Priority boarding on QF domestic - what is the story?

[kermatu]

I'm still stunned that a whole new 'system' has to be rolled out 'in a few months' just to get PB right. An existing benefit, that most airlines seem to manage just fine. Wow.

 

[kermatu]

What is the official rule if you are travelling with (same PNR) as a non status pax, e.g. Plat and Silver. Can you ‘guest’ the silver into the PB lane? Especially if sitting together?

VA allow it, QF allow it - so assuming offically it’s ok?

This was asked some time back and -- I must say a bit to my surprise -- very clear answers came back that only one member of a travelling 'party' needs to have status to allow pax into a particular queue, irrespective of PNR (as who is going to check that in a boarding queue).

 

[Pleb Status]

So is the suggestion that the entire story about a new process being rolled out nation wide something just made up to appease me?

80% Yes and 20% No.

All lies (particularly in a business sense) should be based on some amount of truth.

I doubt anyone you would be able to speak to in PER would have any clue on what is being discussed in Mascot.

I recall being told something similar about PB by the P1 SST a few years ago and nothing changed....

 

[Pushka]

The priority boarding is such a simple thing to police and would have immediate impact. As soon it was noticed that checking the correct lane was being used, the ones in that PB knowing they shouldn’t be would move along. Leaving only those who are clueless. Then they would eventually be moved along.

 

[wannabeinvestmentbanker]

The priority boarding is such a simple thing to police and would have immediate impact. As soon it was noticed that checking the correct lane was being used, the ones in that PB knowing they shouldn’t be would move along. Leaving only those who are clueless. Then they would eventually be moved along.

I don't think policing is actually the issue. The real issue is just processing the PB lane first or at least allow 20 pax through before kicking off general. Although if only premium lanes are being weighed I don't mind having both at once as an insurance policy.

 

[Pushka]

I don't think policing is actually the issue. The real issue is just processing the PB lane first or at least allow 20 pax through before kicking off general. Although if only premium lanes are being weighed I don't mind having both at once as an insurance policy.

True but that is a whole new world for Australian passengers. I think policing would be a start.

 

[Danger]

I'm still stunned that a whole new 'system' has to be rolled out 'in a few months' just to get PB right. An existing benefit, that most airlines seem to manage just fine. Wow.

Remember this is the airline that saw fit to manufacture massive priority boarding signs on wheels, when countless other airlines manage the process at what must be a fraction of the cost with signs a fraction of the size. No wonder award fees are so high: They need the money to pay a global consultancy firm to reinvent the wheel every time they want to do something.

 

[Pushka]

Remember this is the airline that saw fit to manufacture massive priority boarding signs on wheels, when countless other airlines manage the process at what must be a fraction of the cost with signs a fraction of the size. No wonder award fees are so high: They need the money to pay a global consultancy firm to reinvent the wheel every time they want to do something.

It’s all about the announcements though isn’t it.

 

[kermatu]

It’s all about the announcements though isn’t it.

And usually months if not years before anything even starts (new lounges, refurbs of planes and lounges etc etc).

 

[Hvr]

Well it worked this morning at MEL on the first plane to SYD. I was about #10 in the PB line and the line cleared quickly with only PB pax being scanned.

The first person in the regular line didn't look happy.

 

[serfty]

The first person in the regular line didn't look happy.

That points to a reason having FA's do the BP scans can cause PB failure. The FA's then have to travel with the PAX who didn't look happy.

 

[Mr_Orange]

That points to a reason having FA's do the BP scans can cause PB failure. The FA's then have to travel with the PAX who didn't look happy.

Needs to have a spoonful of concrete and harden the cough* up. PB exists, either qualify for it, or suck it up in line. FAs should not be frightened by grumpy, self-entitled pax.

 

[sudoer]

It would not surprise me if they were entitled to PB but queued in the regular lane because Qantas consistently serves both lanes simultaneously, and the lane was empty when they arrived. Obviously they shouldn't expect to be boarded at the same time from the regular lane, but there is also something to be said for Qantas' own inconsistency here.

 

[hossein_au]

That points to a reason having FA's do the BP scans can cause PB failure. The FA's then have to travel with the PAX who didn't look happy.

Communication is the key; VA clearly announces "general boarding will commence soon" followed by inviting eligible members to use the priority lane. QF generally announces the commencement of boarding and then followed by some blurb about the left and right lanes (by which time people have started herding towards the boarding gate and no attention is paid any further 'noise').

 

[Quickstatus]

I reckon it should be changed

1st call: disabled, small children and parents
2nd call: CL/P1/WP/F
3rd call: J/SG
4th call: seat rows

You were not there for the call?. Too bad, get in the line for highest call currently being announced.

 

[mrsterryn]

Priority boarding is important because of overhead storage ?

 

[Flying mermaid]

Priority boarding is important because of overhead storage ?

which is why we only travel with hand luggage that can be stored under the seat in front and also avoid exit rows and bulkheads - then it no longer matters

 

[mrsterryn]

which is why we only travel with hand luggage that can be stored under the seat in front and also avoid exit rows and bulkheads - then it no longer matters

I am just a bit confused why it is important.
We have allocated seats

 

[Quickstatus]

Priority boarding is important because of overhead storage ?

... in Y

 

[Flying mermaid]

I am just a bit confused why it is important.
We have allocated seats

I think it is partly the issue with overhead space and also that people feel if something is offered it should be done properly. I get my knickers in a twist over priority luggage