I think that the biggest cause of delays with boarding is the fact that so many passengers pack their luggage in the overhead because checked luggage is overly expensive.
In my experience the best time to board is dead last. less crowds, stay cool in the airport, no waiting putting luggage in over head bins. Your bin may be full but they will always be available space somewhere. Also I like to be last to leave the plane.
@@PickledHam That's my strategy, too. No matter where you sit, it's going to be uncomfortable. Might as well just chill and don't compete with the crowd. You're going to be in that tube too long anyway so why spend one more minute than necessary in there. My ultimate solution has been to never, ever fly anywhere again for the rest of my life. I'll drive in my own car three days or just not go at all.
The airlines should be required to give passengers an allowance of one piece of checked luggage. This is a safety risk as well as an inconvenience for all passengers. Don't get me started about how it is a cash grab by the airlines. Eventually there will be a serious accident where it is shown that excessive carry on luggage results in increased fatalities. Only then will there be change.
I used to want to board quickly, but the more flying experience I had, the more I realized that the best thing (for me at least) is to enjoy the open space of the gate area as long as possible, before stuffing myself in a sardine can for the flight. Now I'm happy to board last, and the funny thing I've noticed is that I land at the destination at pretty much the same time as everyone else!
shhhhhhhh - don't publish that! If the rest of the cattle figure that out we are screwed. I often fly first class, but don't leave the lounge until after boarding has started. by the time i get to the gate the line is either gone or nearly gone. even in first class, why do I want to spend any more time in that seat than i absolutely have to. Same with everyone fighting to get off the plane first, only to stand around waiting at the luggage pick up. (although i think its usually jags and cheapskates trying to carry an entire mobile home onto the plane that fight to get on first so they can take all the overhead space and establish their tent city.)
I took a few flights in Australia and they would board the plane from the front and rear doors at the same time. Just being able to load from both ends simultaneously was really efficient.
YES! Why isn't this a thing? Most planes have two doors... this would in theory improve boarding time 2x. Why didn't they even mention it in this video?
That's how most European low-cost carrier (Ryanair, Easyjet..) are doing, there's only 2 groups those with priority and the others then it splits in 2 those who enter by the front and those by the back.
Even better, more doors. When a plane i on the tarmac anyway just have 4 doors running, the biggest wait is Mabel trying to get all her stuff out of the overhead.
I'll never understand why it's treated as such a priviliege to board first, the plane still takes off at the same time and you just end up sitting around waiting for everyone else to board.
Smaller planes tend to not have enough overhead bin space for the carryon of every passenger, which is why those with small children (i.e. bulky diaper bags) and servicemembers (who may have extra gear or sensitive items that must stay within reach at all times) are invited first. Those unlucky to board after all the bins are filled would be forced to gate check whatever doesn't fit underneath the seat, which may or may not be a problem depending on what you packed.
That is the way to roll. Also, people need to stop standing up and trying to get their bags as soon as the plane lands. You're still going to have to wait. People are just inpatient morons sometimes.
In the mid 90s I was at a job interview in Jacksonville FL returning to my home in Atlanta GA flying on Delta (who seemed "own" Hartsfield at that time). The plane coming from Atlanta to Jacksonville which was the plane we were going to board was late. The gate agent announced the plane was late and it was the only plane that was late in the Delta system. The only way to get us out of there on time was to forego any boarding priorities. He said we can turn this plane around and get you to Atlanta on time only if we board back to front with first class boarding last. He further went on to say that 90 per cent of you have connecting flights and none of the flights will be held because you're late as this is the only plane that is late in the Delta system (driving the point). What he did next was absolutely genius he said if this does not work for you, please come up and tell me in front of all your fellow travelers and then we will go to the normal boarding position making 90% of you miss your connections. People looked at each other as if they were at a gunfight at the OK Corral no one moved, and I believe we were on that plane in 10 minutes and in the air on time.
So what you are saying is that Delta through whatever issue had a plane tht was late. It was totally thier fault for it being late, but this gate agent turned it around and stated it was late due to their issues and now it being late is your issue so can you just throw money away on their being late. Yeah that seems to be the std airplane theory.
The obsession of when you board boils down to making sure you have an overhead bin for a carry on. If every single passenger knew they were guaranteed an overhead bin OR no passenger was allowed a carry on at all, then it wouldn’t matter when you boarded. I’m convinced most airlines made things worse years ago by charging for checked bags, thus incentivizing passengers to carry as much crap as possible with them in the cabin.
This is undoubtedly true. Charging for checked bags is a real problem for efficiency. Free checked bags speeds things up for everyone. Even for folks like me who often have good reason not to want to check bags, there will be enough people happy to check for free that suddenly overhead bins aren't a problem and boarding will be quicker. It's just a money grab that significantly reduces the quality of customer experience.
@@d_dave7200 There is also a service issue. A lot of people have also said they stick to carry-on because you can be sure your luggage will be there when you arrive. I've only had that misfortune once long ago so I'm still happy to gate-check, but I understand if someone's had too many bags delayed or lost or damaged to cease trusting the checking process.
I only use airlines that include hold luggage in the price of the ticket, so everyone that wants to use it will, and then my hand luggage fits under my seat. I don't understand why they don't do the reverse and charge for oversized hand luggage instead: surely they want bags in the hold?
If they don't charge for a checked bag then the cost is put into the base fare. Weight is absolute cost for a plane. So if I don't have a checked bag I save $20. Otherwise I gate check my bag and I don't have to carry it on. It's super easy Except people want to play games like overstuffing their bag. Or refusing to gate check only to have the bins full delaying the flight
The key is effective overhead control. Airlines could easily save 10 minutes by assigning overhead space to each seat. Mark or tag 1/3 of an overhead section to each of the 3 seats under it. Each passenger's overhead stuff must fit in that 1/3 of compartment.
There's physically not an even amount of bin space to seats. It's designed thinking most will NOT carry on, therefore they didn't build 1:1 seat to bin space
@13ikea how do you propose they "enforce " the bin space? The FAs have other duties to perform during boarding. And if they were to instead walk through the cabin, doing so would just impede boarding
@@nexusSix_237 that is not factual....there is enough overhead space for every passenger IF they all only brought on the carryon baggage that is stipulated by the airlines e.g. dimensions, weight, etc....but people do not comply which is why everyone tries to get to the front of the queue to get storage......enforce the carryon rules and then the boarding and deplaning times will decrease greatly.
The best boarding process I ever experienced was at the Oita Airport in Japan. Everyone got into one big randomized line that stretched half-way across the entire terminal. The check-in attendant had a scanner gun and was scanning tickets with John Wick level ability. If you didn't have your ticket out and ready you got sent to the back of the line to try again. I started at the back of the line and once the line started moving I practically walked directly onto the plane because the flow of the queue never stopped for a second.
that has less to do with the system as "random" is pretty much the standard system anyway. It has more to do with japanese society and culture of standing in a queue, not bothering people, following rules and trying to be as little of a bother to others as possible. I stood at a train station on my first day in tokyo and was just dreaming when, after 2 minutes, a queue formed behing me. I wasn'T even standing near the correct position to enter a train, but because I was the first, people took me as their "Queue leader" and thus we walked in like this into the train. japan just works.
@@jemand8462 I'm sure the culture helps somewhat but there was a share of messiness. It took a few minutes to get everyone into the queue to start with, but also telling everyone to just get in one line was much easier to follow than stages (I don't even speak Japanese). And the other was the sending people back A _lot_ of people did not have their boarding pass ready. Sending them immediately back in line instead of waiting for them to dig through their bags I think was the real key at getting the movement continuing.
@@kevind814 - Exactly and that's what OP meant by 'culture'. People around the world are not as ENTITLED in US where it's just gotten out of control. People will argue no end if someone is sent to back of the queue!.. They argue with law enforcement (even after blatant crimes) then do you think Gate agents stand a chance
@@kevind814 Some people didn't go back but they did just wait on the side. Not too bad when the wait time is like 5 minutes. But also the way that woman was no-scoping boarding passes I wouldn't want to start a fight with her.
On several flights on United, I saw many passengers who sat in the back place their carry-ons in the first available overhead bins they saw up front before taking their seats in the back of the plane. This caused the people who sat in those front seats to have to walk to the back of the plane for available overhead bins. When the plane lands, these poor people had to wait until the entire plane was empty before retrieving their bags.
Yup I’ve seen it too. I also watched a flight crew ask who belonged to a bag and when none of the people nearby claimed it they got in teh PA. The door wouldn’t close. They made the guy come from the back of the plane and remove his bag to gate check it.
I flew first class a couple of times during the pandemic when they boarded the back of the plane to the front of the plane to minimize crossover. Being in first class I boarded last and it was glorious. The plane loaded efficiently and quickly with this method. The only concern with this method is that bin space by your seat is available. I would be all for changing this and making it permanent but airlines are addicted to the up-charge fee.
That's the issue. Even flying Domestic or no flat-bed seats in Business/First does not guarantee you space in the overhead bin. I used to board last, but then had a couple of instances when the overhead bin in Business was already full by other passengers in Economy and my carry-on had to be checked which I hated since one time that carry-on was "lost".
@@sak_5I don't know what 3rd rate airline let economy passengers put bags in first class before first was boarded. Passengers are not allowed to do that, but the attendants will if the economy bins are full.
@@paulgallagher2937 You forgot one important detail. I said I used to board LAST (when they are about to close the door) until I had the experience 2 times where all bin spaces were taken bevause flight attendants had used 1st class bins to store luggage from economy. This only happens where business/1st class seats don’t go flat, in other words, domestic or short flights. On long-haul flights where you have flat seats, I’ve never had that issue and I continue boarding last.
Apparently this is what flying first class USED to mean. Originally it meant you could arrive at the last minute and still have a wonderful place - less time on the plane, which is obviously less comfortable than not in a plane.
When we loaded busses in the military, we would load back to front. We would keep our bag with us in the seat. Then when everyone was seated, the bags would get put away. It was so efficiently quick.
I never understood why people want to board first. You have everyone waiting behind you, and you just sit there waiting for everyone to board. I’d rather wait in the open airport than in the cramped plane.
I enjoy continuing to sit in the waiting area until almost everyone has boarded, watching in amusement the masses that are so impatient to queue up, only to end up standing and standing and stressing for half an hour... As if that will help them take off before me. And myself, I just stroll on board once the congestion clears up, all well-rested. And as soon as I am on the plane, I do not need to wait long for the flight to begin.
My biggest peeve is why can’t airlines use the doors in the rear to board passengers. Before sky bridges, I remember airplanes having two sets of stairs - one in front and another in rear. That used to allow passengers from both ends to board. Passengers sitting in rear used to take the rear stairs and everyone used to get on super quick.
In the EU it's still the norm for budget airlines to board using at least 2 doors on the tarmac, Ryanair may be a cheap airline but their turnaround is impressively smooth and fast. My best experience was with Vueling though when they have 1 crew member constantly telling people how to prepare, when to prepare, to have their tickets at the ready, which door to take based on their seats and made sure that plane took off with minutes to spare.
Yes, I confirm this. Also the 737 of Ryanair has embedded stairs on the front door to speedup the boarding process and you always board in the front or in the rear door (in the boarding pass is specified in which door you should enter)
You know that process cost more money and has more moving parts with regards to security, safety, and the need for more equipment to operate a single flight, in an already limited space environment?
The thing that drives me crazy is that people are always in a rush, UNTIL it is their turn and they are blocking everyone else. At that point they slow down to a snail's pace organizing their things, packing and unpacking, before finally sitting down or getting off. If you could just dump your bags directly into the well of the plane or there was some other way to guarantee people their bags won't get lost, things would probably be a lot better. It also seems it would be a lot more efficient if planes boarded from the back or even the middle.
i think i know why that happens - in grocery store when everyone in queue for checkout, person next after me will start lay down its goods from the basket on the conveyor belt only after my queue comes; same things happen in aeroprt - people dont think to prepare their luggage before their turn comes
Believe me things would be a whole lot different if airports charged more for slow turnaround or the airline had to pay its flight crew while the plane is on the ground.
True, but if they paid the flight crew what would the flight crew have to complain about on their Instagram channels?? I guess they could brag about how rude and obnoxious they could be and get away with it.
The worst is "gate lice", those people that line up in a big bunch the second boarding is called and don't let anyone through. It happens everywhere and delays everyone!!
The groups that are, say, families grouped together for some huge vacation a wearing the same celebratory T-shirts, families headed for a reunion, and high school/collegiate sports teams heading to and from some sort of tournament, FWIW, are definitely among the worst offenders. I know, I was flying Southwest to Texas last year and saw this first hand.
For many airlines, that does not add any extra time. Many airlines will immediately announce the next boarding group once it's clear that everyone from the current boarding group has had a chance to line up. With that system, the limiting factor at the gate to getting people onto the plane are the agents scanning boarding passes (and perhaps verifying carry-on luggage sizes). You'll notice that those gate agents are continuously feeding people through, at least until the plane itself gets backed up from people trying to sit down. The only way people crowding around the boarding area can slow down the boarding process is if the gate agent waits to ensure that absolutely everyone from the current boarding group has boarded before announcing the next one. Doing that is inefficient.
These are also the bozos who crowd right up to the luggage conveyor so that no one else can see the bags coming instead of staying back behind the line until something shows up that might be theirs.
I mostly fly Southwest. One issue I find is that some early boarders want to sit in the back but want to store their carry on in the front. They hold up traffic while they store it and later boarders lack a place to stow.
As a frequent flyer of 20 years I can that the biggest issue is people bum rushing the gate. They know good and well that they are zone 4 but they insist on running up to the gate thinking they are first only to be turned away and then linger around the gate blocking everyone else from boarding. In addition to that I have found that most gates do not have enough seats and are not designed to accommodate all of the passengers. It’s like architects have never flown and think that a gate that services an airplane that holds 250 people only needs enough space to seat 50 people. So this results in people lingering around the gate blocking everyone from boarding.
It's not even just boarding order. The plane will be sitting at the gate waiting to taxi in. Everyone starts crowding in the front to get on. There's still a plane full of people waiting to get off, then they have to clean and do security checks. That's a minimum of 20 minutes. Then it's another minimum 20 minutes to board. May as well call it an hour. But hey, good for you a**hat for being the first in line.
