United Airlines

[TimHauck 2,621]

14 minutes ago, nobody said:

Weird thing is 15 years ago, this was never an issue.  Planes were less full in general, and I guess people just didn't mind checking bags. 

I for one am not a big fan of checking bags.  I've always not liked it.  If people think the way they load planes is dumb, just watch how people retrieve bags from carousels.  

The thing moves like 6 inches a second, and everyone acts like if they aren't standing there ready 10 minutes before the bags come they'll somehow miss it.  Then everyone is jockeying for position right next to the chute like it matters if it takes an extra 2 minutes for the bag to come around.

If everyone would just hang back, there would be more space for everyone, and then you can see the thing coming for a good 60 seconds.  Just walk up and get it when it gets close.

Probably started when they started charging for checked bags.

Regardless, I try to avoid checking bags to save time and avoid the risk of it getting lost.  Checking a bag just to save some aggravation of worrying about getting your carryon onboard is silly.  Even if the bins fill up, they’ll just check it for you anyway.

[jerryskids 6,568]

17 minutes ago, nobody said:

Weird thing is 15 years ago, this was never an issue.  Planes were less full in general, and I guess people just didn't mind checking bags. 

I for one am not a big fan of checking bags.  I've always not liked it.  If people think the way they load planes is dumb, just watch how people retrieve bags from carousels.  

The thing moves like 6 inches a second, and everyone acts like if they aren't standing there ready 10 minutes before the bags come they'll somehow miss it.  Then everyone is jockeying for position right next to the chute like it matters if it takes an extra 2 minutes for the bag to come around.

If everyone would just hang back, there would be more space for everyone, and then you can see the thing coming for a good 60 seconds.  Just walk up and get it when it gets close.

Yeah, checking bags is wacko.  Adds 10-15 minutes and,  more importantly, the risk of your bag not arriving.  For this latter reason I don't mind the gate check quite as much, because I'm confident my bag will get there.

Somebody spoke earlier about business vs. personal travel -- heading on business hops between Phoenix and other SW hubs, during the week, in the morning or early evening... guaranteed everyone has a carry-on suitcase, myself included.

Speaking of suitcases, I never subscribed to the "jam stuff into a backpack" theory on business travel.  I like a roller bag to rest my laptop backpack on, to effortlessly wheel on my journey.  Even for an overnighter, I'll just throw in some workout clothes, maybe casual clothes for the evening, into a small roller bag.  Back when I traveled for work, I almost always had enough status to get on early enough to get a spot.  Mostly I flew Southwest, on which I was A-list Preferred.

Now I mostly do American.  Simply by having a FF number you get group 6 (of 9), and while at first it seems you get on with everyone, it is amazing how open it is once you actually board.  I don't know why so many people fly without getting a FF for that airline, but I appreciate their idiocy.   

6 minutes ago, DonS said:

You actually prefer the middle???  Fock that!

I'm an aisle guy myself.  If I gotta go take a leak I don't want to feel trapped by sleeping row mates. 

My wife is small so usually gets the middle to my aisle, which I prefer for the same reasons you mention.  

[thegeneral 2,913]

14 minutes ago, WhiteWonder said:

I personally don't care if my bag gets checked at the gate or not as i'm not one of the dbags who needs to get stuff from their carryon 3-4 times during the flight. What I need is in my personal item under the seat in front of me. I don't volunteer to check my bag but If I board and they are already to the point of checking them, it's all good.

 

as for disabilities, old people, first class etc, Is that an actual boarding order that is used currently? or are you saying that's how it should be? Genuinely asking asI don't pay attention to it and am usually in group 3 or 4 because I try to fly for as cheap as possible and spend more at my destination. Just get me there is my motto.

At the end of the day it really doesnt matter to me when I board a plane but I definitely think it could be a more streamlined process and my guess is that loyalty/reward programs are getting in the way of an overall better experience... even for those members. 

This is the process the airline I fly most uses. Seems to work pretty well. 

Gives preference to people who are going to have issues getting into their seats, those that paid more, and those who fly a ton and have earned a little cookie

People who fly a ton typically aren’t focking around and know what’s up. Get on, get out of the way, get it over with as fast as possible.

