Qantas to Introduce Group Boarding and Bag Tracking

[exceladdict]

On a recent 6.15am PER-PHE flight, boarding was via the ground (as in not at a aerobridge). The monitors said boarding at 5.55am. The boarding pass said boarding at 6am. The flight was called at 5.52am. At 5.54am, the app said boarding had commenced. At 6am, I'm paged as "failed to board" passenger and "offloading procedures have commenced".

When did you get to the gate?

This is what frustrates me about early boarding, most people (including myself) are very glad to for anything reasonable that encourages leaving on time but off boarding a passenger at the start of the set boarding time is not okay.

 

[DC3]

I just checked in for a BNE-SYD flight tomorrow. My Teen (LTS) got group 1 along with me (WP).

Same PNR may have had something to do with it, perhaps? Then again, who knows?

 

[VHOEJ]

If they are going to board 10 mins earlier, reflect that on your boarding pass and the FIDS board. That is clearly part of the strategy to get everyone board to depart on time

 

[dairyfloss]

Same PNR may have had something to do with it, perhaps? Then again, who knows?

Yes - the group for the highest status pax is shared for all on their booking (as well as any TCP linked bookings)

 

[Danger]

When did you get to the gate?

This is what frustrates me about early boarding, most people (including myself) are very glad to for anything reasonable that encourages leaving on time but off boarding a passenger at the start of the set boarding time is not okay.

I got to the gate at 6am. I was still about 45 seconds from the gate when I was paged and there was no way I was picking up the pace. I had a polite exchange with the gate agent about the boarding time and closing of boarding which I understand to be 10 minutes out. She replied, 'It can vary by aircraft'.

 

[henrus]

I got to the gate at 6am. I was still about 45 seconds from the gate when I was paged and there was no way I was picking up the pace. I had a polite exchange with the gate agent about the boarding time and closing of boarding which I understand to be 10 minutes out. She replied, 'It can vary by aircraft'.

Your original post made me search QF's website far and wide to see when boarding actually closes. It turns out unlike many other airlines around the world which have a published gate closed time instead QF's conditions of carriage state (9.3) you must be at the gate at boarding time.

9.3 Boarding Deadlines​

(a) To help us get your flight away on time, please ensure you are at the boarding gate by the time specified or when boarding for your flight commences.

(c) If you arrive late at the boarding gate through no fault of ours or without your Ticket or Boarding Pass and all necessary travel documents, you may not be allowed to travel and, depending on your Fare Type, your Ticket may be cancelled or you may have to pay a service fee to re-book your flight

Quite frankly I'm a little surprised given the number of times I've sat in QF lounges with final calls etc, but basically if they board early and you're not there by the start of the scheduled then tough luck.

 

[exceladdict]

I got to the gate at 6am. I was still about 45 seconds from the gate when I was paged and there was no way I was picking up the pace. I had a polite exchange with the gate agent about the boarding time and closing of boarding which I understand to be 10 minutes out. She replied, 'It can vary by aircraft'.

I thought it closed 10 minutes out as well!

Your original post made me search QF's website far and wide to see when boarding actually closes. It turns out unlike many other airlines around the world which have a published gate closed time instead QF's conditions of carriage state (9.3) you must be at the gate at boarding time.




Quite frankly I'm a little surprised given the number of times I've sat in QF lounges with final calls etc, but basically if they board early and you're not there by the start of the scheduled then tough luck.

I've certainly considered the time on the screen as the time boarding starts, not finishes. Indeed if that's the case then they need to make boarding calls in the lounge far enough in advance to allow walking time.

 

[tdimdad]

Even more reason to have the "5 mins to boarding" calls.

I haven't monitored how exactly the 'Go to gate' indicators are used. But that would perhaps be the best signal if it can be used right. It often seems to be on very early (15-20 mins) which dilutes the value of it. If it was turned on e.g. 8-10 mins before boarding, you'd know to start moving when it's on - give or take a couple of minutes of idle time at the gate if you were quicker than the process.

 

[openseat]

She replied, 'It can vary by aircraft'.

Of course it is your fault, never theirs.

 

[TheInsider]

Even more reason to have the "5 mins to boarding" calls.

I haven't monitored how exactly the 'Go to gate' indicators are used. But that would perhaps be the best signal if it can be used right. It often seems to be on very early (15-20 mins) which dilutes the value of it. If it was turned on e.g. 8-10 mins before boarding, you'd know to start moving when it's on - give or take a couple of minutes of idle time at the gate if you were quicker than the process.

Go to gate is usually at -35 or -30. I forget which one.

