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Question in the reader mailbag:

Why is that that whenever I’m flying, no matter where I’m going, what airline I’m on, or who paid for the ticket, I always end up designated in the very last group to board the plane? It never fails that I’m in the last group called, no matter how many groups there may be. What does this say about either my worth as a customer or as a human being? What are the arcane logarithms that determine who ends up in what boarding group?
– Completely Reamed And Manipulated Passenger in Seattle

Dear C.R.A.M.P. in Seattle, (intentional or coincidental anagram, by the way?)

I feel your pain. While boarding early and spending an extra 20 minutes in a narrow seat is no picnic, boarding late is even worse, especially if you are carrying on rather than checking in your luggage. The earlier you board, the earlier you are able to stow your stuff near your seat in the precious overhead bins.

It used to be that passengers were boarded by row, but nowadays, “seating areas,” “boarding groups,” or “zones” are more common. However, each airline has its own rules regarding boarding, as well as its own seating area numbering logic. In general, the first zone to be called consists of elite-level frequent flyers. Early boarding is generally a published benefit of the status.

For example, USAirways seats their top frequent flyers, along with Star Alliance Gold elites from partner airlines, in seating area 1. Star Alliance Silver elites are relegated to seating area 2. The masses are relegated to seating areas 3 through 5.

United puts all the eligible elite flyers in seating area 1. Thereafter, window seats are designated seating area 2, middle seats are 3, and aisles are 4. Flying on United, like the aisle seat, and not an elite? You’ll be the last group to board. This process (called “WilMA,” presumably for Window Middle Aisle) is meant to speed up boarding so the people at the window move right in to their seats and unblock the aisle. Delta is supposedly instituting a similar policy soon. Does it work? Opinions vary.

Southwest is notable for its open seating policy, but they too have seating areas, designated by the letters. Since there are no assigned seats, it’s even more important to get the coveted seating area A. The earlier you check in, the better your seating area. Therefore, check in online as early as you can, 24 hours before takeoff if possible, to assure a boarding pass in “A.”

Jetstar of Australia similarly offers three zones — orange for passengers requiring assistance, blue for the early check-ins, and silver for the rest. I like how “silver,” which sounds more prestigious than “orange,” is actually last to board…

Other airlines print a seating area on the boarding pass and then proceed to ignore it. Lufthansa has “zones” on their boarding passes, but I have yet to see a boarding call by zone.

In any case, the bottom line is, if you want to board earlier consistently, the only guarantee is to attain elite status within an alliance. Failing that, check in as early as possible. It’s no guarantee, but it improves your odds.

tags: travel | air travel