Surreal priority boarding experience

[N860CR]

Ah, no - the question needs to be much more specific. Everyone will answer yes to that question

On the spot, I wouldn't think so. If Mr & Mrs No-Status approach the line and get asked a question they don't understand I'm pretty sure they're more likely to look dumb and pretty than give a definitive "Yes". It's not practical to fire off every single status to each approaching passenger, and if a few sneak through, it's pretty easy to turn them back once they reach the front of the line.

The point is, the line needs to be policed, but it needs to be done tactfully instead of with aggression. To accuse each person who is using the line of breaking the rules is not the way to do it. Over time, when people eventually figure it all out, I'd say the need for any policing will reduce (and any violaters can be sent away as they reach the scanner).

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Never judge a book by it's cover.
I'm with 'greenish'.

A few months ago l was transiting in LHR for a LHR-BUD sector on BA (T5 B).
Priority lane was set up.
Boarding by row + J + OWE/OWS
There was a BA agent at the top of the priority que checking BP's before pax had a chance to jump in.
Worked very well.
I got denied and had to flash my QF card, point to my BP and point to the priority boarding sign.
The BA FA apologised, she said, 'God's it early'. Me; 'No worries.'
It happens, but she was by no means rude or anything.

I don't know about staff ratios between BA + VA, but it worked very well and maybe can be used here on some busy sectors, i.e., SYD/MEL/BNE?


(Sorry for the text size/font - something happened...Mods help please...??)

More mod magic :!:

 

[777]

Never judge a book by it's cover.
I'm with 'greenish'. <snip>
I got denied and had to flash my QF card, point to my BP and point to the priority boarding sign.

Except that Greenish didn't get denied. There was an announcement made as he approached about which lane is which and he assumed he was being singled out. I just think it's a good standard process. I've heard the same announcement and simply thought it was a bloody good idea that they point it out - if the guy in front of me is going to be in the wrong line i want him to be told before he has a 2 minute argument while i'm standing behing him waiting to board.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Not taking sides on the OP, but this is my simple observation......priority lane won't be priority if it isn't policed.

I'm frequently told I look like a bag a cough tied in the middle with a piece of string, so I guess I'll also have to get used to the lecture, but that's OK to me, at least it'll stay priority!

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Except that Greenish didn't get denied. There was an announcement made as he approached about which lane is which and he assumed he was being singled out.

The FA acting rude when they shouldn't have.

He wasn't singled out, he was the only one in the que.

 

[goldfishinabowl]

I would have replied (had I been quick thinking...) "well lucky for me, I'm not a "standard" kind of guy "

 

[markis10]

I hope feedback has been sent to DJ, as with all new procedures there often some refinement needed, as well as the need to revisit staff proficiency.

 

[aurora]

IMHO - greenfish, danielribo and 777 are all correct, to an extent.

absolutely agree that the priority boarding queue needs to be protected, and this is best done by gate staff speaking directly with passengers. i think i'd prefer it, though, if the scenarios ran something like this:

- group of people milling between the two queues, highly likely that not all those in the priority queue should actually be there: "ladies and gentlemen, just a reminder that the general boarding queue is on your right; the priority boarding queue is for the exclusive use of..."

- one or two passengers approaching the boarding gate (as in greenfish's example): question similar to danielribo's, e.g. "hello sir, are you travelling in premium economy today?" (allows for passenger to say "no, but I'm a gold member" etc)

my two cents.

 

[Simsy85]

I'm flying next week....

Half tempted to wear daggy bum looking clothes to see if they pull me up

 

[777]

What I don't get is why it is so hard to simply look at the person, nod or acknowledge that you've heard them and indicate you are in the right line. That's what I've always done and it works fine.

 

[koonyaflyer]

What I don't get is why it is so hard to simply look at the person, nod or acknowledge that you've heard them and indicate you are in the right line. That's what I've always done and it works fine.

777 I cannot agree more. I too have had times when a simple smile from me and an acknowldgement of the "Gate Angel's" comment has been sufficient. It is a bit like a woman nagging, they will keep doing it until they are heard......so sometimes a simple "Yes Dear" is all that is required

 

[Gremlin]

I'm happy that Priority Boarding is (in general) enforced, and usually I think it's managed with dignity (although clearly not on your watch Greenfish).

I'm yet to cop grief using the priority boarding queue, but twice I've been travelling whilst looking like a hobo where I've been "invited" to use the Non-Priority Check In on assumption. The first time I smiled and commented as I placed my Gold card on the desk, "but this is where I always check in." There was a very quick back pedal and a "sorry Mr Gremlin, of course Mr Gremlin". She went on to say that if they don't police the line, it becomes a free for all. I was quite okay with it (and would be very keen to see them continue to police it with vigour)!

The second time I was travelling with Mrs Gremlin and two Junior Gremlins and I got a whole lot of attitude from a Check In Dragon in CBR. No apology and continual rudeness during the whole check in process. I put this down to some people just being plain rude.