[Hardcore troubadour 14,943]

In the interest of equity, shouldn’t POC, lgbtq and other marginalized communities be given preference? Good enough for college admissions, jobs, Supreme Court appointments and being VP, why not here too? 

[thegeneral 2,913]

7 minutes ago, jerryskids said:

Yeah, checking bags is wacko.  Adds 10-15 minutes and,  more importantly, the risk of your bag not arriving.  For this latter reason I don't mind the gate check quite as much, because I'm confident my bag will get there.

Somebody spoke earlier about business vs. personal travel -- heading on business hops between Phoenix and other SW hubs, during the week, in the morning or early evening... guaranteed everyone has a carry-on suitcase, myself included.

Speaking of suitcases, I never subscribed to the "jam stuff into a backpack" theory on business travel.  I like a roller bag to rest my laptop backpack on, to effortlessly wheel on my journey.  Even for an overnighter, I'll just throw in some workout clothes, maybe casual clothes for the evening, into a small roller bag.  Back when I traveled for work, I almost always had enough status to get on early enough to get a spot.  Mostly I flew Southwest, on which I was A-list Preferred.

Now I mostly do American.  Simply by having a FF number you get group 6 (of 9), and while at first it seems you get on with everyone, it is amazing how open it is once you actually board.  I don't know why so many people fly without getting a FF for that airline, but I appreciate their idiocy.   

My wife is small so usually gets the middle to my aisle, which I prefer for the same reasons you mention.  

When I fly with my wife we either both book aisle seats or I book middle she takes aisle or window.

On a trip we took together years ago when I first started flying a ton and got status I had picked middle for her and aisle for me. I got upgraded at last minute and being the nice husband said go ahead and take the upgrade seat to the wife.

It immediately dawned on me they had given my aisle seat away and I was now stuck in her middle seat. Seattle to DC

[thegeneral 2,913]

4 minutes ago, Hardcore troubadour said:

In the interest of equity, shouldn’t POC, lgbtq and other marginalized communities be given preference? Good enough for college admissions, jobs, Supreme Court appointments and being VP, why not here too? 

Oh lord. 

[WhiteWonder 2,677]

1 minute ago, thegeneral said:

This is the process the airline I fly most uses. Seems to work pretty well. 

Gives preference to people who are going to have issues getting into their seats, those that paid more, and those who a ton and have earned a little cookie

People who fly a ton typically aren’t focking around and know what’s up. Get on, get out of the way, get it over with as fast as possible.

I would agree with disabled and elderly boarding first if they want (and actually have the need). Generally I don't care if you paid more though. You paid more and got perks like extra leg room, advanced seat choice, a second carryon or checked bag included etc.  

As for your last point, I don't fly a ton but I definitely fly enough to know that is total BS. People are people. Those with no self awareness are going to be that way no matter how seasoned they are. I see it on every flight. 

[thegeneral 2,913]

1 minute ago, WhiteWonder said:

I would agree with disabled and elderly boarding first if they want (and actually have the need). Generally I don't care if you paid more though. You paid more and got perks like extra leg room, advanced seat choice, a second carryon or checked bag included etc.  

As for your last point, I don't fly a ton but I definitely fly enough to know that is total BS. People are people. Those with no self awareness are going to be that way no matter how seasoned they are. I see it on every flight. 

Paying more you get to enjoy in the perks - one of those is not sweating where you put your stuff if you care. It’s a service industry and that’s how that works.

I don’t see this behavior on flights with frequent flyers being the problem, but YMMV and I am sure there are dumbasses everywhere.

[WhiteWonder 2,677]

3 minutes ago, thegeneral said:

When I fly with my wife we either both book aisle seats or I book middle she takes aisle or window.

On a trip we took together years ago when I first started flying a ton and got status.  I had picked middle for her and aisle for me. I got upgraded at last minute and being the nice husband said go ahead and take the upgrade seat to the wife.