This happened to me a couple of weeks ago. I was in boarding group 4 and was stood queuing behind lots of people who were in group 9 yet stood right in front of the gates blocking them for everyone else despite knowing they would be getting on last. I think both common sense and etiquette have gone out the window. It's similar to how everyone tries to push past when getting off the plane, knowing full well there's people in front who need to get off first. On a flight from London to Phoenix last year, I genuinely had a women ask me to 'shove past everyone' getting off so she could make her connecting flight (we all had connecting flights!). This ended in an argument with her and the man in front who I refused push over for her but he overheard this woman asking me to.
Coming from Australia, the boarding process in the US is crazy. The mad dash for (any!) Overhead locker to put your bags, regardless of where your seat is causes chaos.
Yea, Steffen missed a major constraint. Many people travel in groups that generally sit together and aren't going to want to split up. His technique is an interesting though experiment but is more academic and realistic.
Splitting up can actually slow people down. For example my wife is short enough that she struggles to put her stuff in the overhead, my son can't do it at all. Splitting people up is the opposite of useful.
@@getoffamylan6844 I agree, what if you are travelling with young kids (but over 2 so they can't pre-board) and they have window/aisle seats - like that is really going to work. Steffen's "solution" is not a real solution.
Yeah, as much as I like his toy simulation, IRL is a lot more complicated, with too many constraints to model. Does he account for the obese person who can barely fit in a seat? The person who sits in the wrong seat? Suboptimal packing of overhead bins? Hangovers and Xanax zombies? Empirical methods and A-B testing are much more effective here. That thing about high BPM music is brilliant! I also think the design of the overhead bins could be improved substantially here. Ex. How about adjustable bin partitions so that the total volume of space can be better utilized?
one of the biggest issues is the phasing out of wide body planes, having 2 isles is huge as people can get around others who are painfully slow sitting in a seat
You totally got the point! I always fly with wide body planes and I could get on the plane in 15 mins even I was sitting at the last row of the 777-300ER plane. But for a 737, I could spend 15 mins and still stuck in the middle.
One of the things airlines could do to speed boarding is to standardize the size of the overhead luggage compartment for ALL planes, regardless of airline or make of aircraft. Meaning that no one will ever run into the VERY common instance where the carry-on bag you took on the 777 flight from LA to Atlanta... suddenly won't fit in the 737max flight from Altanta to Charlotte, NC.
Don't airports have those boxes at check-in for hand luggage? If it doesn't fit in the box, then it has to go in the hold - that shouldn't be happening *on* the aircraft.
yeah they should just replace all their planes that have smaller luggage compartments to save a couple minutes of boarding time. that definitely is the solution.
@@hannahk1306 That's only for domestic flights. And even then, older planes have overhead bins that are much smaller than newer planes. So it happens far too often to count. Which then leads to people having to have last minute check-on bags. (just like for regional commuter jets, like an Embraer. And we aren't even getting into the international flights that arrive in the US. Their overhead luggage requirements will be different than the US. They can't be expected to swap out their carry-on luggage in mid-transit.
@@jetfowl I've only ever taken international flights, so I have no idea about domestic flights but pretty sure it's the same check-in desk. Yes different airlines have different sizes, but that's why they have the bin at check-in and also provide the information in advance so you can choose a bag that fits. The only reason that a bag shouldn't fit is if there's a lot of hand luggage on that particular flight, which is more a question of capacity than size.
Airlines have made boarding more difficult by discouraging checked bags and making aisles more narrow. My preference is to check my bag, board last and sit in my assigned seat. The key is not needing overhead space and having a preassigned seat. There needs to be a humane minimum amount of space to accommodate people's skeletons. I say skeletons because we don't control our skeleton size. This is an issue for seat width and leg room.
Leg room is not an issue for me, because I'm 5', when I flew international, my legs could reach the ground and have to put my feet on my backpack on the floor. Overall, it uncomfortable but.... on well 😑
@@___beyondhorizon4664it’s nice that you are so small. in europe, people tend to be tall. my boyfriend cannot fir his knees inside the assigned leg room because his legs are too long as he is around 2m tall.
Average seat width is 16.5 inches and the average shoulder width of men is 16 inches. That means you have no wiggle room and if you're even slightly wider than average (due to muscles, fat, or genetically wider skeleton) you'll have to keep your arms squished in. At least with your legs you can bend them but it's not physically possible to make your shoulders and hips suddenly smaller.
@@empressmarowynn yep. I could lose weight but I measured shoulder bone to shoulder bone and even as a skeleton I would be wider than airline seat width.
With the late flights, flights being booked too closely together, overpacked flights, smaller seats, and not to mention how much costs have gone up, they have taken the fun out of flying for me. It use to be my favorite thing to do.
@@johnp139 Can you help me research how to find what the price for a flight (this is an example) from Boston to LA would've been two years ago compared to today? Or whatever flight path you would like to use to compare...Basically, how would I find what ANY flight was compared to that same flight today? Thanks for the help, in advance♥
The issue is one can have the most efficient boarding process in the universe, but if one doesn't have state of the art scheduling software, no one is going anywhere!
And if people just can’t seem to,understand how the system works and just want to push ahead if everyone else! I have no problem with the way Southwest handles boarding - what I hate are the people who think they are so,special that they can’t even wait till their section is ready to line up or those who just don’t understand how numbers work! Oh, and stop trying to fill up the first overhead compartments with your luggage when yiu are going to find a seat further back in the plane - it doesn’t make it faster for you to get off! For my part, I never- as in never get right up as soon as allowable - I wait for a break plus I don’t have anything in overhead storage! Whatever I carry goes at my feet under the seat in front of me! I do have a suitcase that could legally be used for overhead but I always check it anyway!
Funniest thing is that offboarding is really the only thing that matters. Not like getting to your seat sooner means the plane will take off sooner.... you always have the chance of getting stuck
When I have been waiting to board I have never figured out why it takes people so long to get off the plane. You also often see a long break when you assume that everyone is off and then a few more people get off. Then the process occurs again. My suggestion as to how to get people off the planes more quickly is to use either whips or cattle prods.
Getting one's crap out of the overhead bins while blocking the aisle is always what slows down deboarding. Without overhead storage, deboarding would be over in a flash.
Row by row for deboarding is the most inefficient way to do it. It is much quicker if those who are ready just go and don't wait on the slow person in front of them.
Because people wait for the entire row in front of them to get out. Like just go. Don't wait 30 seconds for the person at the window and hold up everyone behind you
I agree withe the two previous comments. Don't wait for people who aren't ready. Being seated in front doesn't mean that everyone behind you should wait until you finally get up.
@@d.jensen5153My husband is a retired aerospace engineer and he has said for years that the overhead storage needs to be removed completely!! People try to cram everything in this areas even when the f,Ishtar attendants tell everyone that coats, etc. should not be stored up there!
@@getoffamylan6844 they disembark faster, much faster in many cases with single aisle planes. I've been on some, sitting in the very back, that took nearly 30 minutes from the time the door was opened to finally get moving. The people up front were already lounging in their hotel room when i was still stuck on that same airplane.
Space in overhead bins should be assigned to the seats below them. Baggage that overflows the assigned space or is stored in the wrong bin should be removed and checked. Another option is to remove the overhead bins and raise the seats to make more room to store baggage under the seat.
There isn’t always enough space for every seat above them. If the airlines could correct that having space to place 3 carry-on roller cases on the side vs just 2 + maybe a backpack that would be a tremendous help. Some bins also have other flight related gear in them taking up space.
Wait... How does it work there? In Oz we get 7kg carry on split between a "small bag" like a purse that can sit under the seat, and a big bag about the size of a backpack/small luggage bag. If you need more, it goes under. Rates aren't too crazy.
This I have also lobbied for, as a gate agent. You should have the space above your seat, for your carry on. It should be one carry on, small bag, and one that fits underneath the seat. Far too many bring on large carry ons that take up two spaces, therefore denying others.
Passengers who bring luggage on board that is they struggle with because it's too heavy or they're too short, are the bane of air travel. They slow everything down.
@@MP-ef9yo Just put your carry-on under the seat. Unless you're over packing, a single bag that fits under the seat is plenty big enough for a week or two trip
@@MP-ef9yo You get a personal item, just put everything you need in that and keep it under your seat. If your carryon gets checked it's free and if you already had checked luggage you have to go to the bag claim anyways, so who care? I guess I can see your point if you are packing enough that you can't fit it all in a bag that fits under the seat, but not so much that you have to check bag, so you have a large carryon and you don't want to have to wait on baggage claim when you land, but a lot of the people clamoring to get seated more quickly are just doing it for no real reason.
@@mikea5745 You usually get 1 small item like a bookbag or shoulder bag to put under your seat then a carry on like a duffle bag or small suitcase so there is already something under my seat.
@@mr.munger I never check if I can help it but I do usually have a personal bookbag under my seat and then a duffle bag which I put above but Ive been made to check that on 2 occasions. I don't like the feeling I get not knowing exactly where my bag is and then the wait at baggage claim
Mangalore Airport in India insists on all airline passengers to start boarding in serial order with last row first. They call out row numbers and passengers go by their respective row. This ensures that aisle is not blocked. People keep flowing down to - as we would say at the bottom of the bottle - their respective rows. This keeps boarding real fast
What gets me is unless you have a connecting flight, what is the reason to immediately jump out into the aisle of the middle-back of the plane just to wait there 15 minutes for the front rows to go.
I usually try to get off as quickly as possible. If someone is just standing there in front me waiting, I'll ask them to move over. I don't get why people wait for people in the window seat ahead of them to get out when they could just go without getting in the persons way
I notice that if people don't do that, then those in the rows behind you jump up and rush forward and clog the aisle anyway. Then you have to wait for them to get off and the people in front of you.
Once you go into the aisle, get moving. Why do people need to block the aisle by waiting for slowpokes in the seats in front who aren't ready yet? If you're not ready to get up and leave then sit there and wait for everyone else to get off.
Flying Aer Lingus they board from the rear forward. It was the most seem-less and efficient boarding experience I’ve had to date. Everyone was confused at first but the person at the gate said “yes we board back to front, don’t worry eventually everyone will catch on”
The best flights for boarding I've experienced use both doors and maybe certain rows first (middle ones, then closer to the doors). Then same principle for disembarking: use both doors to get people off quicker and therefore turn the plane around faster.
They are also very strict about carryon bag size. I watched them gate check and charge people who’s carryons were too large. They charged extra for gate check8mg bags to punish people for trying to get away with it.
This has actually been studied and found to be slower than many other boarding types. That being said, I think the reason the boarding process is so lengthy now (in the US), is because of the non-stringent bag policies. People take FOREVER getting their bags in overheads, or they don't fit, or people carry on too many bags. There is virtually no restricting this on multiple airlines. And the reason the carry-on bags got out of control: airlines started charging for all checked bags.
Last trip on Ryanair I got row 4 (fast exit) 'randomly' and on return emergency exit (extra legroom) 'randomly'. As a handluggage only (20 litre runner's backpack) passenger, suits me great. People moan about Ryanair, but if it leaves on-time (or early) and has no accidents (despite being huge) I'm one happy customer.
I was on a bunch of flights last spring, and I forget which airline it was that boarded us back to front, but it seemed to go much quicker and easier than any other method.
That only works on Southwest if you're okay with sitting in a middle seat, which most people despise. On carriers with assigned seating, I guess it works fine, except that you risk needing to gate-check your carry-on bag, because the bins will be full by the time you get aboard.
I read somewhere that about a year ago, one airline, one time, started to load people from the back first. It makes just a whole lot of sense if you think about it superficially. So what happened was, with all that extra weight in the back, the entire plane tipped backwards onto its tail That made a significant problem and a whole lot of extra delay ......
The last few times I flew, I noticed that several airlines have the carry on 'Will it fit? ' cage on the floor, but I never saw any airline employee checking anyones bags. Then when you get on the aircraft you have all these people with huge carry on bags that will not fit in the overhead or under the seat. I saw at times that the last several people boarding had to check their carry on bags at the end of the skybridge as the carry on bins were full. The little cages seemed to be different sizes depending on the airline. I think boarding could be much faster if there was a standard size for carry on for all airlines and all bags were checked for size before going through TSA search, so those that wouldn't fit would be checked. Yes this means someone has to pay for the checking person but considering what an airline pays for missing their takeoff slot, it would be cheaper to have the plane ready sooner by eliminating the aisle blocking/row blocking people trying to cram their 20# bag into a 10# overhead bin space.
This is what budget airlines like spirit and frontier do. They size everyone’s bag before boarding. I hate those airlines but the sizing of the bags actually makes sense.
One time I was zone 3 out of 4, and by the time they called zone 3, it was just me and one other guy left. The entire plane boarded during zones 1 and 2. They need to crack down on it.
I worked with Alaska Airlines for 6 years from 1999-2005. There are several things Airlines will not tell you. Regardless of the amount of people de boarding and boarding during ground time, the amount of time allocated for a plane on the ground remains the same. For a plane with 130-140 seats (not passengers) the time allocated can be anywhere between 22-32 minutes. This depends on the style of plane and seat configuration. As a Gate Agent, you are liable for any delays beyond the ground time allocated, even if you are indirectly not responsible for those delays. Events which can cause delays… 1. Handicap Passengers who require additional time due to physically unable to reach their own seat and require boarding through an Aisle Chair. In addition, these passengers carry with them Wheelchairs, Walkers, Medical Equipment, and stowage of those items. 2. Adults with Children who usually tend to carry multiple items such as folding strollers, additional bags with Baby food and cleaning supplies and stowage of those items. 3. Passengers with excess bags who refuse to surrender their bags at the gate. These passengers will become very rude to the point where they will make a scene in public, police will have to be called, and that person will be kicked off the flight for bad behavior. Most passengers do not understand that if you’re arrested on a plane or airport grounds, charges are at the federal law level (Just like Banks and Credit Unions). 4. Passengers who want to board ahead of their assigned group in line because they believe they are entitled to it and should have overhead space priority over others on the flight. 5. Slow people who take excess time de boarding their finished flight who have no idea there’s 140 new passengers waiting at the boarding area outside for that same plane. They tend to just stop and say goodbye to everyone on the crew while on board and/or begin a one hour conversation inside the jetway with family and friends once they are off the plane. These are just some examples of the most common reasons for flight delays. As I had stated before, the gate agent is responsible for all delays beyond the allocated time, and YES that person will face disciplinary action if the delay is not approved by management. The only delays during ground time which are acceptable are… 1. Mechanical Delays 2. ATC (Air Traffic Control) Delays 3. Weather Delays 4. Law Enforcement and Medical Emergency Delays 5. Cancelled Flights Overall, Ground Allocation Times provided by the airline are non-efficient. Their template plans are based solely on maximizing profits. They do not take into account issues that exist within the logistics of the event. They do not take into account passengers’ lack of education or lack of discipline at airports. Unless you’re a frequent flyer most people don’t give a damn about these things. I hope my past experiences as an airline employee give you as a passenger a better understanding of what takes place behind the scenes.
