United Airlines Is Changing The Way We Board Flights, It Makes A Lot Of Sense!
All aboard! Not so fast
If you have flown lately, then you are very much aware that the boarding process is the absolute worst. You have to wait in lines from A-to D, then you have to get in the correct seat number slot from 1-60 and just hope that you have a seat left that isn’t in the rear of the plane nearest the bathroom. Well, good news is on the way from United Airlines. They have announced that they are changing the way we board flights and it makes a lot of sense.
What took so long?
The gate experience has been a “blank show” for quite a while. You hear the boarding announcement for your flight, then listen to the gate captain announce that will be boarding momentarily. If you’re a member in good standing of the airline’s Medallion or Safire Club or are holding a first class ticket, then congrats because you will be boarding first, followed by families traveling with small children and then active military. Everybody else? Take a seat till we call your section!
Now these are really friendly skies!
In what some might see as an obvious move, United Airlines is making what media outlets are painting as a big change to its boarding process: Passengers with window seats will board first. Well, they’ll still board after everyone who is allowed to pre-board, plus all the fancy passengers (business class, first class, certain credit card holders, et cetera). But they’ll board before those with middle or aisle seats (as will those in exit rows), the New York Times reports.
The process is for some reason referred to as WILMA for “window, middle, aisle,” because after the window seat holders, it’s the middle seat sitters who board next, followed by those in the aisle seats. The final group allowed to board the plane will be those in basic economy, a fare type that does not include a carry-on bag, or anyone without a boarding group listed on their boarding pass, Travel + Leisure reports.
Makes sense to me, how about you?
I like this process for a lot of reasons. first it’s smart to load the window rows first. This way the person doesn’t have to crawl over the aisle and middle person to get to their seat. It only makes me wonder how long it will be before the other airlines catch on and start charging a premium for the window and aisle seats? One thing is for sure, they will find a way to squeeze more bucks out of you not having to squeeze into your window seat anymore.
The 7 Most Annoying Things You Can Do On A Plane
7. Asking someone to switch seats.
31% would be annoyed, no matter the reason. But especially if their seat is better than yours. This happens a lot and it can be very annoying. If you wanted to fly together, book it together!
6. Hogging both armrests.
Just under a third said you shouldn’t be hogging both, even if you’re in the middle seat. It’s the battle of the arm rests and it is never enjoyable for anyone to feel squeezed out.
5. Reclining your seat
Around a third think it’s inconsiderate and unacceptable. This can be a very rude thing to do. Nobody wants to sit behind the person that reclines all the way back as soon as we reach 10,000 feet. Especially if it’s a long flight.
4. Taking your shoes and socks off
35% will judge you for it. That’s even if your feet somehow smell great. I’m surprised this number is only 35%. Let’s all agree to leave our shoes on if it’s a problem get more comfortable shoes.
3. Unwanted conversation
Close to 40% hate it when the person next to them won’t shut up. This is a problem especially if you were in a long flight. Remember good ear phones make good neighbors.
(TIE) 1. Using your speakerphone.
This is annoying anywhere, let alone 35,000 feet in the air when there is no escaping. This usually happens after landing when somebody is either looking for a ride or letting a family member know that they have landed. All things we can do through a quiet text.
(TIE) 1. Personal grooming.
Like cutting your nails, painting your nails, or trimming your beard in your seat. How is this even a concept what would possess somebody to trim or paint their nails on a flight? If your nails are in need of attention, perhaps you can take care of that at your destination. Please.