It immediately dawned on me they had given my aisle seat away and I was now stuck in her middle seat. Seattle to DC

on my most recent flight (toronto to barcelona) I had an older couple (late 50's ?) who boarded after me. I was in the aisle (4 seat middle row) and she was in the middle seat next to me. Her husband was in the seat in front of her. they immediately tried to guilt me into switching seats with the husband so they could sit next to each other. They even pointed at the aisle seat in front of me as if to say that was his seat. When I pressed further, they admitted he was in the middle seat in front of her. 

I politely shot them down and was thinking in my head "fock off with that BS". 

I didn't pay extra to pick my seat months in advance but I did intentionally check in as soon as the 24 hour window opened to switch to an open aisle seat. I'm 6'2 with long legs. Gotta be able to stretch them out occasionally, especially on an 8 hour flight. 

If you need to sit next to your husband/wife, pay the extra and choose your seats  

[IGotWorms 4,057]

5 hours ago, TimHauck said:

Makes sense.  People with status will still board first, so really the only complaint seems to be losing overhead space, but they’re saying they’ll have bigger bins that will fit all bags.

Yeah, if they have the overhead bin capacity to accommodate everyone, then this should make the whole process more efficient.

Though in my experience, it seems like the boarding process is rarely an actual holdup

[thegeneral 2,913]

2 minutes ago, WhiteWonder said:

on my most recent flight (toronto to barcelona) I had an older couple (late 50's ?) who boarded after me. I was in the aisle (4 seat middle row) and she was in the middle seat next to me. Her husband was in the seat in front of her. they immediately tried to guilt me into switching seats with the husband so they could sit next to each other. They even pointed at the aisle seat in front of me as if to say that was his seat. When I pressed further, they admitted he was in the middle seat in front of her. 

I politely shot them down and was thinking in my head "fock off with that BS". 

I didn't pay extra to pick my seat months in advance but I did intentionally check in as soon as the 24 hour window opened to switch to an open aisle seat. I'm 6'2 with long legs. Gotta be able to stretch them out occasionally, especially on an 8 hour flight. 

If you need to sit next to your husband/wife, pay the extra and choose your seats  

Yep. That guilt trip stuff doesn’t play. Sorry!

[IGotWorms 4,057]

4 hours ago, Hawkeye21 said:

Load the plane from back to front.  It's common focking sense.

Issue is the “premium” seats are in front and the overhead bins would be filled, thereby enraging the “premium” passengers.

Really the whole mess was started with this tier bullsh1t, but that’s here to stay 

[WhiteWonder 2,677]

5 minutes ago, thegeneral said:

Paying more you get to enjoy in the perks - one of those is not sweating where you put your stuff if you care. It’s a service industry and that’s how that works.

It's a service industry, yes, but I listed a bunch of perks you are also paying for.  Of course, as it's set up now, priority boarding is also one of those perks. I'm just suggesting that for the overall experience, maybe it doesn't need to be. When I board with an earlier group, I actually find it annoying to sit in my aisle seat and deal with the additional people boarding, knocking into everyone with their too big carryon desperately looking for compartment space, then being told by flight attendants there is space in another section of the plane so they squeeze past other people trying to board....  

partially the flight crew / airlines fault  but point is, as I saw someone else mention earlier.... i'd rather be towards the end of boarding unless i'm flying first class. 

[TimHauck 2,621]

4 hours ago, TimHauck said:

I fly American and am usually group 6 of 9 I think. Haven’t had any issues but I know they have sometimes run out later. 

 

28 minutes ago, TimHauck said:

Probably started when they started charging for checked bags.

Regardless, I try to avoid checking bags to save time and avoid the risk of it getting lost.  Checking a bag just to save some aggravation of worrying about getting your carryon onboard is silly.  Even if the bins fill up, they’ll just check it for you anyway.

Great minds think alike?  And I agree I’m always shocked at the number of people that don’t even have a FF number.

20 minutes ago, jerryskids said:

Yeah, checking bags is wacko.  Adds 10-15 minutes and,  more importantly, the risk of your bag not arriving.  For this latter reason I don't mind the gate check quite as much, because I'm confident my bag will get there.