I fly SW unless they don't have a flight to my destination. Since I don't have to pay for checked baggage that is what I use with little to no carry on luggage. Less stressful not having to worry about finding an overhead space. I can usually get into the "A" line by checking in 24 hours prior to the departure time and be able to pick a window or aisle seat. SW will always be my first choice as long as they don't charge for checked bags.
for me, Lufthansa....i am German! last time, 13.5 hrs, slept well and good food in the A380 from Singapore! for everything else in Europe, i use my motorbike or the high speed trains...!
As a disabled Passenger ( Walking wounded ) , I generally get on board the aircraft first.... No charge, just get on the plane as quickly as possible, However if you are travelling with Philippine Passengers then expect a delayed departure as they are totally disorganised ! They standin the aisle and discuss everything from weather to their holidays and then they family and relations ! What is needed is for all the doors to be opened and then pile on in ! Mind you I do like the Wilma and Roma system !
The airlines are directly responsible for the mess that is modern air travel today. They have knowingly sacrificed every aspect of flying commercially in order to monetize each aspect. Meanwhile, the things that used to make flying commercially pleasant are only available to who fly business and first class.
I could agree with this. Because if you think about it everything that would make things for passengers convenient you actually have to pay for as an extra.... so it's inconvenient on purpose
@@missaamane8580Agree 100pct. That is what is causing the increase in ticketed passengers choosing "economy plus" seating. Its a major revenue generator by making economy as uncomfortable as possible to drive customers into paying more for something basic.
And air travel regulation by the government has neglected us by not regulating seat size and spacing between rows, to accommodate skeleton sizes in the U.S. Seating needs to be comfortable for a 6 foot tall male with an average skeleton.
Wondering more about how the mess that some people leaves on their seats might infulence the time required to clean the aircraft ?! Thumbs up to the cleaning crew 👍
I think carryons not fitting in the overhead is actually the biggest problem. Ppl who get on first but sit in the back take up the front bins with no room left for later passengers except in the back, then you have to go back to your seat, after you arrive you face to figure out how to get your bag. The single best thing they could do to speed up boarding is make everyone put their bags only in the space above them and put smaller bags by their feet. I’ve even bought comfort plus on delta and had others take our bin space then it’s a whole ordeal to figure out what to do. Personally I think they should take checked bags for free, and charge for using the overhead bins.
You should see what Azul Airlines have done: they project about 10 positions on the ground, people on that position follow the projection that moves till it reaches the ticket validation. And a screen on top show which will be the next positions so you can prepare. The best and stressless technology I’ve ever seem for boarding.
1) micro-updates of aircraft status before boarding to help calm the passenger nerves 2) stricter bucketing at entry point to disallow people who are entering in a different zone’s call - to make honest passengers happier 3) simpler to read and understand boarding passes and seat markets to avoid confusion when people reach inside the aircraft to avoid delays and annoyances while boarding 4) miminal carry-on luggage allowed to reduce delay and frustration for later passengers 5) fully-assigned seating to avoid people bursting at the boarding gate 6) clear predictability of when boarding would start so that people stop queuing at the boarding gate and create a ruckus 7) strong queuing mechanisms to ensure people are flowing in a streamlined manner 8) clear announcements on what documents are required for boarding And many other ideas that can help make the customers feel comfortable and secure that they will get a seat that they paid for.
I've been flying Southwest for years. I'm good with their boarding process. I just try to check in early to get an early boarding position. It works good for me. The higher percentage of frequent or passengers who are familar with Southwest boarding process, the smoother and faster it goes. The unassigned opened seating is so much easier to manage compared to assigned seating. On non-Southwest flights, I've had passengers sit in my assigned window seat without asking thinking I wouldn't mind taking a different seat. I've seen arguments between passengers break out because people are in the wrong seats deliberately or by mistake. I prefer Southwest open seating. Early bird gets more choice of seats.
it IS amazing however, no matter how many times I fly SW (which I try to do as much as I can) people are either complaining about the open seating or act surprised that is the policy when they get there. Go ahead, buy a ticket and PAY for a seat if you like on another airline. For me as well, I make sure I'm ready to check in when I need and I ALWAYS get the seat I want. 'I didn't know there were different boarding groups" Really? EVERYONE has boarding groups.
Works great until you have connecting flights and your incoming flight arrives late, causing you to be late for your connecting flight and you end up boarding last. That's when you'll appreciate how great assigned seating is.
There are several reasons why boarding takes so long: 1. Passengers don't know what they're doing 2. They have carry-on luggage that do not fit in the overhead or under the seats properly, thus blocking the line as they try to figure out what to do 3. They pack their carry-on luggage so heavy where they themselves are not able to properly lift it up to be placed in the overhead bin 4. They don't check their boarding pass and properly locate their boarding group and/or row + seat 5. Some passengers take their sweet a** time when they handle their carry-ons at their seats. Sometimes they're block the row as well. It's like they're out to lunch and the world must wait for them, no matter how long it takes I have the highest earned status with United and I genuinely love my pre-boarding perk. Don't have to stand in line jocking for overhead bin space. Frequent fliers tend to be the folks that board much quicker because we fly so much and we're trying to depart on time. It's the infrequent fliers that cause problems.
For me, the problem is overhead space, including first class. The amount of time I have had to tell people (including first class) to put their tiny backpacks under the seat in front of them because my actual carry on can't fit is insane.
@@Minka_6 Have you considered planning out your packing a bit better? I travel a lot and never need to use overhead bins for any trip less than a month
@@mikea5745 sadly, I can only fit a few days in backpack only. When I go for a week or more, I'm going to need a carry on (I almost never check in a bag).
SWA boarding is still faster than all the other airlines ... I flown with them for the last 10 years and when I have to fly Delta & AA the boarding process seems to take forever in comparison..
Unassigned seating scares me. Do people ever fight over seats? I miagine the aisles go first. Do people ever get asked to move over and argue about it? I'm an aisle person. I like that my aisle seat is protected is Delta
It is the opposite. People are happier boarding on SWA. After flying a few different airlines, I will pay more to fly SWA and avoid being treated like a peasant at the other airlines. I used to like Delta but they are so elitist and rude now. It’s just easier go where the airline acts like they want you as a customer.
@@Arltratlo I hear you. US Airlines are not great. Delta's the best we've got and its ranked like 40th in the world but higher than any other US Airlines
I like the UK low cost airlines. You get told on your ticket to use the front door or back door as they prefer to not use the jetty. With the crew telling everyone to hurry up I have seen a full flight be loaded and on the runway within 15mins.
One solution; free checked bags, pay for carry on bags (except small under the seats), eliminate overhead storage, speed up checked bag retrieval process., board back of the plane and window seats first, etc.
They have made it a cash cow to check bags why eliminate it. Do you think they want to turn around planes faster? They pay a rent while at the gate and the workers have more time to work on the planes. Plus the connecting flights may be late.
Disembarking is the most annoying part in my opinion. Boarding isn’t fun but I am more annoyed about getting out after 3 hours in a hot tube and everyone is busily trying to get stuff out of their bins.
Carry-ons dramatically delay boarding and deboarding. The airlines should charge for carry-ons and make checked baggae free. There would be fewer delays.
In the back of a single aisle long plane it can easily take over 20 minutes from the time the door is opened to finally be moving. Sometimes even longer. Very upsetting to still be on the airplane when the person up front is already at their hotel.
There’s more to the story on how she got A16. I set my alarm for southwest everytime and check in the first second I can and still rarely get into the A group. Usually well into the B’s. Southwest knew what was up and made sure she got that position. Still no complaints from me. Just wanted to throw that out there.
Right? I was thinking the same. The only time I ever get A20 or better without paying extra was if the flight was not full. If it's a full flight, that means a lot of people are setting up their alarms and you're competing to check in with them. But really, A16 is next to impossible on a full flight because people who have multiple legs on their itinerary are going to get checked in to that flight long before you.
I set my alarm a few minutes early so I’m on the site the second it clicks over… still end up in B 😂 I may have had a low B # on the connecting flight can’t recall ever scoring an A… my first SW flight I didn’t know about the system and was in the C group/pretty much last with my mom. We couldn’t sit together but it was a short flight lol
Southwest flights from Charlotte, NC to Denver are always full! That’s why we pay early bird as the 24-hour check in mostly comes in the middle of the night - plus early bird is a 36-hour check in!
yeah, getting A16 is sus...same experience where mashing the "submit" button at exactly 24 hours prior gets me at best in the high A-group, but usually, in the low B-group
Those of us in A 16-30 are also distressed, as we watch 15-20 wheelchair assists board (only 10% actually needing one). It is an on board miracle that most are healed during the flight and walk off unassisted.
3:34 with most airlines, including SouthWest and World Wide, it's about the same, a mad dash. The reason why on Southwest is people don't want a middle seat. On the other airlines, no one wants to check their bag
I think they should allow one small carry on, i.e. small backpack, laptop bag, etc., then any carry on after that is charged. The first check bag could be free. My biggest complaint is people that have to spend a whole 5 minutes trying to shove oversize carry on bags in the overhead bin.
Won’t work for us ladies - I carry in a purse and a tote bag for my iPads and medications. If I had to use only one carry in it Wouk’s make my life a bit more difficult! And then there are some of us who are probably a bit older than you and can’t deal with a back pack - wish I could as it would make my life so much easier!
@@erictrumpler9652 it was but I traveled for business and I used to carry on a pretty big bag. The under seat was way larger too. With the shrinking seat comes a need for more storage with less available. I used to fit a small roller under the seat in front of me. No way now
what bothers me isn't the boarding more so is the de-boarding process. I feel rushed and everyone around me is standing up even though they are 20-30 rows behind from the people are actually get out of their seats. They fill the lane so people are in the their seats waiting can't even get up. The lack of patience to just sit in your seat and make sure everyone in front if you is properly de-boarding is ridiculous.
One easy instant partial fix is to allow all aisle seats with one under seat item to deboard first. People in that category would start choosing aisle seats.
I've been on single aisle planes where it's common to be 20 minutes from the time the door is opened to the back area of the plane to even start moving. Sometimes even longer.
I’ve often thought a more efficient way of boarding would be outside to inside, back to front. It would minimize the amount of ppl stumbling over or around other people. I like Steffen’s method too, seems very effective. I’ve flown southwest a couple times and really like their no assigned seat method. It works really well.
Works great if no one is late or in a group or need luggage bag space no connecting flights all the seats were the same the rules were explained before everyone bought tickets
Here are a few suggestions: 1. It seems to me that the best way is to board by order of seating when first are those who are at the end. That way no one blocks the the aisle or looking for the seat. As for the "privilege", every one leave at the time and it's much more comfortable and specious at the terminal so the best thing is to board last and disembark first. 2. The best option is to use two doors on both ends. It's more expensive to build but saves lot of money in efficiency but even without this cor boarding, you can at least disembark from two doors, with stairs and buses. In Europe it a lot when the plane when the place continues to a different area than it arrived from, meaning arriving fro out side the Schengen area, so arriving passengers must pass immigration and the destination of the boarding passengers is inside the Schengen area (and vice vers). In this case the plane arrives to the gate but is not connected to the bridge, passengers disembark with stairs and are taken by buses directly to where they need to be. I actually prefer this when I land and the disembarking process is fast. 3. When waiting to board, instead of sitting down waiting for the OK to board, the staff should pass around, check boarding passes, clarify which group each one is and even give them a "number" so most will know when they need to board. When calling do it in a clear manner, most of the time the call if too fast and unclear, no wonder people prefer to stand in line with no reason.
actually most of the time, what's slowing down the boarding process is the inefficiency of the ground crew boarding people with wheelchair assistance... they loved to take their time like they have all the time in the world
While some people like my 93 year old mother with low vision and needs a walker in day to day life genuinely need wheelchair assistance to board, others use it as a scam. Flight attendants call them miracle flights as 20 people used wheelchairs during boarding and only 3 needed them to deplane. One solution it to make all passengers that used wheelchairs stay onboard during deplaning to use them on the way out.
Just learn to check in 24 hours ahead of time and you’ll be perfectly fine you’ll get to pick wherever you want as long as you’re in the A or B boarding group
@@Mcfunface southwest is appealing to the family the most out of any airline, 2 free checked bags and open seating for the family. Again people just need to know how to check in on time and they will all have seats together
The overhead bags and people picking seats are what take the longest. Southwest already gives you 2 free checked bags. If they only allowed one carry-on (large backpack or smaller), boarding would speed up quite a lot. If you can't fit all your stuff in two checked bags and one carry-on, you shouldn't leave home.
@@meganashleaYou can still take those things with you if you just don’t try to carry two weeks of clothing, etc. in a carry on! I physically cannot put anything in the overhead - I’m short!!!
I’ve been saying this for as long as i’ve been flying. It would be more efficient to let the rows at the end board first so we fill the aircraft from back to the front.
I have noticed nowadays that newer aircraft (including narrow bodies) are beginning to have more overhead space. That should calm people down when it comes to worrying about getting their carry-on in the overhead bins and thereby wanting to pole position to get on board.
They'll just have more carry on luggage, which will slow things down even more. One of the things I've noticed in my travels is how lax US airlines are compared with others in permitting people to hold everybody else up with by carrying on overweight bags.
@@kenoliver8913 It's about not wanting to get into confrontations when you aren't paid to do that. Some airlines like Frontier give bonuses to the gate agents to enforce so it incentivizes them to be much more strict.
Not sure if it's the case at many US airports, but here in Europe I find paying for priority boarding is a scam epecially when you then have to leave the terminal building only for you all to board buses that take you to the plane. 🤷🏾♂️
@@johnp139 Antiquated doesn't describe them all as some airlines use buses to either save on jetbridge slot fees or there are simply not enough jetbridges vs the number of flights.
People usually have a carryon and a personal item. They need to be told that the carryon is the only piece that goes in the upper bins. The personal item goes under the seat in front of them. That would eliminate a lot of the space issues in the upper bins. Many people put both items in the upper bins.
There used to be a time back in the day when flight travels used to be fun , exciting and something I used to look forward to doing . But in the recent time it's become a nightmare , too many rules and regulations , too many passengers , plus alot of people who are soo impatient that they spoil it for everyone else .
