Himeno

If the flight is delayed, why stand in line when you can sit in line.

fastair

I fly enough, trust me, o didn't take this job for the pay. One could classify me as an expert on this subject, so I do get it, being a gate agent and all. I get it more than you could know, and it is your right, but it IS unnecessary.

SCAFlyer

I observed a tall gentleman walk on to the Red Carpet way before boarding, look all around him slowly trying to give the impression that he was someone important. I don't quite understand the need for recognition.

ButIsItArt

Bet he was also holding a Wendy's Frosty in one hand while twirling his BMW keys around his index finger on the other?

halls120

^ especially if I'm flying in F on a domestic 767 - the bin space on that aircraft is minimal at best.

spgaston

I like how everyone claims standing in line is a necessity to claim overhead space in the F cabin. I think it's more of a worry than a reality for mainline aircraft. I always travel with carry on only and have never NOT been able to place my bag within 2 feet of my row. Then again, my carry on bag is regulation size and I put my personal item (backpack in my case) under the seat in front of me.

There are gate lice no matter what airline, but UA is unique in the Red Carpet lineup. Other airlines with special elite lanes (DL and AS in my experience) do not seem to experience this phenomenon.

StarAllianceFanatic

I disagree with you. First on a CRJ is a joke in terms of carry on space. Without fail at least one person in first has to gate check or store their bag a few rows back. Also, true on other types of planes.

I line up and will wait within reason because:

• Complete lack of carry on space. Especially if I have a tight connection on UX and don't feel like I can wait for my bag and make my connection. I am not a fan of gate checking. I have waited as much as an hour before for checked bags and have had a gate checked bag lost...and I mean lost for good.
• The gate areas are always too small and there is a complete lack of seats. So if there is no place to sit, might as well stand in a protected red carpet cove.
• I like to be able to hear what the gate agents are saying.
• I have found it pays to be first in line when a flight cancels or is massively delayed and you need help / rebooking.

I'd like to know why most people think their carry on or brief case also needs a seat in the gate area. This seems to be at its worst when you are at F11 in ORD with 8 flights leaving at the same time, or many other gates at ORD or LAX especially.

zrs70

Is that me in the photo???? Lol. Kidding.

I don't get those in this thread who talk about people wanting to look important. I don't think most people on the carpet really care who is looking at them. Not on their radar. They have other things to think about. (same argument for those who talk loudly on cell phones.... People often accuse them of wanting to impress others with their business deals. Truth is, others just aren't on their radar).

camachinist

I find, at least at SFO where I connect a lot, it's easier to get up and find the end of the red carpet line about 5 minutes prior to boarding, before it gets lost in the sea of general boarding members who mill around the carpet/podium area. I've found, if not established there, it's a push and shove to even get there, and then the GA calls the 1P's/*G's and the rush is on. So, I can see the perspective of those who line up early. IME, that's usually ten or more minutes early at SFO. I do emphatically like the ability to bypass general boarding via the red carpet, when rushing to the gate on a late connection, as it often has made the difference between not gate checking a bag and having that dynamic occur in the jetway. Combined with more predictable bag stowage, less push and shove in the gate crowd would be my primary reasons for lining up prior to boarding. YMMV

sfo

I would liike to see the red carpet go, who needs it, is that important you must be sure someone is aware of your status, most people who fly probably don't even know what it is, so guess your impressing only those that use it themselves, if you are impressed about standing on a red carptet go out and buy one, bring it with you, stand on it and then when its time to board roll it up and take it with you. Then while your standing waiting to use the lav, you can once again roll it out, and stand on it. Then when you get back to your seat you can use it as a blanket.

SGJazz

I typically line up 5 minutes before boarding unless the line has already formed. Besides all the obvious good reasons I would like to add this. Years ago when I had no status and was forced to board in group two , etc I hated standing in the jetway in line. Can't breath in there. On the other hand, if delayed two hours I would never stand in one spot, even if the rcc was closed or non-existent.

Fun thread

N1120A

Quit smoking. We like you here too much. Stick to the Tootsie Pops

25 minutes? That is WAY too soon. I like to be close to the Red Carpet and will NEVER gate check, but 25 minutes is a little crazy.

When was the last time a 1K got mad at you for gate checking? That is why it IS necessary (though not to some of the extremes mentioned).

I am almost always on the plane and saying to the FA "mind if this goes in the closet?"

EricH

I use the red lane exclusively ever since an AMS GA made me go back and re-enter through the red lane when I tried to use the regular lane. She taught me my lesson real good.

burgerwars

We are all supposed to pay homage to anyone who stands on the red carpet. The only time I got to walk the red carpet was earlier this year when I was upgraded to first on a United Express flight. I felt my life was complete as I strolled over the red carpet and onto the plane, where I enjoyed my first United Express snack box. If it wasn't for the red carpet, I would have never known how it is to be treated like royalty.

236Dakota

+2 gate lice