…

Now I mostly do American.  Simply by having a FF number you get group 6 (of 9), and while at first it seems you get on with everyone, it is amazing how open it is once you actually board.  I don't know why so many people fly without getting a FF for that airline, but I appreciate their idiocy.   

 

[WhiteWonder 2,677]

4 minutes ago, IGotWorms said:

Yeah, if they have the overhead bin capacity to accommodate everyone, then this should make the whole process more efficient.

Though in my experience, it seems like the boarding process is rarely an actual holdup

but I would venture to guess that 8/10 people are boarding with a bag that is either somewhat or significantly over the airlines listed dimensions. I've been guilty of it. So yeah, it's great if they add to current bin capacity but current bin capacity is often being taken up by bags that should be checked (and paid for). 

[GutterBoy 2,898]

18 minutes ago, thegeneral said:

Oh lord. 

This POS gotta make every thread about race.

[IGotWorms 4,057]

8 minutes ago, WhiteWonder said:

on my most recent flight (toronto to barcelona) I had an older couple (late 50's ?) who boarded after me. I was in the aisle (4 seat middle row) and she was in the middle seat next to me. Her husband was in the seat in front of her. they immediately tried to guilt me into switching seats with the husband so they could sit next to each other. They even pointed at the aisle seat in front of me as if to say that was his seat. When I pressed further, they admitted he was in the middle seat in front of her. 

I politely shot them down and was thinking in my head "fock off with that BS". 

I didn't pay extra to pick my seat months in advance but I did intentionally check in as soon as the 24 hour window opened to switch to an open aisle seat. I'm 6'2 with long legs. Gotta be able to stretch them out occasionally, especially on an 8 hour flight. 

If you need to sit next to your husband/wife, pay the extra and choose your seats  

Agreed, hate that sh1t where people try to make their own poor planning your problem 

[TimHauck 2,621]

Just now, WhiteWonder said:

but I would venture to guess that 8/10 people are boarding with a bag that is either somewhat or significantly over the airlines listed dimensions. I've been guilty of it. So yeah, it's great if they add to current bin capacity but current bin capacity is often being taken up by bags that should be checked (and paid for). 

The new bins I’ve seen have the bags go in sideways and can still easily accommodate bags larger than people are supposed to have

[DonS 3,292]

Several years ago I was flying Alaska Airlines from PHX to SEA.  Good god that airline has a gazillion "loyalty" plans that board first.

After waiting for all of those groups to board they then called for people without carry ons to board.  Saw a bunch of fockers with huge bags hustle up to the gate.  I guaran-focking-tee those azzholes didn't shove those bags under their seat.

I cared about overhead space during this time period because my work laptop was chunky as hell and I knew my backpack won't fit under the aisle seats due to the space being extra narrow. 

[WhiteWonder 2,677]

2 minutes ago, TimHauck said:

The new bins I’ve seen have the bags go in sideways and can still easily accommodate bags larger than people are supposed to have

And?

People put bags in wheels first, sideways, whatever way they can. Doesn't change the fact that some people are bringing on bags that are 5 inches taller and wider than a carryon is supposed to be and they are being allowed to do it. every 2-3 people doing that is potentially costing enough space for one more legit sized carry on. 

[Cdub100 3,838]

 

[shadrap 220]

flew on a puddle jumper recently  laid out with 2 seats on one side & 1 across the aisle.  Seats maybe 100 people.  2 hours before the flight I paid an extra $134 to get a window seat with the seat next to me that was empty.  Once everyone seat belted in & stewardess walking to the front a guy hurries up from the back of the plane & takes the seat next to me.  Trust me it was not his seat.  Big guy too.  I didn't say anything but seethed the whole fricking flight.  some people are just dooches.

[IGotWorms 4,057]

2 minutes ago, shadrap said:

flew on a puddle jumper recently  laid out with 2 seats on one side & 1 across the aisle.  Seats maybe 100 people.  2 hours before the flight I paid an extra $134 to get a window seat with the seat next to me that was empty.  Once everyone seat belted in & stewardess walking to the front a guy hurries up from the back of the plane & takes the seat next to me.  Trust me it was not his seat.  Big guy too.  I didn't say anything but seethed the whole fricking flight.  some people are just dooches.

