You don't have to be an overpaid airline analyst to know that the airline industry would prefer that passengers feel good about the boarding process than for it to actually work better.
I mean, come on. Do you really think allowing an elite passenger to board at any time is going to speed up the boarding process? Wait, and let me back up a minute. Can anyone tell me why these high-status frequent fliers need to be on the plane first, to begin with? Do they really have to sit there in their oversize leather seats and sip champagne while the rest of us shuffle slowly to the back of the plane?
I'm not hopeful that anything I write will change the way in which these chronically unprofitable companies operate. But maybe I can change the way you do, to help you get on the plane faster. Here are five secrets for boarding a plane quickly.
Pack Tight and Light
No doubt you've heard that almost every airline now charges extra for a second checked bag. You might be tempted to cram more into your carry-on, but you're better off resisting that temptation. I recently made the mistake of bringing a large bag on board and ended up having to gate-check it under less than desirable circumstances. The fact is that the lighter your load, the faster you'll board. And, the passengers standing in line behind you will be able to board faster, too.
Be First in Line
Even if you're assigned a seat in the last zone to board, you should make every effort to be the first member of your group. Why? Because early boarders are rewarded with more generous overhead compartment space, access to pillows and blankets and can stake out armrest space (oh, please don't get me started on the armrest wars). Latecomers, on the other hand, are disadvantaged in many ways. There may not be enough room for their carry-on bags. Pillows and blankets are usually gone as well. The smartest air travelers stand in the boarding area at least one zone before they're called. As that zone winds down, they move in closer, anticipating their number will be next. And they're at the gate before it's their turn.
I mean, come on. Do you really think allowing an elite passenger to board at any time is going to speed up the boarding process? Wait, and let me back up a minute. Can anyone tell me why these high-status frequent fliers need to be on the plane first, to begin with? Do they really have to sit there in their oversize leather seats and sip champagne while the rest of us shuffle slowly to the back of the plane?
I'm not hopeful that anything I write will change the way in which these chronically unprofitable companies operate. But maybe I can change the way you do, to help you get on the plane faster. Here are five secrets for boarding a plane quickly.
Pack Tight and Light
No doubt you've heard that almost every airline now charges extra for a second checked bag. You might be tempted to cram more into your carry-on, but you're better off resisting that temptation. I recently made the mistake of bringing a large bag on board and ended up having to gate-check it under less than desirable circumstances. The fact is that the lighter your load, the faster you'll board. And, the passengers standing in line behind you will be able to board faster, too.
Be First in Line
Even if you're assigned a seat in the last zone to board, you should make every effort to be the first member of your group. Why? Because early boarders are rewarded with more generous overhead compartment space, access to pillows and blankets and can stake out armrest space (oh, please don't get me started on the armrest wars). Latecomers, on the other hand, are disadvantaged in many ways. There may not be enough room for their carry-on bags. Pillows and blankets are usually gone as well. The smartest air travelers stand in the boarding area at least one zone before they're called. As that zone winds down, they move in closer, anticipating their number will be next. And they're at the gate before it's their turn.