Whenever I fly, I try to fly United. It is not out of loyalty of belief that United is better in any way, but my miles and credit card are tied to United, and therefore so am I. Recently I received notice about the airline’s “improved” boarding procedure, and I experienced it on my most recent trip. United has limited boarding lines to two in order to encourage groups 3-5 to remain seated until it is their time for boarding. Previously there have been five lanes, and passengers from all groups were lining up early. As explained in the promotional material, this change is deigned to cut down on crowding and improve the boarding experience, since only the current boarding group is up, and groups 3-5 are able to relax until their time to board and not have to stand in line. This is a perfect example of something that makes theoretical sense, but misses the psychology of the situation. This “streamlining” ignores the Darwinian nightmare that is lower group boarding. Groups one and two (and usually three) are more or less guaranteed convenient overhead space…the most important commodity on the plane. Group four usually has to scavenge, maybe finding a space away from their seat or (nightmare of nightmares) having to check the bag (its amazing how we have become completely averse to picking up luggage in the baggage return area; before luggage fees changed our carry-on patterns, most travelers finished their flight at the luggage carousel). Group five is “supposed” to have only a personal item and not place anything in the overhead, which is not always the case, but that is another story. So there is a significant advantage to being at the front of boarding groups 3, 4, and 5.
So how does this play out? Groups one and two line up in the two available lines, and despite the many friendly invitations of the flight staff to relax, a large number of travelers from other groups cluster around the opening to line two, hoping to be first in line when their group is called. This increases, rather than decreases, the crowding, and creates a tension to the entire “unlined” group, jockeying for position and eyeing co-travelers with the anticipation of Titanic passengers awaiting lifeboats. In an environment of scarcity, it is very difficult to encourage travelers to act against their own interests in the name of relaxation. Frankly, I always found the five lines the most civilized part of United boarding. Those who were willing to trade comfort for the advantage of place in line could clearly establish their space without blocking others. Those who wanted to relax could watch the lines and get up when the value of place overwhelmed the desire to sit
I have tried to think of a reason for this change to an obviously inferior system. My only thought is that space in boarding areas is becoming more of a premium with the replacement of old school waiting chairs with more high tech tables and eating areas. Whatever the reason, to suggest that this new arrangement benefits the traveler defies comprehension.
Me? I’ll be in group two.
As always, I welcome your comments.
Good too see you back on-line.