As a frequent flier of flights between North America and Asia, I have to say I really don't care how early I board the flight. Sitting out of the plane is by far more comfortable than squeezed in, so I do have a problem with boarding earlier. As a matter of fact, I try to board the plane the last if possible. You have 12-16 hours in the seat after all, why hurry? I would like to be released earlier at the destination though
Exactly my point, I usually board last when I fly international, the seat is already assigned. Hopefully there's a space in the overhead area, it's never a big issue
I think of a joke of comedian Louie Anderson every time I board a plane. He said, when getting bumped while boarding, “Relax, we’re all taking off at the same time.” I’ll never get upset with boarding again.
This is a really interesting conversation to have. I feel like the way the guy presented his strategy for faster boarding would not work because it seems too complex and people probably would get confused very easily and how would they enforce that? I feel like the way Southwest is changing with the new technology on their standing position things that might help a lot. it also comes down to the gate agents and not enforcing the crowds because everyone wants to get on the plane so they heard around the door. Maybe if they enforce it more where they told everyone must remain seated if they’re not being called to board. Last flight I took everyone was crowded around the boarding positions that weren’t even supposed to be standing in line yet and they were in C group, but they were only boarding A group. I feel like Southwest is on the right track to faster boarding and they have been for a while but maybe they’ll be able to improve that and influence of the airlines to kind of change their ways. An American flight I took a couple months ago took over an hour just to board. I can see some backlash on the process of Southwest boarding because it is confusing in this unique, but that can easily be fixed by communication maybe when you’re booking on the website, it will show you like a screen step-by-step what you’ll do when you get to the airport and what you do 24 hours ahead of time. But if they just increased that communication, I believe everyone would like the way people board on southwest.
But this strategy is complicated from the AIRLINE POV but very simple from the PASSENGER POV. They just go to the line marked on their boarding pass, exactly as they do at Southwest today. The computer program is just a few more lines of code to decide who gets which mark on that boarding pass.
Doesn’t really matter if someone does find what seems like a faster way to board - so many people just want to make sure they are ahead of everyone else because they are so,special!!,🤮
1:45 southwest has Family Boarding (people with small children ) after the A group, but before the B group. Says so on their website, and this is what happened last time I flew.
The idea of getting groggy travelers to board in alternating rows sounds outlandish. You'd have better odds just saying "plane's ready. Everyone board" and have them walk on in whatever order they arrived at the gate.
It's all about the carry-on! People want to board first to make sure they get a space for their carry-on luggage. That's the problem they need to deal with to speed up boarding! Therefore, boarding the lower class first to get the back filled up will never go down with passengers who have status and first class tickets.
One point about checked bags that most people don't realize. The airlines have to pay huge airport handling fees for checked bags. And they need to pay at both ends. That is why the budget airlines charge extra. They also make some profit on it, but most of those fees go to the airports.
I've got no problem with status priorities, they've paid for or earned it. The BIG BIG problem is ALL these passengers standing in the que well before their 'section/ group' is due to be called. They slow down the process and cause more frustration as a whole (minutes add up when it comes to delays). That Astro Physicist is truly dreaming out of this world. Passengers, as mentioned earlier already don't listen to instructions. What makes him think they are going to follow those more complex boarding sequence!
No kidding. I can't even imagine the difficulty of trying to do that - unless you actually made people all be there early. What happens when "30 window" arrives from a different flight when they are boarding "aisle seats"?
Also, part of why I want to go on first: is to be able to put my onboard luggage somewhere. If you are last: people with 6000 loose pieces of "onboard" suitcases have used up all of the storage.
It's important to know for a lot of airlines like Sprint and Frontier, they make it seem like you have to buy a seat, but you can click "skip" and they'll assign a seat for you the day before (or earlier). Saves me a ton of money each time. I never pay for an assigned seat.
@@taylorspastpresent1014I love spirit and will always fly with them. I got a round trip back home for only $68 a few months ago. Didn't pay for a bag neither
I've got a frontier flight in 2 months. Flown with them before. They aren't usually my first option but when I have "X" amount of money to spend on a whole 3 day weekend then their a fine option. No biggie
The biggest issue I have with Southwest is that families are invited to load earlier - but many do not want to since it means longer that their kids need to sit there. So, they load at the last possible moment and then ask people to move so they can sit together. In some cases, this happens when families are changing planes. The lack of assigned seats means they have either have little kids sitting by themselves or someone needs to move. But I was sitting next to a family by the gate and they sat there while families were invited to load because they wanted their kids to be on the plane as short of a period as possible (this was a Southwest flight to Hawaii). Any process where window seats, then middle then aisle seats are loaded would create chaos for families as well.
Agree with the back to front boarding which is how it was when I flew as a child in the 70s. And enforce the bag goes in the bin above your seat or it gets checked and charged
I’ve gotten A12 by checking in within the 24 hours. Granted there was only 55 people on my flight. It’s possible, but the circumstances have to be specific for that to occur.
@@richbaboon9345really? My understanding is that A1-15 is reserved for upgraded boarding and business customers. A listers (and then early birds) would start at A16.
Many reasons. Lack of jet bridges. Back doors used for catering and cleaners. Galley being changed out. Usially both back doors are right side cleaners, left side caterers. Also lav cleaning under, cargo loading under, fuelers.
I agree. Burbank Airport is the only one I know of that uses front and back doors. That airport doesn't have jet bridges, so you go up stairs or ramps to get to the plane. I'm fine with that, or maybe they could design some gates with jet bridges that access both doors.
@@johnp139 Not always, as depends on aircraft or airport. Yes, usually right side, but not always. Usually catering while boarding, as airlines love tight schedules, and if a tad late, hectic boarding. I do know what I am talking about. Flew 37 years as FA.
The optimal way of course, given only one entry, is to have the LAST row board first. Then second to last etc, up to the front. That would speed things up considerably. Why they don’t? Those paying more for their tickets sit in front, and by paying more you are entitled to more convenience. Such as ensuring there is space for your carry-on stuff.
One of the biggest issues with boarding (that I find) is that everyone regardless of your group number (on most airlines) will stand right in front of the boarding area. Then there will be people sneaking in with other groups. Not to mention the people that I have ten carry on bags, because they don't want to check anything. Also you have all these pre-boarding grounds like (Military, people needing assistance, Special Group Classes, etc.) I don't think there is really any solution to boarding a plane fast.
I would actually pay for a dedicated locked individual overhead bin. I don’t like putting 6K of computers and electronics in shared overhead bin subject to theft and damage from others moving my bag.
Get a luggage lock and an AirTag if you’re that worried about theft. You’re in one of the most secure and heavily surveilled environments on the planet. Use your brain a little for how to prevent damage in transit… bubble wrap, clothes, etc.
@@JohnDoe-my5ip I have both plus a Tile for good measure. Luggage Locks though are of little use as you can get the TSA master key online. Plus you missed the point of I want dedicated OH bin space so I can board last and have space.
The limit of one carry-on has pretty much gone out the window for some passengers. They bring blankets, pillows, backpacks, stuffed animals (and they aren't even kids), electronics, snacks and more in addition their one carry-on. Organizing and finding space for all this stuff takes time as does getting comfortable itself. I'm simply amazed at how much stuff some people travel with. Airlines may want to address this but doing so while everyone is boarding may take more time than just letting them board. I often fly Southwest so with two free checked bags it is hard to understand why some passengers feel it's okay to bring so many items that often take up way more space than the one carry-on itself. If everyone would stick to one reasonably sized carry-on and one small item for under the seat in front of them things might go faster.
@FroisonControl Yes, how dare they! Again, it's the number of items in total and the space needed for all these items. You don't need to bring everything you own, which some people appear to do. I just flew today at 5:30 in the morning. Thankfully, today, people packed without going overboard. It's the flyers that clearly go overboard that slow things down for everyone else who just want to get to their destination. If you have that much stuff, check a bag or two. It's not that hard.
@FroisonControl Because I see suitcases along with everything else. With that said, they may have checked in other luggage as well, which makes the amount they bring even more rediculous. All that has to get through TSA, too. So it's not just on the plane. Airlines have a limit on how much you can carry on for a reason. Some people abuse it to no end. It sounds like you may be one of them the way you keep replying. I wasn't suggesting everyone carries too much. But there are enough people that do, and it seems to be getting worse. I fly quite frequently. I see things. You have your opinion. I have mine.
@@drewwho4512 airlines have a limit because they make money from hauling cargo on passenger planes, and checked baggage reduces what they can haul. you just simply lack awareness into various reasons people travel. I work for a major US airline, but I'm sure the amount of experience traveling you do gives you more insight than me. Check your ego.
I think queueing is just a fact of life. I have grown to accept the priority boarding and the fees associated. It doesn't bother me. What DOES bother me is when family use the early boarding because "they need more help" but the IMMEDIATELY gets up to get out first when deplaning. If you had the unearned privilege of early boarding just because you have a small demon with you, you should also wait to get off the plane. People with small children ALWAYS take longer to get off because they have more bags and have to control their children.
A proper size carry on and a laptop. Easy. It’s the people that bring oversized carryon or put their bags in rows that they aren’t sitting in. That forces others to find space not near their seat.
I think that the biggest cause of delays with boarding is the fact that so many passengers pack their luggage in the overhead because checked luggage is overly expensive.
also because of the risk that airlines/airports will lose/mishandle luggage, especially if there are multiple layovers involved in the flight!
In my experience the best time to board is dead last. less crowds, stay cool in the airport, no waiting putting luggage in over head bins. Your bin may be full but they will always be available space somewhere. Also I like to be last to leave the plane.
@@PickledHam That's my strategy, too. No matter where you sit, it's going to be uncomfortable. Might as well just chill and don't compete with the crowd. You're going to be in that tube too long anyway so why spend one more minute than necessary in there. My ultimate solution has been to never, ever fly anywhere again for the rest of my life. I'll drive in my own car three days or just not go at all.
@@PickledHamno they won't be available. Sounds like misinformation to make people lose their luggage
The airlines should be required to give passengers an allowance of one piece of checked luggage. This is a safety risk as well as an inconvenience for all passengers. Don't get me started about how it is a cash grab by the airlines. Eventually there will be a serious accident where it is shown that excessive carry on luggage results in increased fatalities. Only then will there be change.
I used to want to board quickly, but the more flying experience I had, the more I realized that the best thing (for me at least) is to enjoy the open space of the gate area as long as possible, before stuffing myself in a sardine can for the flight. Now I'm happy to board last, and the funny thing I've noticed is that I land at the destination at pretty much the same time as everyone else!
Funny how that works.
so true!
shhhhhhhh - don't publish that! If the rest of the cattle figure that out we are screwed. I often fly first class, but don't leave the lounge until after boarding has started. by the time i get to the gate the line is either gone or nearly gone. even in first class, why do I want to spend any more time in that seat than i absolutely have to. Same with everyone fighting to get off the plane first, only to stand around waiting at the luggage pick up. (although i think its usually jags and cheapskates trying to carry an entire mobile home onto the plane that fight to get on first so they can take all the overhead space and establish their tent city.)
Let us not forget that no matter how quick you get off, you won't get your luggage sooner than anyone else
board last and if youre in the cheapseats, move forward mid flight to get off as quick as poss. pro tip. ur welcome
I took a few flights in Australia and they would board the plane from the front and rear doors at the same time. Just being able to load from both ends simultaneously was really efficient.
YES! Why isn't this a thing? Most planes have two doors... this would in theory improve boarding time 2x. Why didn't they even mention it in this video?
That's how most European low-cost carrier (Ryanair, Easyjet..) are doing, there's only 2 groups those with priority and the others then it splits in 2 those who enter by the front and those by the back.
Even better, more doors.
When a plane i on the tarmac anyway just have 4 doors running, the biggest wait is Mabel trying to get all her stuff out of the overhead.
They do the same thing in Scandinavia with SAS flights.
More pricey airlines would likely not implement this since there are no jetways to the back of the plane
I'll never understand why it's treated as such a priviliege to board first, the plane still takes off at the same time and you just end up sitting around waiting for everyone else to board.
@@I_like_YT_lotsDitto.
The preflight drink though 😁
Same. I prefer to board last 😅
Smaller planes tend to not have enough overhead bin space for the carryon of every passenger, which is why those with small children (i.e. bulky diaper bags) and servicemembers (who may have extra gear or sensitive items that must stay within reach at all times) are invited first.
Those unlucky to board after all the bins are filled would be forced to gate check whatever doesn't fit underneath the seat, which may or may not be a problem depending on what you packed.
Bin space, doesnt take a rocket scientist
Shout out to the people who just bring one bag, sit in their seat, and put their backpack under their seat.
yes, so many people bring 2 big bag and make the overhead full. full of ego.
Thanks bro 😎
@@djusbddjvz The problem is the airlines charge extra to stow bags, and treat those bags like GARBAGE (if they do not lose them entirely!).
That is the way to roll. Also, people need to stop standing up and trying to get their bags as soon as the plane lands. You're still going to have to wait. People are just inpatient morons sometimes.
AMEM
In the mid 90s I was at a job interview in Jacksonville FL returning to my home in Atlanta GA flying on Delta (who seemed "own" Hartsfield at that time). The plane coming from Atlanta to Jacksonville which was the plane we were going to board was late. The gate agent announced the plane was late and it was the only plane that was late in the Delta system. The only way to get us out of there on time was to forego any boarding priorities. He said we can turn this plane around and get you to Atlanta on time only if we board back to front with first class boarding last. He further went on to say that 90 per cent of you have connecting flights and none of the flights will be held because you're late as this is the only plane that is late in the Delta system (driving the point). What he did next was absolutely genius he said if this does not work for you, please come up and tell me in front of all your fellow travelers and then we will go to the normal boarding position making 90% of you miss your connections. People looked at each other as if they were at a gunfight at the OK Corral no one moved, and I believe we were on that plane in 10 minutes and in the air on time.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 man ur good at telling a story!
@@egdapo Thank you
Sounds smart! I hope those folks who paid extra for early boarding got some of their money back, though...
@@chocolatethunder192 it was 1994 prior to the airlines charging for everything.
So what you are saying is that Delta through whatever issue had a plane tht was late. It was totally thier fault for it being late, but this gate agent turned it around and stated it was late due to their issues and now it being late is your issue so can you just throw money away on their being late. Yeah that seems to be the std airplane theory.
