Seating Area Rant
 

Maybe it's just me, but does it bother anyone else that no matter what, when they begin boarding there is a huge line of people with various seating areas on their BPs so it's impossible to know whether I'm going to the front of the line as a Premier Exec and rudely cutting other PEs in line or (as is most of the time) cutting people with Seating Area 1-4? I always feel like a [jerk].

Not to mention, most of the time they don't really enforce seating areas. Most don't understand it, and usually there are plenty of pax standing at the front of the line with Seating Area 4 and board with the PEs and *G. It's just first crack at the overhead space, so no big deal, but why announce us separately if they don't plan to enforce it?

Do a search on 'Gate Lice' and you'll find a fairly robust discussion on this.

Search the forum for "gate lice".

In my experience, they've been very good at enforcement. Don't forget that people traveling together get to board with the lower numbered (earlier) seating area.

Ahhhh.....out of the mouth of newbies! :D Nope....it's not just you! As the others have suggested, do a search for "gate lice" and you will find plenty of FTers who are as frustrated as you!

Gate agents, IME, have done very well in enforcing the zone boarding policy. I can't count how many times I have seen people turned away becuase their seating area had not been called yet.

While that is generally the case, I've occasionally had them attempt to prevent my wife from boarding with me. :mad:

When I was a 1P or in seating area 1 I just kept moving to the front of the line until I got to the group of 1Ps or seating area 1. Most people just stand my the entrance to the line but are not moving to the front until they call their seating area.

Maybe it's because the GA didn't know she was boarding with you? I always would tell the GA something like "She's with me" while showing my own BP, just to avoid any potential hassles.

Wirelessly posted (UCBeau's Blackberry: Mozilla/2.0 (compatible; MSIE 3.02; Windows CE; PPC; 240x320))

Lately, say over the past 6 months, I've noticed a huge improvement in seating zone enforcement. I always see GAs turn away the gate lice trying to board out of turn. IME, the two worst places where the GAs still allow it happen to be LAX and JFK.

I often find myself in the unfortunate position of having to excuse myself past hordes of standing people while enroute to the red carpet lane.

Indeed, I don't relish the image of swooshing through in an elite manner; yet I just focus away from the implications and think instead of the overhead space that I'm securing for my carry-on.

I think the agents do a pretty good job of enforcement. So good that when I greet I can tell how much longer we have for boarding by checking the zones on the BP's.

"Zone 3 is here, I better start closing bins..." :)

Are you sure it isn't "Zone 3 is here, the idiots are boarding..." ;)

(FTR: I am friends with :-: Liz :-: and she would never say/think that because she is awesome. ^ ).

Now the concept has to be made the standard in SIN, FRA, and ZRH and then I shall be pleased.

I've never had much trouble figuring out who's just standing around and who's actually in the line. Also, those people really just want the same thing you do - their first crack at overhead space - and are doing what they can to accomplish it. Personally, I think they should raise the baggage allowance to two 50lb and one 20lb and remove the overhead bins. Among other things, boarding could be completed in half the time.

:confused: I'm a bit confused on what you're suggesting. Checked baggage or carry on? UA already allow 50lb checked luggages - you just have to pay for it if you don't have any status. Also, no overhead bins? I think business travelers would revolt - especially for someone like me who hate to check bags.