 

[exceladdict]

Even more reason to have the "5 mins to boarding" calls.

I haven't monitored how exactly the 'Go to gate' indicators are used. But that would perhaps be the best signal if it can be used right. It often seems to be on very early (15-20 mins) which dilutes the value of it. If it was turned on e.g. 8-10 mins before boarding, you'd know to start moving when it's on - give or take a couple of minutes of idle time at the gate if you were quicker than the process.

I've ignored go to gate because of past experiences following the advice only to find the inbound aircraft hadn't even arrived by the time boarding was due to start.

 

[baggyred]

Had another few successful experiences - one as Group 1 and another as Group 5

Both scenarios - group boarding was an improvement.

Following on from some commentary about integrating Grop boarding with the lounges - i did provide feedback that the TV screen that highlights the group boarding process - should actually show what the latest group to be called is.

When i was lowly G5 - i noticed a few SGs wandering in from the lounge direct to boarding - but realised their group wasn't ready yet. Not everyone hangs around the departure gate awaiting every call.

Overall though - a successful program

 

[sww199]

For various reasons I had not yet experienced the group boarding phenomenon until very recently at MEL - and all I will say is that from my perspective, it worked perfectly, and is a welcome improvement. Should be rolled out across the entire network. Avoided the hysteria at the gate when general boarding is called, and meant less time spent waiting in lines. Screen very clearly showed which groups were ready to go. Also, as I am only group 2 and my partner group 3, it meant we could walk over from the lounge when boarding was called from within the lounge, and arrive more or less just as they opened our groups, without feeling like it was a rush to get to the gate and join the queue.

 

[TheInsider]

Should be rolled out across the entire network.

As far as I know they are working on international next.

 

[Lynda2475]

As far as I know they are working on international next.

Good news, much needed especially on the UK and US routes.

They ought to update the early boarding policy at the same time. For oldies/disabled that person + 1 adult companion(not 8 other members of their party) and for people with kids to limit it only to only those with under 3's. Sick of seeing people with teenagers say they need to board early.

 

[TheInsider]

Good news, much needed especially on the UK and US routes.

They ought to update the early boarding policy at the same time. For oldies/disabled that person + 1 adult companion(not 8 other members of their party) and for people with kids to limit it only to only those with under 3's. Sick of seeing people with teenagers say they need to board early.

The policy is that people with infants - should be boarding after priority for International. You think any international staff follow it though?

 

[RichardMEL]

They ought to update the early boarding policy at the same time. For oldies/disabled that person + 1 adult companion(not 8 other members of their party) and for people with kids to limit it only to only those with under 3's. Sick of seeing people with teenagers say they need to board early.

Ha!

I just spent the last few weeks flying to and around the USA on UA and AA - both who have employed group boarding for years and it works pretty well...

Except

The pre board for "those with disabilities" I think was having the mickey taken by some. Now before people jump on me I very much know that some disabilities are hidden. I fully understand this. Just some numbers I saw for various flights were stretching my credulity somewhat. Let's not even get to the wheelchair scam running rampant almost as much as the ESA one was a few years ago(and I still saw my share of "support" animals). Incidently I just about could claim the disability thing, but I never have. I reckon if I'm capable to get to the airport and gate under my own steam, I can get on the plane in my group.

I will say this though, the call for famlies with children "under two" is quite specific, so I didn't see a swarm of tweens descend, but still.

Some agents pulled the ultra vague "Those needing more time to board" which could be just about anyone these days, but that thankfully wasn't announced for most flights I was on or saw, and most folks were good about the group system.

Going to have my first QF group board next week.

 

[tdimdad]

The policy is that people with infants - should be boarding after priority for International. You think any international staff follow it though?

An interesting question about following the policy. Many of the agents overseas would have seen pre-boarding groups before priority. From that viewpoint, they might get confused when the Aussies suddenly try to operate in an "illogical way".

While I understand the priority groups, if the pre-boarding is specific and well controlled, I'd rather see that go first.

 

[JIMMYTHEJET]

Though in the last 9 months we have left from a Japanese airport on JAL 8 times. A staff member goes down the Group 1 and 2 lines to check BPs. Anyone not entitled is told to leave the line. Also people trying to preboard when their child is 3 or over are told to board with the group on their BP.

glad everyone getting there status worth.

I flew jal in jan omg the amount of people crowding the bag belt. like they need to understand first class/oneworld emerald bags will come out first lol.

i blame airports for not having enough seating at bag claim anywhere in the world.

 

[JIMMYTHEJET]

im suprised they dont board economy first then tell people in the lounge please start walking down at time they board economy.