One of the most frequent benefits given to status holders or those flying in premium cabins on an airline is priority boarding. That is, skipping the queue of people boarding the flight and being one of the first on the plane. But is that really a benefit, or perhaps more of a hindrance?
Especially when travelling in a cramped seat, I always try to spend as little time as possible sitting in it. Whether that be taking routine walks in-flight or stretching out into the aisle, I try to keep my claustrophobia at bay. It then dawned on me one day as I was guiltily walking past the queues, flashing my frequent flyer card to be the first to board the plane… why? Why should it be a benefit afforded to VIP passengers to spend more time cooped up in your seat, as opposed to in the often airier and more spacious waiting area?
Granted, when I’m flying in First Class, I want to spend all the time possible soaking in the luxury on-board. In fact, I’m never annoyed about a tarmac delay in First; it just means more champagne and canapes! But if I’m not, I really struggle to find any benefit of spending more time on the plane.
To be fair, being a travel blogger, it is often very advantageous from a trip-report point of view to board first so I can take empty pictures of the cabin. However, for a normal passenger, I really wonder why some would queue up for hours just to board first.
final thoughts
Some budget airlines (e.g. RyanAir, EasyJet) even charge extra for priority boarding, though in that case I can understand, as seats aren’t always allocated, so it’s in the customers’ interest to board early and get seats together. But for those travelling in allocated seats, it remains a mystery why you’d want to board first.
Perhaps someone could shed some light below as to why priority boarding is so esteemed in the travel community?
Boarding first? Last? I don’t get it. When I charter a jet I board at my local airport and we leave when I am ready. (Yeah, of course I’m lying now but when I win the lottery . . . a rich fantasy life).
I always wonder when I see people referring to their fellow travelers as “gate lice.” How crude; must be the same people who think the world revolves around them. Sure, there are plenty of passengers who are new at flying, or inexperienced, and we have to deal with their delays with the process. But the idea that they are somehow “less” than us – well, I just suggest rather than be a smart ass with a cute saying, how about learning to live with others and have a little more respect.
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I find it relaxing to have the entire airport experience over and done with and to be on board the flight. All the stress is now gone and it’s time to fly. I like boarding first, and sitting down and being ready to go. Airports generally annoy me – thank god for airline lounges!!
Boarding early on Southwest , especially in an aisle seat, often results in being bashed by luggage from inconsiderate passengers.
I scratch my head over this a lot. I generally fly Delta and with Diamond status it’s a non-issue but I always question why anyone would pay a premium just for early boarding. Most priority boarding loads with the second or (more typically) third group (not counting pre-boards which are approaching half the passengers these days). Bag space is the ONLY reason I can think of. In that scenario you end up paying more to carry your bag than to check it so the only benefit is whatever time that saves you.
Would I rather spend my time fighting gate lice to get into a cramped seat, or spend it in the lounge? Tough call.
Carry-on luggage is the reason. If no carry-on always board last and just pick a good open row in the back.
Pseudo Advantage at best. Cabin Space is a real issue and of course not having to gate check your bag..