Zone 1…now boarding.
Everyone who has travelled by plane has heard some variation of these words. Of course 
it makes sense to board those seated in first-class first, and then work our way to the back of the plane. But if we really think about it, does that really make sense? Is that the most efficient way to load a plane? Personally, I don’t think so.
I’m sure most of you have experienced the long line in the aisle waiting for people to put
their bags in the overhead compartments and watching them squeeze into their seats. Only then can you inch your way by. Slowly, but surely, you’ll make it to your seat because there’s no way that plane is taking off without all passengers seated with their seat belts on, with their tray tables up, and with their chairs in an upright position. If you’re lucky enough to be first-class, then you probably haven’t experienced waiting in that line, but I’m sure you’ve accidentally gotten hit by bags on more than several occasions. Trust me on this one; no one likes hitting people with their bags as much as people don’t like getting hit by bags. Hmmm…if only there was a way in which this problem could drastically decrease.
Would it really be that crazy to board the plane from back to front? I feel like most issues would be eliminated if this became the standard procedure. Boarding would be quicker and more efficient! I know, I know. What about the first-class individuals? I understand they pay more for their ticket, but honestly, who wants to be on a plane any longer than they actually have to? If this got put into effect, first-class would technically have more time to catch the plane, leaving time for essential things, such as last minute packing, or an emergency trip to the bathroom. Imagine all the snacks you* could grab or the meals you* could enjoy. You’d* get all this extra time most people would kill for! Then you’d* mosey on over and you’d* get on the plane and then it’d be time to leave. How cool would that be? Like the plane was waiting just for YOU*! I know I’m being a bit dramatic here. There wouldn’t be THAT much of a time delay, but hey, all those things are possible!
{*Would apply to first-class passengers only.}
Maybe I’m missing something here, and I’d love for anyone to enlighten me. Share with me your thoughts on how planes are boarded. Do you think it’s fine the way it is? Or is there a better way? Let me know in the comments!
YES! Always seems to be so inefficient but now the trend is to give prirority to people with credit cards, or rewards levels. I have a delta credit card, so i always get zone 1 no matter where I am sitting. I guess because you are fighting for over head space, its advantageous to board early. I went on a recent flight from JFK to Milian on Emirates and it was just a herd of cattle getting on the plane no organization at all!
I guess that makes sense about the overhead space. I just usually hope to check my bag for free at the gate, as they are always in need of people to do so. I didn’t realize special cards received priority, regardless of seat location. That’s pretty interesting!
I completely agree with this! It’s never made any sense to go from front to back. And if anything, the first class boarders have more time to sit at the gate and relax, and have less time sitting on the plane waiting for it to take off.
Exactly! I’d really like to meet some first-class passengers who would get upset about that. AND they won’t get hit by as many bags! A win-win for all parties involved.
OMG I completely agree and have often wondered this exact same thing!! Obviously its just to logical to do it back to front. Love your blog so much so just hit the follow button 🙂 x
Thank you so much! You just made my day 🙂 And I hope one day this procedure will be implemented. I’m sure everyone as a whole will be happier!
Totally agree! I fly for work all the time and there’s all this obsession about boarding via class and status! it takes forever and it’s so inefficient!
I can only imagine your frustration. I fly, but probably not as much as you. I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one that thinks it’s ridiculous. In my opinion, more people would be for effective and efficient boarding!
Very topical considering current news about United Airlines!
Watching the video made me very upset. I cannot even imagine being put in a position like that!
I just watched a YouTube video on the economics of how plane seating is arranged, and it blew my mind – especially this one tidbit that I think you’ll find interesting, too! Apparently, the reason why budget airlines (like Southwest, for example) don’t have seating plans is because the first-come, first-serve approach gives people an incentive to show up to the gate earlier, allowing everyone to board faster so that they can run more flights at cheaper costs!
Oh wow…that is interesting! I didn’t know that. But I would still assume that they select a seat when they check-in? Or they actually select when they walk on the plane? If the latter is the case, I can see that taking a lot longer than assigning seats. I need to look up this video! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Yeah, this week has made it quite evident that things need to change!
Yes, I agree! Although I’m sure it’s a deeper issue than the way the plane is boarded that needs to be addressed.
I completely agree and this thought has come to my mind every time I have tried to make my way through the aisle and to my seat. It will surely be a more efficient, less time consuming and less tiring way of getting everyone on the plane. Hope some airlines are listening (ummm.. reading) this post and good sense prevails! 🙂
Prerna / http://www.prernashighonchai.com
Hahaha I’m right there with you! I have gotten some pretty vicious glares when trying to make it to my seat. As if it’s my fault that I had to board after them. I’m hoping this will eventually change! I think the sooner, the better!