As long as airlines make more money selling boarding positions than what they lose due to slower turnaround times, boarding is not going to change
Southwest is actually reducing the amount of earlybird check-in’s they have it’s not gonna be available on every flight.
"How Airlines Quietly Became Banks"
And flight attendants get even more screwed with blatant wage theft, being that they are not on the clock until the doors are closed.
And those silly systems just make it even slower because it creates even more confusion and queues.
News flash! Companies do things to make money instead of losing money!
The obsession of when you board boils down to making sure you have an overhead bin for a carry on. If every single passenger knew they were guaranteed an overhead bin OR no passenger was allowed a carry on at all, then it wouldn’t matter when you boarded. I’m convinced most airlines made things worse years ago by charging for checked bags, thus incentivizing passengers to carry as much crap as possible with them in the cabin.
This is undoubtedly true. Charging for checked bags is a real problem for efficiency. Free checked bags speeds things up for everyone. Even for folks like me who often have good reason not to want to check bags, there will be enough people happy to check for free that suddenly overhead bins aren't a problem and boarding will be quicker. It's just a money grab that significantly reduces the quality of customer experience.
@@d_dave7200 There is also a service issue. A lot of people have also said they stick to carry-on because you can be sure your luggage will be there when you arrive. I've only had that misfortune once long ago so I'm still happy to gate-check, but I understand if someone's had too many bags delayed or lost or damaged to cease trusting the checking process.
I only use airlines that include hold luggage in the price of the ticket, so everyone that wants to use it will, and then my hand luggage fits under my seat. I don't understand why they don't do the reverse and charge for oversized hand luggage instead: surely they want bags in the hold?
Next time you travel, ask the gate agent about gate checking your bag. Thank me later 😎
If they don't charge for a checked bag then the cost is put into the base fare.
Weight is absolute cost for a plane. So if I don't have a checked bag I save $20.
Otherwise I gate check my bag and I don't have to carry it on.
It's super easy
Except people want to play games like overstuffing their bag. Or refusing to gate check only to have the bins full delaying the flight
The key is effective overhead control. Airlines could easily save 10 minutes by assigning overhead space to each seat. Mark or tag 1/3 of an overhead section to each of the 3 seats under it. Each passenger's overhead stuff must fit in that 1/3 of compartment.
Yea they don’t enforce overhead space like they should because if I get on the plane late, and my seat is 10A, it shouldn’t be occupied. 🤷🏾♀️
@@13ikea Yea, well do the math, the amount of space you are allowed to take up requires that 2/3rds of passengers don't use the overhead bin space.
There's physically not an even amount of bin space to seats. It's designed thinking most will NOT carry on, therefore they didn't build 1:1 seat to bin space
@13ikea how do you propose they "enforce " the bin space? The FAs have other duties to perform during boarding. And if they were to instead walk through the cabin, doing so would just impede boarding
@@nexusSix_237 that is not factual....there is enough overhead space for every passenger IF they all only brought on the carryon baggage that is stipulated by the airlines e.g. dimensions, weight, etc....but people do not comply which is why everyone tries to get to the front of the queue to get storage......enforce the carryon rules and then the boarding and deplaning times will decrease greatly.
The best boarding process I ever experienced was at the Oita Airport in Japan. Everyone got into one big randomized line that stretched half-way across the entire terminal. The check-in attendant had a scanner gun and was scanning tickets with John Wick level ability. If you didn't have your ticket out and ready you got sent to the back of the line to try again. I started at the back of the line and once the line started moving I practically walked directly onto the plane because the flow of the queue never stopped for a second.
that has less to do with the system as "random" is pretty much the standard system anyway. It has more to do with japanese society and culture of standing in a queue, not bothering people, following rules and trying to be as little of a bother to others as possible.
I stood at a train station on my first day in tokyo and was just dreaming when, after 2 minutes, a queue formed behing me. I wasn'T even standing near the correct position to enter a train, but because I was the first, people took me as their "Queue leader" and thus we walked in like this into the train. japan just works.
@@jemand8462 I'm sure the culture helps somewhat but there was a share of messiness. It took a few minutes to get everyone into the queue to start with, but also telling everyone to just get in one line was much easier to follow than stages (I don't even speak Japanese).
And the other was the sending people back A _lot_ of people did not have their boarding pass ready. Sending them immediately back in line instead of waiting for them to dig through their bags I think was the real key at getting the movement continuing.
@@kueller917 I can just see the result of a gate person telling someone to go to the back of the line here in the U.S. It would not go well!
@@kevind814 - Exactly and that's what OP meant by 'culture'. People around the world are not as ENTITLED in US where it's just gotten out of control. People will argue no end if someone is sent to back of the queue!.. They argue with law enforcement (even after blatant crimes) then do you think Gate agents stand a chance
@@kevind814 Some people didn't go back but they did just wait on the side. Not too bad when the wait time is like 5 minutes. But also the way that woman was no-scoping boarding passes I wouldn't want to start a fight with her.
On several flights on United, I saw many passengers who sat in the back place their carry-ons in the first available overhead bins they saw up front before taking their seats in the back of the plane. This caused the people who sat in those front seats to have to walk to the back of the plane for available overhead bins. When the plane lands, these poor people had to wait until the entire plane was empty before retrieving their bags.
Truth! There are ALOT of selfish people who do this. The good FA's will not let it happen.
I do this only if the seats under said overhead are already occupied, so no people will get screwed out of overhead bin space.
How is that possible when the passengers in the back are last to board? 😂
😂😂😂😂 trolling the front seat passengers
Yup I’ve seen it too. I also watched a flight crew ask who belonged to a bag and when none of the people nearby claimed it they got in teh PA. The door wouldn’t close. They made the guy come from the back of the plane and remove his bag to gate check it.
I flew first class a couple of times during the pandemic when they boarded the back of the plane to the front of the plane to minimize crossover. Being in first class I boarded last and it was glorious. The plane loaded efficiently and quickly with this method. The only concern with this method is that bin space by your seat is available. I would be all for changing this and making it permanent but airlines are addicted to the up-charge fee.
That's the issue. Even flying Domestic or no flat-bed seats in Business/First does not guarantee you space in the overhead bin. I used to board last, but then had a couple of instances when the overhead bin in Business was already full by other passengers in Economy and my carry-on had to be checked which I hated since one time that carry-on was "lost".
Agreed. Board in the last and just carry a backpack.
@@sak_5I don't know what 3rd rate airline let economy passengers put bags in first class before first was boarded. Passengers are not allowed to do that, but the attendants will if the economy bins are full.
@@paulgallagher2937 You forgot one important detail. I said I used to board LAST (when they are about to close the door) until I had the experience 2 times where all bin spaces were taken bevause flight attendants had used 1st class bins to store luggage from economy. This only happens where business/1st class seats don’t go flat, in other words, domestic or short flights. On long-haul flights where you have flat seats, I’ve never had that issue and I continue boarding last.
Apparently this is what flying first class USED to mean. Originally it meant you could arrive at the last minute and still have a wonderful place - less time on the plane, which is obviously less comfortable than not in a plane.
When we loaded busses in the military, we would load back to front. We would keep our bag with us in the seat. Then when everyone was seated, the bags would get put away. It was so efficiently quick.
Now now you’re going to hurt the people in first classes feelings.
I never understood why people want to board first. You have everyone waiting behind you, and you just sit there waiting for everyone to board. I’d rather wait in the open airport than in the cramped plane.
Exactly. Thank you! You only want to board first if you need to much overhead space! If you travel with less stuff it is so much less stress!
I enjoy continuing to sit in the waiting area until almost everyone has boarded, watching in amusement the masses that are so impatient to queue up, only to end up standing and standing and stressing for half an hour... As if that will help them take off before me. And myself, I just stroll on board once the congestion clears up, all well-rested. And as soon as I am on the plane, I do not need to wait long for the flight to begin.
Mostly because people want to use the overheads. If you are last, you may end up having to check your carry ons.
Imagine if everybody waited until last.
@@johnarnold893 Last few passengers in one's zone queue, not last boarding call...
My biggest peeve is why can’t airlines use the doors in the rear to board passengers.
Before sky bridges, I remember airplanes having two sets of stairs - one in front and another in rear.
That used to allow passengers from both ends to board.
Passengers sitting in rear used to take the rear stairs and everyone used to get on super quick.
In the EU it's still the norm for budget airlines to board using at least 2 doors on the tarmac, Ryanair may be a cheap airline but their turnaround is impressively smooth and fast. My best experience was with Vueling though when they have 1 crew member constantly telling people how to prepare, when to prepare, to have their tickets at the ready, which door to take based on their seats and made sure that plane took off with minutes to spare.
THIS!
Yes, I confirm this.
Also the 737 of Ryanair has embedded stairs on the front door to speedup the boarding process and you always board in the front or in the rear door (in the boarding pass is specified in which door you should enter)
You know that process cost more money and has more moving parts with regards to security, safety, and the need for more equipment to operate a single flight, in an already limited space environment?
@@lorenzopavez7081 That cost more money and increases the weight of the airplane by having that option.
The thing that drives me crazy is that people are always in a rush, UNTIL it is their turn and they are blocking everyone else. At that point they slow down to a snail's pace organizing their things, packing and unpacking, before finally sitting down or getting off. If you could just dump your bags directly into the well of the plane or there was some other way to guarantee people their bags won't get lost, things would probably be a lot better. It also seems it would be a lot more efficient if planes boarded from the back or even the middle.
😂
i think i know why that happens - in grocery store when everyone in queue for checkout, person next after me will start lay down its goods from the basket on the conveyor belt only after my queue comes; same things happen in aeroprt - people dont think to prepare their luggage before their turn comes
It would also be helpful if it wasn't that godamn tight in the plane and crowded with ... people.
Every time I take a flight I’m reminded of why I love trains so much.
Believe me, the international carriers are just as bad
Yes, we need more trains in the US. Traveling by plane is pretty barbaric now, especially with all the Boeing planes being pieces of crap.
You must have a month to travel. I don't.
@@TheJayhawker83. I do! I can’t imagine taking a vacation for only a week
@@DeanDecourseyYou vacation in one place for close to a month at a time??
Believe me things would be a whole lot different if airports charged more for slow turnaround or the airline had to pay its flight crew while the plane is on the ground.
True, but if they paid the flight crew what would the flight crew have to complain about on their Instagram channels?? I guess they could brag about how rude and obnoxious they could be and get away with it.
Airports do charge for a slow turnaround though via missed slot fees?
The worst is "gate lice", those people that line up in a big bunch the second boarding is called and don't let anyone through. It happens everywhere and delays everyone!!
That's why boarding takes so long
100%
The groups that are, say, families grouped together for some huge vacation a wearing the same celebratory T-shirts, families headed for a reunion, and high school/collegiate sports teams heading to and from some sort of tournament, FWIW, are definitely among the worst offenders. I know, I was flying Southwest to Texas last year and saw this first hand.
For many airlines, that does not add any extra time. Many airlines will immediately announce the next boarding group once it's clear that everyone from the current boarding group has had a chance to line up. With that system, the limiting factor at the gate to getting people onto the plane are the agents scanning boarding passes (and perhaps verifying carry-on luggage sizes). You'll notice that those gate agents are continuously feeding people through, at least until the plane itself gets backed up from people trying to sit down. The only way people crowding around the boarding area can slow down the boarding process is if the gate agent waits to ensure that absolutely everyone from the current boarding group has boarded before announcing the next one. Doing that is inefficient.
These are also the bozos who crowd right up to the luggage conveyor so that no one else can see the bags coming instead of staying back behind the line until something shows up that might be theirs.
I mostly fly Southwest. One issue I find is that some early boarders want to sit in the back but want to store their carry on in the front. They hold up traffic while they store it and later boarders lack a place to stow.
As a frequent flyer of 20 years I can that the biggest issue is people bum rushing the gate. They know good and well that they are zone 4 but they insist on running up to the gate thinking they are first only to be turned away and then linger around the gate blocking everyone else from boarding. In addition to that I have found that most gates do not have enough seats and are not designed to accommodate all of the passengers. It’s like architects have never flown and think that a gate that services an airplane that holds 250 people only needs enough space to seat 50 people. So this results in people lingering around the gate blocking everyone from boarding.
Exactly
And the fact that everyone puts bags in the overhead bins since it costs an arm and leg to check a bag now
It's not even just boarding order. The plane will be sitting at the gate waiting to taxi in. Everyone starts crowding in the front to get on. There's still a plane full of people waiting to get off, then they have to clean and do security checks. That's a minimum of 20 minutes. Then it's another minimum 20 minutes to board. May as well call it an hour. But hey, good for you a**hat for being the first in line.
This happened to me a couple of weeks ago. I was in boarding group 4 and was stood queuing behind lots of people who were in group 9 yet stood right in front of the gates blocking them for everyone else despite knowing they would be getting on last. I think both common sense and etiquette have gone out the window.
It's similar to how everyone tries to push past when getting off the plane, knowing full well there's people in front who need to get off first. On a flight from London to Phoenix last year, I genuinely had a women ask me to 'shove past everyone' getting off so she could make her connecting flight (we all had connecting flights!). This ended in an argument with her and the man in front who I refused push over for her but he overheard this woman asking me to.
The airlines need to hire thugs with cattle prods to keep order at the gates.
Coming from Australia, the boarding process in the US is crazy. The mad dash for (any!) Overhead locker to put your bags, regardless of where your seat is causes chaos.
There are no locks on the overhead BINS!
Agreed, but what's the alternative?
I know people judge Southwest and don’t like not having a seat assignment but they do have the fast boarding times. The no baggage fees is great.
Yea, Steffen missed a major constraint. Many people travel in groups that generally sit together and aren't going to want to split up. His technique is an interesting though experiment but is more academic and realistic.
Splitting up can actually slow people down. For example my wife is short enough that she struggles to put her stuff in the overhead, my son can't do it at all. Splitting people up is the opposite of useful.
@@getoffamylan6844 I agree, what if you are travelling with young kids (but over 2 so they can't pre-board) and they have window/aisle seats - like that is really going to work.
Steffen's "solution" is not a real solution.
Especially families with young kids.
Yeah, as much as I like his toy simulation, IRL is a lot more complicated, with too many constraints to model. Does he account for the obese person who can barely fit in a seat? The person who sits in the wrong seat? Suboptimal packing of overhead bins? Hangovers and Xanax zombies? Empirical methods and A-B testing are much more effective here. That thing about high BPM music is brilliant!
I also think the design of the overhead bins could be improved substantially here. Ex. How about adjustable bin partitions so that the total volume of space can be better utilized?
