QF's system for priority boarding on domestic flights

[MH_fan]

Recently flew SYD-BNE and the priority boarding system makes no sense to me whatsoever. There's the priority line and the general line. When boarding starts, both lanes commence. Given that now SGs also use the priority lane, the priority lane is even longer than before. I don't understand why the general line starts the same time as the priority line! Only the priority line should go first and once the majority of elites have boarded, then the general line should start. Does it not defeat the purpose of having a priority lane? VA always manage this really well. Surely it can't be that hard!

 

[blackcat20]

For Qantas, yes it is that hard. They need to observe VA for a while to see how it should be done...

 

[Mattg]

For Qantas, yes it is that hard. They need to observe VA for a while to see how it should be done...

Some of QF management should do a "study trip" to the US to observe AA's priority boarding in action. In my opinion it's one of the only things they do well, but they really do do it well.

 

[RooFlyer]

For Qantas, yes it is that hard. They need to observe VA for a while to see how it should be done...

Disagree a bit . Its not that its 'hard'; I believe its more that as an organisation, they simply couldn't care less. Making PB work takes a bit of effort for the staff, and can lead to some aggro from pax, so if no-one makes them enforce it, in general, they don't. If the pax manage to organise themselves, that's a bonus.

 

[blackcat20]

Disagree a bit . Its not that its 'hard'; I believe its more that as an organisation, they simply couldn't care less. Making PB work takes a bit of effort for the staff, and can lead to some aggro from pax, so if no-one makes them enforce it, in general, they don't. If the pax manage to organise themselves, that's a bonus.

More that QF seem to make it that hard

 

[Hvr]

There are so many areas where PB is done well, as mentioned AA does it well. Don't even think about being in the wrong queue on CX and JAL has signs that clearly show when you're boarding.

PB is one of the rewards of status and for domestic flights QF basically fails to deliver. On my recent trip I accidentally got into the wrong line for boarding (MEL-SYD) and still boarded in front of most of the people in that line.

 

[Archphoto]

QF actually has a *system* for domestic Priority Boarding???? (I always thought that was a myth like unicorns and pigs flying.)

On a more serious note, they really should do as others have suggested and take a long, hard look at how their main AU competition does it, along with AA; whilst I agree AA doesn't get a lot right, their approach and implementation of PB is definitely one of the things they do nail and they nail it well.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

To highlight the pb issues, mrs trippin used the business class line with no status +in ey. No issues and waived through. I think the issues may extend back to most Australians having the attitude of 'why are they better than me' whereas it's very normal and accepted in other countries

 

[Chesty]

MH has the worst PB out of KL. It's every man, women and child for themselves.

 

[RichardMEL]

COMMENT: Compared to the previous "zoo" approach the QF "system" is better... but that's not saying much.

I will report though some surprise last Saturday when boarding QF447 (well waiting to) an 332 SYD-MEL, I walked up (from J lounge) to the boarding gate (it was gate 11 IIRC) and in behind the others milling at the PB line as the FA's were at the EGR's and it was clear boarding was about to be called. I will give kudos to the gate agent who was proactive and actually checked some pax milling around in front of me in the PB line and informed them that Y was on the other side and they shuffled off there. I will say i think those pax were there through ignorance rather than a deliberate effort, but I was pleased the agent was proactive in this instance.

 

[MH_fan]

MH has the worst PB out of KL. It's every man, women and child for themselves.

Not just in KL. Basically any Malaysian port. They get it right in every other destination though! Weird. International flights out of KL are better than domestic flights when it comes to priority boarding.

 

[MH_fan]

My beef with QF's priority boarding for domestic flights is that they shouldn't let the general boarding lane start until the priority lane has pretty much finished. That way, they really only need one staff member to board the passengers. It could save them money by doing this!

 

[smit0847]

TG priority boarding is also a complete mess at BKK but thats more to do with the poor design of BKK than staffing

 

[BD1959]

Recently flew SYD-BNE and the priority boarding system makes no sense to me whatsoever. There's the priority line and the general line. When boarding starts, both lanes commence. Given that now SGs also use the priority lane, the priority lane is even longer than before. I don't understand why the general line starts the same time as the priority line! Only the priority line should go first and once the majority of elites have boarded, then the general line should start. Does it not defeat the purpose of having a priority lane? VA always manage this really well. Surely it can't be that hard!

To paraphrase my mother: don't play with this too long, you'll go mad!!

... move on to something on which you can make a difference ....

Regards,

BD

 

[wanderer_au]

I have a confession to make. I think priority boarding for a domestic flight, say between SYD-MEL or SYD-CBR is slightly ridiculous. Besides, proper gentlefolk (of either gender) would go out of their way to help those needing help boarding anyway. The idea that an elderly person needing assistance should wait while I proceed down an airbridge strikes me as odd.

 

[BD1959]

I have a confession to make. I think priority boarding for a domestic flight, say between SYD-MEL or SYD-CBR is slightly ridiculous. Besides, proper gentlefolk (of either gender) would go out of their way to help those needing help boarding anyway. The idea that an elderly person needing assistance should wait while I proceed down an airbridge strikes me as odd.

"Real PB" would ensure that needy are seated prior to J/plats/gold. To QF's - and most carriers - credit, I've yet to see someone with "special needs" turned away from being boarded before others (including when I've travelled with a friend with CP).

Regards,

BD

 

[featheast]

Flew with Cathay Pacific last two weeks, flight out of MEL boarding was a mess, there was no rules at all. While at HKG, things worked like a charm, F/J with Platinum first, Gold/Silver/Marco Polo second, and after the first two was the general boarding (Infants were actually grouped in the last one)

 

[medhead]

My beef with QF's priority boarding for domestic flights is that they shouldn't let the general boarding lane start until the priority lane has pretty much finished. That way, they really only need one staff member to board the passengers. It could save them money by doing this!

There seems to be some difficulty conceptualising how one person can process 2 lines based on reports of staff refusing PB because there is only one person doing the scanning.

I have a confession to make. I think priority boarding for a domestic flight, say between SYD-MEL or SYD-CBR is slightly ridiculous. Besides, proper gentlefolk (of either gender) would go out of their way to help those needing help boarding anyway. The idea that an elderly person needing assistance should wait while I proceed down an airbridge strikes me as odd.

I almost always see that people requiring assistance are boarded first, before anyone. I don't believe they are made to wait as a general rule.

 

[Dr_Fliptop]

Unless I know there will be a glass of champers waiting for me on the plane - I'm in no hurry to board! Might as well chill out in a less cramped environment for as long as possible...

 

[miggidy]

This is the most frustrating thing with Qantas. AA Domestic do this great and Qantas can learn a thing or two. I don't think VA do it as well as AA but better than Qantas. International is a different story.

My wife and I are WP and I would have thought status and a Business class ticket mean I can board first and get comfortable before my flight.

I hope somebody is taking notes....