25, 2011 at 3:31 am
May 25, 2011, 7:43 am
#762
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: PDX
Programs: Alaska Airlines, CO Emeritus, United kettle, Ural Airlines Wings, Hilton, National
Posts: 979
Why, what's the rush? Who cares if you get on 10th or 30th or 50th? You'll still be on before a majority of the plane with plenty of overhead bin space. It cracks me up how many pages this thread is and how many 1Ks are bothered by the "lesser" elites boarding with them. If I understand the UA system correctly, if you did not board with F/GS/1K, the red carpet was closed. In my 5 segments in the last week (4 UA and 1 CO), I've been there at the beginning, middle and end of boarding and been able to come on via the red/blue carpet. That's a change I like.
May 25, 2011, 8:19 am
#763
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,603
Just boarded DEN-SEA, and was pleased to hear the FAs enforcing the bins for E+. Obviously, some people do not listen, but they seem to have kept the pax in the last rows from dumping their bags in row 10, and then continuing to row 25.. If row boarding is going to stay, I really do hope that the FAs continue to enforce this.
May 25, 2011, 8:28 am
#764
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SF (formerly of IND)
Programs: UA GS, Alaska MVP 50, Marriott 100 night, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 64
Completely agree. I paid extra to fly my girlfriend (no status) E+. She was the last to board due to the new boarding and had to check her bags. When she made a comment to the United gate team that this didn't seem fair, she got a snide comment back from the gate people. Never paying for E+ again.
May 25, 2011, 8:51 am
#765
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
Change is not necessarily the problem. Loss of benefits is more like it. But as a CO emeritus you haven't lost anything. Have you?