@@getoffamylan6844 yup, the putting baggages in the bin is a tricky part
one of the biggest issues is the phasing out of wide body planes, having 2 isles is huge as people can get around others who are painfully slow sitting in a seat
Narrowbody aircraft are a particular nuisance!
You totally got the point! I always fly with wide body planes and I could get on the plane in 15 mins even I was sitting at the last row of the 777-300ER plane. But for a 737, I could spend 15 mins and still stuck in the middle.
One of the things airlines could do to speed boarding is to standardize the size of the overhead luggage compartment for ALL planes, regardless of airline or make of aircraft. Meaning that no one will ever run into the VERY common instance where the carry-on bag you took on the 777 flight from LA to Atlanta... suddenly won't fit in the 737max flight from Altanta to Charlotte, NC.
Don't airports have those boxes at check-in for hand luggage? If it doesn't fit in the box, then it has to go in the hold - that shouldn't be happening *on* the aircraft.
yeah they should just replace all their planes that have smaller luggage compartments to save a couple minutes of boarding time. that definitely is the solution.
@@hannahk1306 That's only for domestic flights. And even then, older planes have overhead bins that are much smaller than newer planes. So it happens far too often to count.
Which then leads to people having to have last minute check-on bags. (just like for regional commuter jets, like an Embraer.
And we aren't even getting into the international flights that arrive in the US. Their overhead luggage requirements will be different than the US.
They can't be expected to swap out their carry-on luggage in mid-transit.
@@jetfowl I've only ever taken international flights, so I have no idea about domestic flights but pretty sure it's the same check-in desk.
Yes different airlines have different sizes, but that's why they have the bin at check-in and also provide the information in advance so you can choose a bag that fits. The only reason that a bag shouldn't fit is if there's a lot of hand luggage on that particular flight, which is more a question of capacity than size.
The planes are physically different sizes. How do you standardize space when the fuselage size is different?
Airlines have made boarding more difficult by discouraging checked bags and making aisles more narrow.
My preference is to check my bag, board last and sit in my assigned seat. The key is not needing overhead space and having a preassigned seat.
There needs to be a humane minimum amount of space to accommodate people's skeletons. I say skeletons because we don't control our skeleton size. This is an issue for seat width and leg room.
Leg room is not an issue for me, because I'm 5', when I flew international, my legs could reach the ground and have to put my feet on my backpack on the floor. Overall, it uncomfortable but.... on well 😑
@@___beyondhorizon4664it’s nice that you are so small. in europe, people tend to be tall. my boyfriend cannot fir his knees inside the assigned leg room because his legs are too long as he is around 2m tall.
Average seat width is 16.5 inches and the average shoulder width of men is 16 inches. That means you have no wiggle room and if you're even slightly wider than average (due to muscles, fat, or genetically wider skeleton) you'll have to keep your arms squished in. At least with your legs you can bend them but it's not physically possible to make your shoulders and hips suddenly smaller.
@@empressmarowynn yep. I could lose weight but I measured shoulder bone to shoulder bone and even as a skeleton I would be wider than airline seat width.
You do control which seat you buy, though. If you need more space, buy a bigger one.
I am shocked everyone doesn't have to pitch in an extra $5 to pay for the pilots at this point.
I would pitch in if it meant the plane left on time
Because many cheat and claim they need extra assistance or ask for a wheelchair.
It's probably in the fees they charge for the fee of the fee
Pilot gratuity haha
Shhhhh! Dont give them ideas!
With the late flights, flights being booked too closely together, overpacked flights, smaller seats, and not to mention how much costs have gone up, they have taken the fun out of flying for me. It use to be my favorite thing to do.
Costs have actually DROPPED!!!!! DO SOME RESEARCH!!!!!
@@johnp139 Can you help me research how to find what the price for a flight (this is an example) from Boston to LA would've been two years ago compared to today? Or whatever flight path you would like to use to compare...Basically, how would I find what ANY flight was compared to that same flight today? Thanks for the help, in advance♥
Good to see Southwest is investing in waiting line theories instead of something frivolous like scheduling software. 🙂
Why not both?
The issue is one can have the most efficient boarding process in the universe, but if one doesn't have state of the art scheduling software, no one is going anywhere!
And if people just can’t seem to,understand how the system works and just want to push ahead if everyone else! I have no problem with the way Southwest handles boarding - what I hate are the people who think they are so,special that they can’t even wait till their section is ready to line up or those who just don’t understand how numbers work! Oh, and stop trying to fill up the first overhead compartments with your luggage when yiu are going to find a seat further back in the plane - it doesn’t make it faster for you to get off! For my part, I never- as in never get right up as soon as allowable - I wait for a break plus I don’t have anything in overhead storage! Whatever I carry goes at my feet under the seat in front of me! I do have a suitcase that could legally be used for overhead but I always check it anyway!
To sum it up, Money for convenience
In other words, capitalism.
Funniest thing is that offboarding is really the only thing that matters. Not like getting to your seat sooner means the plane will take off sooner.... you always have the chance of getting stuck
When I have been waiting to board I have never figured out why it takes people so long to get off the plane. You also often see a long break when you assume that everyone is off and then a few more people get off. Then the process occurs again. My suggestion as to how to get people off the planes more quickly is to use either whips or cattle prods.
Getting one's crap out of the overhead bins while blocking the aisle is always what slows down deboarding. Without overhead storage, deboarding would be over in a flash.
Row by row for deboarding is the most inefficient way to do it. It is much quicker if those who are ready just go and don't wait on the slow person in front of them.
Because people wait for the entire row in front of them to get out. Like just go. Don't wait 30 seconds for the person at the window and hold up everyone behind you
I agree withe the two previous comments. Don't wait for people who aren't ready. Being seated in front doesn't mean that everyone behind you should wait until you finally get up.
@@d.jensen5153My husband is a retired aerospace engineer and he has said for years that the overhead storage needs to be removed completely!! People try to cram everything in this areas even when the f,Ishtar attendants tell everyone that coats, etc. should not be stored up there!
I will never understand the rush in boarding first whether you’re on first or last we leave at the same time.
Yeah, but the people in the front seats get to the airport 3 seconds faster! 😆
@@getoffamylan6844 you can pay for the front seats but still board last though
Not wanting to gatecheck a carryon because there's no more overhead bin space.
Seriously? Ignorant fool.
@@getoffamylan6844 they disembark faster, much faster in many cases with single aisle planes. I've been on some, sitting in the very back, that took nearly 30 minutes from the time the door was opened to finally get moving. The people up front were already lounging in their hotel room when i was still stuck on that same airplane.
Space in overhead bins should be assigned to the seats below them. Baggage that overflows the assigned space or is stored in the wrong bin should be removed and checked. Another option is to remove the overhead bins and raise the seats to make more room to store baggage under the seat.
Absolutely
There isn’t always enough space for every seat above them. If the airlines could correct that having space to place 3 carry-on roller cases on the side vs just 2 + maybe a backpack that would be a tremendous help. Some bins also have other flight related gear in them taking up space.
Wait... How does it work there?
In Oz we get 7kg carry on split between a "small bag" like a purse that can sit under the seat, and a big bag about the size of a backpack/small luggage bag.
If you need more, it goes under. Rates aren't too crazy.
This I have also lobbied for, as a gate agent. You should have the space above your seat, for your carry on. It should be one carry on, small bag, and one that fits underneath the seat. Far too many bring on large carry ons that take up two spaces, therefore denying others.
Not everyone uses the overhead bins, so that is a stupid idea.
Passengers who bring luggage on board that is they struggle with because it's too heavy or they're too short, are the bane of air travel. They slow everything down.
Heavy is one thing. People can't do anything about their height.
It doesn't matter if you're first or last in line -- You've got to wait for everyone to get on either way
but if youre last then the overhead bins might fill up and you're forced to check your carry on
@@MP-ef9yo Just put your carry-on under the seat. Unless you're over packing, a single bag that fits under the seat is plenty big enough for a week or two trip
@@MP-ef9yo You get a personal item, just put everything you need in that and keep it under your seat. If your carryon gets checked it's free and if you already had checked luggage you have to go to the bag claim anyways, so who care? I guess I can see your point if you are packing enough that you can't fit it all in a bag that fits under the seat, but not so much that you have to check bag, so you have a large carryon and you don't want to have to wait on baggage claim when you land, but a lot of the people clamoring to get seated more quickly are just doing it for no real reason.
@@mikea5745 You usually get 1 small item like a bookbag or shoulder bag to put under your seat then a carry on like a duffle bag or small suitcase so there is already something under my seat.
@@mr.munger I never check if I can help it but I do usually have a personal bookbag under my seat and then a duffle bag which I put above but Ive been made to check that on 2 occasions. I don't like the feeling I get not knowing exactly where my bag is and then the wait at baggage claim
Mangalore Airport in India insists on all airline passengers to start boarding in serial order with last row first. They call out row numbers and passengers go by their respective row. This ensures that aisle is not blocked. People keep flowing down to - as we would say at the bottom of the bottle - their respective rows. This keeps boarding real fast
The video literally explained that boarding front to back or yours back to front is the slowest method
Southwest's approach is the best for personal travellers if you aren't stupid or feel priviledged.
What gets me is unless you have a connecting flight, what is the reason to immediately jump out into the aisle of the middle-back of the plane just to wait there 15 minutes for the front rows to go.
Some people want to stretch their legs and move to avoid blood clots after sitting for hours.
Some people just want to stand after sitting for a period of time. Especially if it's a long flight
I usually try to get off as quickly as possible. If someone is just standing there in front me waiting, I'll ask them to move over. I don't get why people wait for people in the window seat ahead of them to get out when they could just go without getting in the persons way
I notice that if people don't do that, then those in the rows behind you jump up and rush forward and clog the aisle anyway. Then you have to wait for them to get off and the people in front of you.
Once you go into the aisle, get moving. Why do people need to block the aisle by waiting for slowpokes in the seats in front who aren't ready yet? If you're not ready to get up and leave then sit there and wait for everyone else to get off.
Flying Aer Lingus they board from the rear forward. It was the most seem-less and efficient boarding experience I’ve had to date. Everyone was confused at first but the person at the gate said “yes we board back to front, don’t worry eventually everyone will catch on”
This used to be the boarding procedure for U.S. domestic flights years ago
The best flights for boarding I've experienced use both doors and maybe certain rows first (middle ones, then closer to the doors). Then same principle for disembarking: use both doors to get people off quicker and therefore turn the plane around faster.
They are also very strict about carryon bag size. I watched them gate check and charge people who’s carryons were too large. They charged extra for gate check8mg bags to punish people for trying to get away with it.
They have to make sure that a passenger in Row 30 doesn't put his carry on over row 10 so he can just grab on the way off the plane.
This has actually been studied and found to be slower than many other boarding types.
That being said, I think the reason the boarding process is so lengthy now (in the US), is because of the non-stringent bag policies. People take FOREVER getting their bags in overheads, or they don't fit, or people carry on too many bags. There is virtually no restricting this on multiple airlines.
And the reason the carry-on bags got out of control: airlines started charging for all checked bags.
Last trip on Ryanair I got row 4 (fast exit) 'randomly' and on return emergency exit (extra legroom) 'randomly'. As a handluggage only (20 litre runner's backpack) passenger, suits me great. People moan about Ryanair, but if it leaves on-time (or early) and has no accidents (despite being huge) I'm one happy customer.
I was on a bunch of flights last spring, and I forget which airline it was that boarded us back to front, but it seemed to go much quicker and easier than any other method.
It’s actually slower
I sit in the terminal until the last call is made and then get up to board. I love my experience when boarding a plane.
Agree, maximise time not on an airplane, then saunter on board at the last call, and smile at the crew and pax awaiting your triumphant arrival…
That only works on Southwest if you're okay with sitting in a middle seat, which most people despise.
On carriers with assigned seating, I guess it works fine, except that you risk needing to gate-check your carry-on bag, because the bins will be full by the time you get aboard.
I guess that you don’t have any carryons?
I read somewhere that about a year ago, one airline, one time, started to load people from the back first. It makes just a whole lot of sense if you think about it superficially.
So what happened was, with all that extra weight in the back, the entire plane tipped backwards onto its tail That made a significant problem and a whole lot of extra delay ......
The last few times I flew, I noticed that several airlines have the carry on 'Will it fit? ' cage on the floor, but I never saw any airline employee checking anyones bags. Then when you get on the aircraft you have all these people with huge carry on bags that will not fit in the overhead or under the seat. I saw at times that the last several people boarding had to check their carry on bags at the end of the skybridge as the carry on bins were full. The little cages seemed to be different sizes depending on the airline.
I think boarding could be much faster if there was a standard size for carry on for all airlines and all bags were checked for size before going through TSA search, so those that wouldn't fit would be checked. Yes this means someone has to pay for the checking person but considering what an airline pays for missing their takeoff slot, it would be cheaper to have the plane ready sooner by eliminating the aisle blocking/row blocking people trying to cram their 20# bag into a 10# overhead bin space.
This is what budget airlines like spirit and frontier do. They size everyone’s bag before boarding. I hate those airlines but the sizing of the bags actually makes sense.
Checking your bag at the gate is a way to avoid the cost of a checked bag. You just saved yourself $50 but making them do it at the gate.
I have never seen anyone stopped for being in the wrong group. It’s frustrating
How bout minding your own business?
One time I was zone 3 out of 4, and by the time they called zone 3, it was just me and one other guy left. The entire plane boarded during zones 1 and 2.
They need to crack down on it.
@@nixonhoover2How about just standing in the section you are assigned to and the number in line, too! Geeze! You must be a wonderful person - NOT!
@@AJourneyOfYourSoulYou couldn’t be flying Southwest as they inky have 3 zones - A, B, and C!
@@sandybruce9092 it wasn’t southwest. I think it was frontier.
Southwest has lines, which works out great.
I worked with Alaska Airlines for 6 years from 1999-2005.
There are several things Airlines will not tell you.
Regardless of the amount of people de boarding and boarding during ground time, the amount of time allocated for a plane on the ground remains the same. For a plane with 130-140 seats (not passengers) the time allocated can be anywhere between 22-32 minutes. This depends on the style of plane and seat configuration.
As a Gate Agent, you are liable for any delays beyond the ground time allocated, even if you are indirectly not responsible for those delays. Events which can cause delays…
1. Handicap Passengers who require additional time due to physically unable to reach their own seat and require boarding through an Aisle Chair. In addition, these passengers carry with them Wheelchairs, Walkers, Medical Equipment, and stowage of those items.