You can’t pick based on a supposedly empty seat by you. There is always a significant chance of somebody getting it last minute, or a standby passenger, or somebody just taking it like that guy did. You pick based on the merits of the particular seat itself 

[Cdub100 3,838]

I don't give a crap about boarding the plane it's deplaning where I get frustrated. 

 

 

[WhiteWonder 2,677]

Just now, shadrap said:

flew on a puddle jumper recently  laid out with 2 seats on one side & 1 across the aisle.  Seats maybe 100 people.  2 hours before the flight I paid an extra $134 to get a window seat with the seat next to me that was empty.  Once everyone seat belted in & stewardess walking to the front a guy hurries up from the back of the plane & takes the seat next to me.  Trust me it was not his seat.  Big guy too.  I didn't say anything but seethed the whole fricking flight.  some people are just dooches.

that's on you. You should have told him you paid for both seats but your friend or significant other had an emergency, go back to his seat, thanks. 

people were doing that on my half full NY to Toronto flight. 

 

earlier this year I was on a flight from madrid to germany, like 6 am. maybe 25% full. I had the whole row to myself but when I checked in to get my boarding pass (I had to get a physical one for some reason) they made me check my carry on because they felt my backpack was too big to be a personal item. They didn't charge me but I thought it was funny seeing as how no one was on the plane. 

[TheNewGirl 1,348]

43 minutes ago, jerryskids said:

 

My wife is small so usually gets the middle to my aisle, which I prefer for the same reasons you mention.  

I will always take aisle if I am by myself, but yes, Lurch gets the aisle. For obvious reasons. 

[IGotWorms 4,057]

2 minutes ago, TheNewGirl said:

I will always take aisle if I am by myself, but yes, Lurch gets the aisle. For obvious reasons. 

[Patented Phil 1,469]

And how about this?  When deplaning, wait your focking turn?  That part always goes from front to back - without exception.

[Mike Hunt 261]

6 hours ago, MLCKAA said:

Apparently they’re going to start letting window seat passengers board first.  People are upset about this.

Ive always thought airlines should call everyone without a carry-on bag first.

I always want to be the last one on.  Being the first sucks as you have to wait and have a bozos shuffle by looking for their seats and jamming stuff in the overheads.

[thegeneral 2,913]

1 minute ago, Mike Hunt said:

I always want to be the last one on.  Being the first sucks as you have to wait and have a bozos shuffle by looking for their seats and jamming stuff in the overheads.

If you don’t have a bag to get in overhead last is fine.

[Patented Phil 1,469]

Also, if you are going to bring food on the plane, make sure it doesn't stink.

[Cdub100 3,838]

7 minutes ago, Patented Phil said:

And how about this?  When deplaning, wait your focking turn?  That part always goes from front to back - without exception.

When is it my turn? Once the plane lands and the seatbelt sign is off, if I'm in the aisle seat, I'm standing and getting my sh1t together. If the pathway is clear to exit I'm out or should I wait for the moron who sat there the whole time  waiting for the path to clear before starting to get their bags together?

[IGotWorms 4,057]

4 minutes ago, Cdub100 said:

When is it my turn? Once the plane lands and the seatbelt sign is off, if I'm in the aisle seat, I'm standing and getting my sh1t together. If the pathway is clear to exit I'm out or should I wait for the moron who sat there the whole time  waiting for the path to clear before starting to get their bags together?

Yes, you have to wait, and you’re an assh0le if you don’t.

Only exception would be if it was actually their turn to get off, and they didn’t move with purpose at that point. Assuming they aren’t elderly or disabled or don’t have a bunch of little kids or whatever  

[GutterBoy 2,898]

1 minute ago, IGotWorms said:

Yes, you have to wait, and you’re an assh0le if you don’t.

