Priority boarding on QF domestic - what is the story?

[simongr]

I think it is different to check in etc. given the immediacy of boarding - just feels like more of an "abuse" - esp. when not seated together.

 

[JohnPhelan]

I think it is different to check in etc. given the immediacy of boarding - just feels like more of an "abuse" - esp. when not seated together.

Agree. You can guest someone into the lounge, but I don't think you should be able to guest them into the Premium Boarding queue!

 

[simongr]

If you could I can imagine some here would do it to randoms o get back at QF for the removal of ATA...

 

[medhead]

If you could I can imagine some here would do it to randoms o get back at QF for the removal of ATA...

That's a bit of an inflammatory statement. Just to indulge this line of reasoning; how would that get back for removing ATA?


Sent from my iPhone using Aust Freq Fly app so please excuse the lack of links.

 

[simongr]

That's a bit of an inflammatory statement. Just to indulge this line of reasoning; how would that get back for removing ATA?

I was just joking medhead. I don't know how it would actually get back at QF but I do recall some members saying that they would guest randoms into the lounge after the elimination of ATA to spite QF.

 

[medhead]

I was just joking medhead. I don't know how it would actually get back at QF but I do recall some members saying that they would guest randoms into the lounge after the elimination of ATA to spite QF.

I know you were joking. Guilty conscience on my part maybe. I've tried guesting randoms a couple of times and I mostly get looked at like I'm a dirty perv or something.


Sent from my iPhone using Aust Freq Fly app so please excuse the lack of links.

 

[Stephen65]

So clearly room for SG/OWS pax then?

We had left the QP at the first call because I wanted to see priority boarding in action so most of the J/WPs were probably still up in the QP. The J section was almost full on the flight plus there must have been some WPs in the exit rows of cattle class.

 

[JohnPhelan]

I've tried guesting randoms a couple of times and I mostly get looked at like I'm a dirty perv or something.

By the lounge staff or the randoms??

 

[dfcatch]

What time are you flying on Thursday? I was doing BNE-MEL on QF615 but now doing BNE-CBR on QF957 at 1410.

I'm 14:05 out of BNE on Thursday - let's see if they offer it.......

 

[frankxinyu]

What time are you flying on Thursday? I was doing BNE-MEL on QF615 but now doing BNE-CBR on QF957 at 1410.

im on QF619, 11.55am departure.

 

[jim001]

Mixed reaction to my first domestic priority/premium boarding today, but overall very happy. I left the BNE lounge for qf549 to SYD a coupla minutes early (as I usually do) for a late running service (weather, me thinks). On the way, I heard the general boarding call, as well as a new 'business & OWE/platinum can board via the premium boarding lane on the right hand side' spiel - very nice to hear! Anyway, as I approached, I saw a chockas left hand lane and a clear/empty right hand lane (this was a full 737) except for some lady standing (blocking, looking confused) at the start of it. Anyway, the crew called her forward (I was within about 5 meters, and approaching fast), and about 10 passengers followed her promptly from the left lane, meaning I had to wait at least a minute! Was nice to get ahead of the majority of the line though!

I think it seems quite well implemented (signage/announcements) and that 'others' seem to be cooperating, but may need a little work, where they merge the 2 lines at the BP reader. Obviously, if there's no premium members in the lane, they need to keep processing the 'long' line, but without blocking it if eligible folk turn up.

JIM001

 

[medhead]

Complete mess tonight at gate 9 T3 SYD. Attempted per-boarding call but the stampede had already started. Probably not helped by the 25 minute delay.

 

[Simo]

Complete mess tonight at gate 9 T3 SYD. Attempted per-boarding call but the stampede had already started. Probably not helped by the 25 minute delay.

IMO this should not happen as the signage is now in position so the FA's should direct all paxs that aren't allowed PB to the normal line.

They have a person in check in areas to make sure this happens why not upstairs.

 

[jim001]

Complete mess tonight at gate 9 T3 SYD. Attempted per-boarding call but the stampede had already started. Probably not helped by the 25 minute delay.

Hi Medhead, I thought 'premium' boarding hadn't started yet at SYD? I'm looking forward to it coming soon!

JIM001

 

[jim001]

Complete mess tonight at gate 9 T3 SYD. Attempted per-boarding call but the stampede had already started. Probably not helped by the 25 minute delay.

IMO this should not happen as the signage is now in position so the FA's should direct all paxs that aren't allowed PB to the normal line.

They have a person in check in areas to make sure this happens why not upstairs.

Hi Simo, BNE did have an extra person at boarding (I.e. 3 crew) but I don't think they knew what they were doing. Maybe they should have stood at the start of the line to direct traffic. Instead, they were handing out headphones (& calling people from the other line ). BTW, the same person gave the emergency exit announcement & obviously hadn't done it many times before (nothing wrong with that, everyone has to learn sometime). Was also a shambles inflight, but that's for another time!

JIM001

 

[medhead]

IMO this should not happen as the signage is now in position so the FA's should direct all paxs that aren't allowed PB to the normal line.

They have a person in check in areas to make sure this happens why not upstairs.

Hi Medhead, I thought 'premium' boarding hadn't started yet at SYD? I'm looking forward to it coming soon!

JIM001

No it hasn't started in SYD yet, pretty sure it is 5 Dec, or something. I was just observing that they tried the old system of a pre-boarding call and it was a total failure! Still! But points for effort. I almost asked why they don't control this better, but left it due to the impending change.

 

[Simo]

TMK i thought it was Nov 28 but was it delayed in SYD.

I would have thought SYD would have it before everyone else...

Is there a actually role out schedule????

Or is that a closely guarded secret!!!!

 

[nlagalle]

TMK i thought it was Nov 28 but was it delayed in SYD.

I would have thought SYD would have it before everyone else...

Is there a actually role out schedule????

Or is that a closely guarded secret!!!!

No secret - was posted several pages back:

#1128

 

[Simo]

Domestic Priority Boarding has had a lot of commentary and feedback on AFF for some time now and I know you are all keen for an update.

As you know we started a trial in August in Sydney and I can now happily say that we will be enhancing our Domestic Priority Boarding by providing a dedicated premium boarding lane for Platinum, Platinum One, and oneworld Emerald members and Business class customers at major Cityflyer ports in the next few weeks.
I know that you are all hot on this so I have included exact implementation dates but they could change by a few days.

- Perth (21 November 2011)
- Brisbane (28 November 2011)
- Sydney (5 December 2011)
- Melbourne (12 December 2011)

Discussions are underway with airport authorities in other ports to see if it can be rolled out further.

Do let me know if you have any feedback once it is implemented.

Cheers,
Red Roo

P.S. Off to the Platinum One event now. Any questions will have to wait till the morning

Found it...

I wonder when other capital city airports will have priority boarding.

Thanks Simo

 

[JohnM]

As per other benefits(such as check in, lounge acces etc), I would think that you would be able to board together.

I agree, particularly if it is a family group.

I've recently completed a DONEx travelling part the way with PartnerJohnM and/or PartnerJohnM's offspring who were all in Y or on a LONEx. OK, it was international out of Australia but I shepherded them into the PB lane with me for QF, AA, BA, IB, CX all without any issue. (Always made sure that I held all BPs/passports and mine was on top ).

I regard it as somewhat similar to checking in at the F desk - why would you send part of your family into the Y checkin to emerge much later than you? It would intolerably delay getting into the F lounge and into the champagne :mrgreen:.