2. Adults with Children who usually tend to carry multiple items such as folding strollers, additional bags with Baby food and cleaning supplies and stowage of those items.
3. Passengers with excess bags who refuse to surrender their bags at the gate. These passengers will become very rude to the point where they will make a scene in public, police will have to be called, and that person will be kicked off the flight for bad behavior. Most passengers do not understand that if you’re arrested on a plane or airport grounds, charges are at the federal law level (Just like Banks and Credit Unions).
4. Passengers who want to board ahead of their assigned group in line because they believe they are entitled to it and should have overhead space priority over others on the flight.
5. Slow people who take excess time de boarding their finished flight who have no idea there’s 140 new passengers waiting at the boarding area outside for that same plane. They tend to just stop and say goodbye to everyone on the crew while on board and/or begin a one hour conversation inside the jetway with family and friends once they are off the plane.
These are just some examples of the most common reasons for flight delays.
As I had stated before, the gate agent is responsible for all delays beyond the allocated time, and YES that person will face disciplinary action if the delay is not approved by management.
The only delays during ground time which are acceptable are…
1. Mechanical Delays
2. ATC (Air Traffic Control) Delays
3. Weather Delays
4. Law Enforcement and Medical Emergency Delays
5. Cancelled Flights
Overall, Ground Allocation Times provided by the airline are non-efficient.
Their template plans are based solely on maximizing profits.
They do not take into account issues that exist within the logistics of the event. They do not take into account passengers’ lack of education or lack of discipline at airports. Unless you’re a frequent flyer most people don’t give a damn about these things.
I hope my past experiences as an airline employee give you as a passenger a better understanding of what takes place behind the scenes.
I prefer others to wait for me while I board last rather I wait on others to finishing boarding.
Just hope that they don't run out of seats!
@@rongendron8705 na, once you have a ticket, is guarantee you will have a seat.
Apparently you don’t bring any carryon bags.
I fly SW unless they don't have a flight to my destination. Since I don't have to pay for checked baggage that is what I use with little to no carry on luggage. Less stressful not having to worry about finding an overhead space. I can usually get into the "A" line by checking in 24 hours prior to the departure time and be able to pick a window or aisle seat. SW will always be my first choice as long as they don't charge for checked bags.
for me, Lufthansa....i am German!
last time, 13.5 hrs, slept well and good food in the A380 from Singapore!
for everything else in Europe, i use my motorbike or the high speed trains...!
As a disabled Passenger ( Walking wounded ) , I generally get on board the aircraft first.... No charge, just get on the plane as quickly as possible, However if you are travelling with Philippine Passengers then expect a delayed departure as they are totally disorganised ! They standin the aisle and discuss everything from weather to their holidays and then they family and relations ! What is needed is for all the doors to be opened and then pile on in ! Mind you I do like the Wilma and Roma system !
The airlines are directly responsible for the mess that is modern air travel today. They have knowingly sacrificed every aspect of flying commercially in order to monetize each aspect. Meanwhile, the things that used to make flying commercially pleasant are only available to who fly business and first class.
I could agree with this. Because if you think about it everything that would make things for passengers convenient you actually have to pay for as an extra.... so it's inconvenient on purpose
@@missaamane8580Agree 100pct. That is what is causing the increase in ticketed passengers choosing "economy plus" seating. Its a major revenue generator by making economy as uncomfortable as possible to drive customers into paying more for something basic.
And air travel regulation by the government has neglected us by not regulating seat size and spacing between rows, to accommodate skeleton sizes in the U.S. Seating needs to be comfortable for a 6 foot tall male with an average skeleton.
Wondering more about how the mess that some people leaves on their seats might infulence the time required to clean the aircraft ?! Thumbs up to the cleaning crew 👍
I think carryons not fitting in the overhead is actually the biggest problem. Ppl who get on first but sit in the back take up the front bins with no room left for later passengers except in the back, then you have to go back to your seat, after you arrive you face to figure out how to get your bag. The single best thing they could do to speed up boarding is make everyone put their bags only in the space above them and put smaller bags by their feet. I’ve even bought comfort plus on delta and had others take our bin space then it’s a whole ordeal to figure out what to do. Personally I think they should take checked bags for free, and charge for using the overhead bins.
You should see what Azul Airlines have done: they project about 10 positions on the ground, people on that position follow the projection that moves till it reaches the ticket validation. And a screen on top show which will be the next positions so you can prepare. The best and stressless technology I’ve ever seem for boarding.
1) micro-updates of aircraft status before boarding to help calm the passenger nerves
2) stricter bucketing at entry point to disallow people who are entering in a different zone’s call - to make honest passengers happier
3) simpler to read and understand boarding passes and seat markets to avoid confusion when people reach inside the aircraft to avoid delays and annoyances while boarding
4) miminal carry-on luggage allowed to reduce delay and frustration for later passengers
5) fully-assigned seating to avoid people bursting at the boarding gate
6) clear predictability of when boarding would start so that people stop queuing at the boarding gate and create a ruckus
7) strong queuing mechanisms to ensure people are flowing in a streamlined manner
8) clear announcements on what documents are required for boarding
And many other ideas that can help make the customers feel comfortable and secure that they will get a seat that they paid for.
I've been flying Southwest for years. I'm good with their boarding process. I just try to check in early to get an early boarding position. It works good for me. The higher percentage of frequent or passengers who are familar with Southwest boarding process, the smoother and faster it goes.
The unassigned opened seating is so much easier to manage compared to assigned seating. On non-Southwest flights, I've had passengers sit in my assigned window seat without asking thinking I wouldn't mind taking a different seat. I've seen arguments between passengers break out because people are in the wrong seats deliberately or by mistake. I prefer Southwest open seating. Early bird gets more choice of seats.
it IS amazing however, no matter how many times I fly SW (which I try to do as much as I can) people are either complaining about the open seating or act surprised that is the policy when they get there. Go ahead, buy a ticket and PAY for a seat if you like on another airline. For me as well, I make sure I'm ready to check in when I need and I ALWAYS get the seat I want. 'I didn't know there were different boarding groups" Really? EVERYONE has boarding groups.
Works great until you have connecting flights and your incoming flight arrives late, causing you to be late for your connecting flight and you end up boarding last. That's when you'll appreciate how great assigned seating is.
There are several reasons why boarding takes so long:
1. Passengers don't know what they're doing
2. They have carry-on luggage that do not fit in the overhead or under the seats properly, thus blocking the line as they try to figure out what to do
3. They pack their carry-on luggage so heavy where they themselves are not able to properly lift it up to be placed in the overhead bin
4. They don't check their boarding pass and properly locate their boarding group and/or row + seat
5. Some passengers take their sweet a** time when they handle their carry-ons at their seats. Sometimes they're block the row as well. It's like they're out to lunch and the world must wait for them, no matter how long it takes
I have the highest earned status with United and I genuinely love my pre-boarding perk. Don't have to stand in line jocking for overhead bin space.
Frequent fliers tend to be the folks that board much quicker because we fly so much and we're trying to depart on time. It's the infrequent fliers that cause problems.
For me, the problem is overhead space, including first class. The amount of time I have had to tell people (including first class) to put their tiny backpacks under the seat in front of them because my actual carry on can't fit is insane.
@@Minka_6 Have you considered planning out your packing a bit better? I travel a lot and never need to use overhead bins for any trip less than a month
!00% on the infrequent fliers who gum up the works. If everyone behaved like a frequent flier the bottlenecks would be gone...
@@mikea5745 sadly, I can only fit a few days in backpack only. When I go for a week or more, I'm going to need a carry on (I almost never check in a bag).
Not to mention the people who need to take off or put on 2 layers of clothing before they sit 🤦🏾♂️
"Ok mom, you board a plane and leave your 2 children behind. You'll see 1 kid in about 8 minutes and the other in 15 minutes."... LMFFFAAAOOO
That's the primary reason this boarding would never realistically work imo. If it's all adults, sure. But families really make it infeasible.
Obviously, you know nothing about how Southwest boards their flights. Families with small children board after the A and before the B boarding group.
SWA boarding is still faster than all the other airlines ... I flown with them for the last 10 years and when I have to fly Delta & AA the boarding process seems to take forever in comparison..
Unassigned seating scares me. Do people ever fight over seats? I miagine the aisles go first. Do people ever get asked to move over and argue about it? I'm an aisle person. I like that my aisle seat is protected is Delta
It is the opposite. People are happier boarding on SWA. After flying a few different airlines, I will pay more to fly SWA and avoid being treated like a peasant at the other airlines. I used to like Delta but they are so elitist and rude now. It’s just easier go where the airline acts like they want you as a customer.
SouthWest is great if you are flying alone. It could be a nightmare if you are traveling with more than 1 other person.
i never used a US carrier in my life...
only Europeans or Singapore airlines!
i would never put a foot into a Delta airplane!
@@Arltratlo I hear you. US Airlines are not great. Delta's the best we've got and its ranked like 40th in the world but higher than any other US Airlines
I like the UK low cost airlines. You get told on your ticket to use the front door or back door as they prefer to not use the jetty. With the crew telling everyone to hurry up I have seen a full flight be loaded and on the runway within 15mins.
One solution; free checked bags, pay for carry on bags (except small under the seats), eliminate overhead storage, speed up checked bag retrieval process., board back of the plane and window seats first, etc.
They have made it a cash cow to check bags why eliminate it. Do you think they want to turn around planes faster? They pay a rent while at the gate and the workers have more time to work on the planes. Plus the connecting flights may be late.
Disembarking is the most annoying part in my opinion. Boarding isn’t fun but I am more annoyed about getting out after 3 hours in a hot tube and everyone is busily trying to get stuff out of their bins.
Carry-ons dramatically delay boarding and deboarding. The airlines should charge for carry-ons and make checked baggae free. There would be fewer delays.
In the back of a single aisle long plane it can easily take over 20 minutes from the time the door is opened to finally be moving. Sometimes even longer. Very upsetting to still be on the airplane when the person up front is already at their hotel.
@@oldtwinsna8347 Especially if you did not jam up the overhead bins with your luggage and you are ready to go
There’s more to the story on how she got A16. I set my alarm for southwest everytime and check in the first second I can and still rarely get into the A group. Usually well into the B’s. Southwest knew what was up and made sure she got that position.
Still no complaints from me. Just wanted to throw that out there.
Right? I was thinking the same. The only time I ever get A20 or better without paying extra was if the flight was not full. If it's a full flight, that means a lot of people are setting up their alarms and you're competing to check in with them. But really, A16 is next to impossible on a full flight because people who have multiple legs on their itinerary are going to get checked in to that flight long before you.
I set my alarm a few minutes early so I’m on the site the second it clicks over… still end up in B 😂 I may have had a low B # on the connecting flight can’t recall ever scoring an A… my first SW flight I didn’t know about the system and was in the C group/pretty much last with my mom. We couldn’t sit together but it was a short flight lol
Southwest flights from Charlotte, NC to Denver are always full! That’s why we pay early bird as the 24-hour check in mostly comes in the middle of the night - plus early bird is a 36-hour check in!
yeah, getting A16 is sus...same experience where mashing the "submit" button at exactly 24 hours prior gets me at best in the high A-group, but usually, in the low B-group
Those of us in A 16-30 are also distressed, as we watch 15-20 wheelchair assists board (only 10% actually needing one). It is an on board miracle that most are healed during the flight and walk off unassisted.
3:34 with most airlines, including SouthWest and World Wide, it's about the same, a mad dash. The reason why on Southwest is people don't want a middle seat. On the other airlines, no one wants to check their bag
I think they should allow one small carry on, i.e. small backpack, laptop bag, etc., then any carry on after that is charged. The first check bag could be free. My biggest complaint is people that have to spend a whole 5 minutes trying to shove oversize carry on bags in the overhead bin.
Won’t work for us ladies - I carry in a purse and a tote bag for my iPads and medications. If I had to use only one carry in it Wouk’s make my life a bit more difficult! And then there are some of us who are probably a bit older than you and can’t deal with a back pack - wish I could as it would make my life so much easier!
I love this. Charge for carryon and free checked bag.
That's how it was in the old days...pre 9/11 more or less... flying was simpler then...
@@erictrumpler9652 it was but I traveled for business and I used to carry on a pretty big bag. The under seat was way larger too. With the shrinking seat comes a need for more storage with less available. I used to fit a small roller under the seat in front of me. No way now
what bothers me isn't the boarding more so is the de-boarding process. I feel rushed and everyone around me is standing up even though they are 20-30 rows behind from the people are actually get out of their seats. They fill the lane so people are in the their seats waiting can't even get up. The lack of patience to just sit in your seat and make sure everyone in front if you is properly de-boarding is ridiculous.
Bingo! That's what will cause the next flight to run late, because deplaning can take longer than boarding.
💯
One easy instant partial fix is to allow all aisle seats with one under seat item to deboard first. People in that category would start choosing aisle seats.
@@marymacdonald2379 Won't work, because that would require people to be honest.
I've been on single aisle planes where it's common to be 20 minutes from the time the door is opened to the back area of the plane to even start moving. Sometimes even longer.
I’ve often thought a more efficient way of boarding would be outside to inside, back to front. It would minimize the amount of ppl stumbling over or around other people. I like Steffen’s method too, seems very effective. I’ve flown southwest a couple times and really like their no assigned seat method. It works really well.
Works great if no one is late or in a group or need luggage bag space no connecting flights all the seats were the same the rules were explained before everyone bought tickets
Here are a few suggestions:
1. It seems to me that the best way is to board by order of seating when first are those who are at the end. That way no one blocks the the aisle or looking for the seat. As for the "privilege", every one leave at the time and it's much more comfortable and specious at the terminal so the best thing is to board last and disembark first.
2. The best option is to use two doors on both ends. It's more expensive to build but saves lot of money in efficiency but even without this cor boarding, you can at least disembark from two doors, with stairs and buses. In Europe it a lot when the plane when the place continues to a different area than it arrived from, meaning arriving fro out side the Schengen area, so arriving passengers must pass immigration and the destination of the boarding passengers is inside the Schengen area (and vice vers). In this case the plane arrives to the gate but is not connected to the bridge, passengers disembark with stairs and are taken by buses directly to where they need to be. I actually prefer this when I land and the disembarking process is fast.
3. When waiting to board, instead of sitting down waiting for the OK to board, the staff should pass around, check boarding passes, clarify which group each one is and even give them a "number" so most will know when they need to board. When calling do it in a clear manner, most of the time the call if too fast and unclear, no wonder people prefer to stand in line with no reason.