Only exception would be if it was actually their turn to get off, and they didn’t move with purpose at that point. Assuming they aren’t elderly or disabled or don’t have a bunch of little kids or whatever  

In which case you gesture for them to go before you, if they decline, then you exit 

[thegeneral 2,913]

1 hour ago, Cdub100 said:

When is it my turn? Once the plane lands and the seatbelt sign is off, if I'm in the aisle seat, I'm standing and getting my sh1t together. If the pathway is clear to exit I'm out or should I wait for the moron who sat there the whole time  waiting for the path to clear before starting to get their bags together?

Standing up and getting stuff is good for sure…creeping forward not so much. It’s a delicate dance!

[TimHauck 2,621]

58 minutes ago, WhiteWonder said:

And?

People put bags in wheels first, sideways, whatever way they can. Doesn't change the fact that some people are bringing on bags that are 5 inches taller and wider than a carryon is supposed to be and they are being allowed to do it. every 2-3 people doing that is potentially costing enough space for one more legit sized carry on. 

Recent flights I’ve been on (American), the flight attendants have been rearranging them.

Some of the bins now look something like this:

 

 

[Patented Phil 1,469]

I do a lot of last minute business travel where I have to book a flight days or even hours beforehand.  This means that I often get assigned to the last boarding group.  It also means that there's a good likelihood that I may be asked to "check" my bag at the gate when the overhead storage bins start to fill up.  The last time this happened, it went something like this:

- As I'm scanning my boarding pass, the ticket lady at the gate gets a call from the crew - "Hey, start checking bags because the bins are starting to fill up."  

- Ticket lady - "Sir, I'm going to need you to check your bag.  Please leave it at the end of the sky-bridge".

- Me - "I'd rather not.  This flight is already behind schedule (due to their own incompetence btw) and I have a connecting flight with a very tight time-frame."

- Ticket lady - "Your bag will be waiting for you right when you get off the plane."

- Me - "No, I fly all the time and that never happens.  There is always a wait."

- Ticket lady - "Well I'm sorry, but there is no room for any more bags on the flight."

- Me - "Can I check and make sure?  The lady who just called said they were 'starting to fill up'.  Can I give it a shot?  If there's no room I'll check it then?"

- Ticket lady - "No.  Check your bag or take another flight."

So I check the bag, leave it at the end of the sky-bridge, walk to my seat at the back of the place, where I see about 3 overhead bins fully empty.  I curse under my breath.  I get to my destination, deplane, and wait about 10 minutes for my bag to get dropped off at the end of the sky-bridge with 2 other passengers.  We soon realize that our bags aren't going to be dropped off.  I go to the nearest counter and ask why the bag hasn't been dropped off.  The lady tells me that at this airport ALL checked bags - even those checked at the gate - are delivered to the general baggage claim area.  So I walk down there and wait about 30 minutes for my bag to get spit out.  I miss my connecting flight.

 

[Patented Phil 1,469]

18 minutes ago, IGotWorms said:

Yes, you have to wait, and you’re an assh0le if you don’t.

Only exception would be if it was actually their turn to get off, and they didn’t move with purpose at that point. Assuming they aren’t elderly or disabled or don’t have a bunch of little kids or whatever  

This.

[WhiteWonder 2,677]

7 minutes ago, TimHauck said:

Recent flights I’ve been on (American), the flight attendants have been rearranging them.

Some of the bins now look something like this:

 

 

you're still completely missing my point. That picture is a great illustration IF people follow the airline's guideline for carryon size. Most people do not (especially for international travel). So when people have carryon luggage that is 5+ inches taller than guidelines, how will it fit in that picture above so that the bin can be closed? Since the airlines are allowing these bags on board, the flight attendants then do what they must to fit the bag which often means flat or on its side but length wise rather than wheels first. 

I'm all for larger overhead bins but the reality is that its only helping a problem that the airlines could address by doing a bit better job policing oversized carry-ons. 

[Hardcore troubadour 14,943]

1 hour ago, Hardcore troubadour said:

In the interest of equity, shouldn’t POC, lgbtq and other marginalized communities be given preference? Good enough for college admissions, jobs, Supreme Court appointments and being VP, why not here too? 

What was I thinking? Black people cant get ID so they can’t fly in the first place.  Never mind.