Ignorant comment
actually most of the time, what's slowing down the boarding process is the inefficiency of the ground crew boarding people with wheelchair assistance... they loved to take their time like they have all the time in the world
Well would you rather treat wheeled passengers like they already treat wheeled luggage?
While some people like my 93 year old mother with low vision and needs a walker in day to day life genuinely need wheelchair assistance to board, others use it as a scam. Flight attendants call them miracle flights as 20 people used wheelchairs during boarding and only 3 needed them to deplane. One solution it to make all passengers that used wheelchairs stay onboard during deplaning to use them on the way out.
Then she should also wait until everyone else disembarks before she leaves!
Had no idea this was an issue. Upper/Business class has never been an issue
I don’t fly SW. No seat assignment on a packed flight is no go
Just learn to check in 24 hours ahead of time and you’ll be perfectly fine you’ll get to pick wherever you want as long as you’re in the A or B boarding group
It's perfect for the solo traveler. Family groups though....
@@Mcfunface southwest is appealing to the family the most out of any airline, 2 free checked bags and open seating for the family. Again people just need to know how to check in on time and they will all have seats together
@@frrrfrrr9177 but that's physically impossible at some point. What is EVERY family checked in immediately on time? Sacrifices would have to be made
@@Mcfunface yeah I understand that that’s just the way it works. Beating the other person
The overhead bags and people picking seats are what take the longest. Southwest already gives you 2 free checked bags. If they only allowed one carry-on (large backpack or smaller), boarding would speed up quite a lot. If you can't fit all your stuff in two checked bags and one carry-on, you shouldn't leave home.
People don't want to wait 30 minutes after the flight for their checked bags though, so everyone prefers carry on now
Some things like camera gear or medical equipment isn’t something people want to risk checking 😢
Thank you!!!
@@meganashleaYou can still take those things with you if you just don’t try to carry two weeks of clothing, etc. in a carry on! I physically cannot put anything in the overhead - I’m short!!!
@@meganashleaThat’s only one carryon bag!
I’ve been saying this for as long as i’ve been flying. It would be more efficient to let the rows at the end board first so we fill the aircraft from back to the front.
Just board using the rear door!!!
I have noticed nowadays that newer aircraft (including narrow bodies) are beginning to have more overhead space. That should calm people down when it comes to worrying about getting their carry-on in the overhead bins and thereby wanting to pole position to get on board.
They'll just have more carry on luggage, which will slow things down even more. One of the things I've noticed in my travels is how lax US airlines are compared with others in permitting people to hold everybody else up with by carrying on overweight bags.
@@kenoliver8913 It's about not wanting to get into confrontations when you aren't paid to do that. Some airlines like Frontier give bonuses to the gate agents to enforce so it incentivizes them to be much more strict.
Not sure if it's the case at many US airports, but here in Europe I find paying for priority boarding is a scam epecially when you then have to leave the terminal building only for you all to board buses that take you to the plane. 🤷🏾♂️
Bus? How antiquated!
@@johnp139 Yes, buses. For something so antiquated, airports around the world sure do use them a lot.
@@tarideanIt is a TERRIBLE system. The number of stupid delays out of VIE due to people falling and getting hurt on a bus is stupid.
@@taridean Then I guess that there are a lot of antiquated airports around the world.
@@johnp139 Antiquated doesn't describe them all as some airlines use buses to either save on jetbridge slot fees or there are simply not enough jetbridges vs the number of flights.
People usually have a carryon and a personal item. They need to be told that the carryon is the only piece that goes in the upper bins. The personal item goes under the seat in front of them. That would eliminate a lot of the space issues in the upper bins. Many people put both items in the upper bins.
There used to be a time back in the day when flight travels used to be fun , exciting and something I used to look forward to doing . But in the recent time it's become a nightmare , too many rules and regulations , too many passengers , plus alot of people who are soo impatient that they spoil it for everyone else .
Yup. I loathe the entire experience now.
Part of that previous experience was wider space between rows of seats. That meant longer bin space for each row and easier/quicker access to seats.
As a frequent flier of flights between North America and Asia, I have to say I really don't care how early I board the flight. Sitting out of the plane is by far more comfortable than squeezed in, so I do have a problem with boarding earlier. As a matter of fact, I try to board the plane the last if possible. You have 12-16 hours in the seat after all, why hurry? I would like to be released earlier at the destination though
Exactly my point, I usually board last when I fly international, the seat is already assigned. Hopefully there's a space in the overhead area, it's never a big issue
Because of the limited amount of overhead bin space!!!!
I think of a joke of comedian Louie Anderson every time I board a plane. He said, when getting bumped while boarding, “Relax, we’re all taking off at the same time.” I’ll never get upset with boarding again.
This is a really interesting conversation to have. I feel like the way the guy presented his strategy for faster boarding would not work because it seems too complex and people probably would get confused very easily and how would they enforce that? I feel like the way Southwest is changing with the new technology on their standing position things that might help a lot. it also comes down to the gate agents and not enforcing the crowds because everyone wants to get on the plane so they heard around the door. Maybe if they enforce it more where they told everyone must remain seated if they’re not being called to board. Last flight I took everyone was crowded around the boarding positions that weren’t even supposed to be standing in line yet and they were in C group, but they were only boarding A group. I feel like Southwest is on the right track to faster boarding and they have been for a while but maybe they’ll be able to improve that and influence of the airlines to kind of change their ways. An American flight I took a couple months ago took over an hour just to board. I can see some backlash on the process of Southwest boarding because it is confusing in this unique, but that can easily be fixed by communication maybe when you’re booking on the website, it will show you like a screen step-by-step what you’ll do when you get to the airport and what you do 24 hours ahead of time. But if they just increased that communication, I believe everyone would like the way people board on southwest.
But this strategy is complicated from the AIRLINE POV but very simple from the PASSENGER POV. They just go to the line marked on their boarding pass, exactly as they do at Southwest today. The computer program is just a few more lines of code to decide who gets which mark on that boarding pass.
@@kenoliver8913 your boarding position depends on how fast you can check in at that 24 hour mark
Doesn’t really matter if someone does find what seems like a faster way to board - so many people just want to make sure they are ahead of everyone else because they are so,special!!,🤮
1:45 southwest has Family Boarding (people with small children ) after the A group, but before the B group. Says so on their website, and this is what happened last time I flew.
The idea of getting groggy travelers to board in alternating rows sounds outlandish. You'd have better odds just saying "plane's ready. Everyone board" and have them walk on in whatever order they arrived at the gate.
It's all about the carry-on! People want to board first to make sure they get a space for their carry-on luggage. That's the problem they need to deal with to speed up boarding! Therefore, boarding the lower class first to get the back filled up will never go down with passengers who have status and first class tickets.
One point about checked bags that most people don't realize. The airlines have to pay huge airport handling fees for checked bags. And they need to pay at both ends. That is why the budget airlines charge extra. They also make some profit on it, but most of those fees go to the airports.
Thank you to the people who follow boarding and luggage requirements. The buns have enough space but airlines don't enforce the rules.
I've got no problem with status priorities, they've paid for or earned it. The BIG BIG problem is ALL these passengers standing in the que well before their 'section/ group' is due to be called. They slow down the process and cause more frustration as a whole (minutes add up when it comes to delays). That Astro Physicist is truly dreaming out of this world. Passengers, as mentioned earlier already don't listen to instructions. What makes him think they are going to follow those more complex boarding sequence!
No kidding. I can't even imagine the difficulty of trying to do that - unless you actually made people all be there early. What happens when "30 window" arrives from a different flight when they are boarding "aisle seats"?
One thing I am greatful for is:never having to fly commercial ever again.
Thanks for the extra seats!
Also, part of why I want to go on first: is to be able to put my onboard luggage somewhere. If you are last: people with 6000 loose pieces of "onboard" suitcases have used up all of the storage.
It's important to know for a lot of airlines like Sprint and Frontier, they make it seem like you have to buy a seat, but you can click "skip" and they'll assign a seat for you the day before (or earlier). Saves me a ton of money each time. I never pay for an assigned seat.
Nobody wants middle seats. Enjoy your "skip".
@@rickyayyExactly and smelling the bathroom
Idk why people still fly spirit and frontier they are horrible
@@taylorspastpresent1014I love spirit and will always fly with them. I got a round trip back home for only $68 a few months ago. Didn't pay for a bag neither
I've got a frontier flight in 2 months. Flown with them before. They aren't usually my first option but when I have "X" amount of money to spend on a whole 3 day weekend then their a fine option. No biggie
The biggest issue I have with Southwest is that families are invited to load earlier - but many do not want to since it means longer that their kids need to sit there. So, they load at the last possible moment and then ask people to move so they can sit together. In some cases, this happens when families are changing planes. The lack of assigned seats means they have either have little kids sitting by themselves or someone needs to move. But I was sitting next to a family by the gate and they sat there while families were invited to load because they wanted their kids to be on the plane as short of a period as possible (this was a Southwest flight to Hawaii). Any process where window seats, then middle then aisle seats are loaded would create chaos for families as well.
Then THAT’S THEIR PROBLEM!!!
This is why airlines need to explain the reason for allowing families to board first.
Agree with the back to front boarding which is how it was when I flew as a child in the 70s. And enforce the bag goes in the bin above your seat or it gets checked and charged
I think the reporter must have paid for early bird boarding to get A16. Its very unlikely that was available just by checking in at 24hours.
I’ve gotten A12 by checking in within the 24 hours. Granted there was only 55 people on my flight. It’s possible, but the circumstances have to be specific for that to occur.
I've gotten the very front row (economy) before without paying because I think nobody paid for those expensive seats!
@@richbaboon9345really? My understanding is that A1-15 is reserved for upgraded boarding and business customers. A listers (and then early birds) would start at A16.
Yeah I'm surprised they got A16 without being a list or early bird
Yea I got A32 without early bird
It is a shame airlines don't use the front and back doors at the same time.
Many reasons. Lack of jet bridges. Back doors used for catering and cleaners. Galley being changed out. Usially both back doors are right side cleaners, left side caterers. Also lav cleaning under, cargo loading under, fuelers.
I agree. Burbank Airport is the only one I know of that uses front and back doors. That airport doesn't have jet bridges, so you go up stairs or ramps to get to the plane. I'm fine with that, or maybe they could design some gates with jet bridges that access both doors.
Exactly!!!
@@wa210Catering is taken care of on the RIGHT SIDE of the aircraft! And usually BEFORE BOARDING BEGINS!!!
@@johnp139 Not always, as depends on aircraft or airport. Yes, usually right side, but not always.
Usually catering while boarding, as airlines love tight schedules, and if a tad late, hectic boarding. I do know what I am talking about. Flew 37 years as FA.
The optimal way of course, given only one entry, is to have the LAST row board first. Then second to last etc, up to the front. That would speed things up considerably. Why they don’t? Those paying more for their tickets sit in front, and by paying more you are entitled to more convenience. Such as ensuring there is space for your carry-on stuff.
One of the biggest issues with boarding (that I find) is that everyone regardless of your group number (on most airlines) will stand right in front of the boarding area. Then there will be people sneaking in with other groups. Not to mention the people that I have ten carry on bags, because they don't want to check anything. Also you have all these pre-boarding grounds like (Military, people needing assistance, Special Group Classes, etc.) I don't think there is really any solution to boarding a plane fast.
I would actually pay for a dedicated locked individual overhead bin. I don’t like putting 6K of computers and electronics in shared overhead bin subject to theft and damage from others moving my bag.
What a concept. A bin assigned to your seat number. If it doesn't fit, it gets checked. Would solve a lot of problems.
Yes. And with everyone having a smart phone, the key to open that locked bin is a qr code on your phone, given to you with your ticket purchase.
Get a luggage lock and an AirTag if you’re that worried about theft. You’re in one of the most secure and heavily surveilled environments on the planet. Use your brain a little for how to prevent damage in transit… bubble wrap, clothes, etc.
@@JohnDoe-my5ip I have both plus a Tile for good measure. Luggage Locks though are of little use as you can get the TSA master key online. Plus you missed the point of I want dedicated OH bin space so I can board last and have space.
The limit of one carry-on has pretty much gone out the window for some passengers. They bring blankets, pillows, backpacks, stuffed animals (and they aren't even kids), electronics, snacks and more in addition their one carry-on. Organizing and finding space for all this stuff takes time as does getting comfortable itself.
I'm simply amazed at how much stuff some people travel with. Airlines may want to address this but doing so while everyone is boarding may take more time than just letting them board. I often fly Southwest so with two free checked bags it is hard to understand why some passengers feel it's okay to bring so many items that often take up way more space than the one carry-on itself. If everyone would stick to one reasonably sized carry-on and one small item for under the seat in front of them things might go faster.
how dare people travel with normal items.
@FroisonControl Yes, how dare they! Again, it's the number of items in total and the space needed for all these items. You don't need to bring everything you own, which some people appear to do. I just flew today at 5:30 in the morning. Thankfully, today, people packed without going overboard. It's the flyers that clearly go overboard that slow things down for everyone else who just want to get to their destination. If you have that much stuff, check a bag or two. It's not that hard.
What makes you think they didn't?
@FroisonControl Because I see suitcases along with everything else. With that said, they may have checked in other luggage as well, which makes the amount they bring even more rediculous. All that has to get through TSA, too. So it's not just on the plane. Airlines have a limit on how much you can carry on for a reason. Some people abuse it to no end. It sounds like you may be one of them the way you keep replying. I wasn't suggesting everyone carries too much. But there are enough people that do, and it seems to be getting worse. I fly quite frequently. I see things. You have your opinion. I have mine.
@@drewwho4512 airlines have a limit because they make money from hauling cargo on passenger planes, and checked baggage reduces what they can haul.
you just simply lack awareness into various reasons people travel. I work for a major US airline, but I'm sure the amount of experience traveling you do gives you more insight than me. Check your ego.
I think queueing is just a fact of life. I have grown to accept the priority boarding and the fees associated. It doesn't bother me. What DOES bother me is when family use the early boarding because "they need more help" but the IMMEDIATELY gets up to get out first when deplaning. If you had the unearned privilege of early boarding just because you have a small demon with you, you should also wait to get off the plane. People with small children ALWAYS take longer to get off because they have more bags and have to control their children.
A proper size carry on and a laptop. Easy. It’s the people that bring oversized carryon or put their bags in rows that they aren’t sitting in. That forces others to find space not near their seat.