Boarding Planes...First or Last???

[rennigade]

For those who havent tried it....do yourself a favor and be the very last person to board the plane!

I never understood why all of those 1st class and business class people love to board first. Do they really think its a perk to be on the plane longer than everyone else?

I no longer carry on suitcases that fit in the overhead. We gladly check our luggage now and carry on a backpack that easily fits under the seat. This way we never have to worry about boarding asap and getting overhead space. We always pack essentials, valuables and an extra outfit or 2 in case our luggage gets lost.

Whats everyone's preference? Boarding first or boarding last?

[bjl584]

I board whenever they call me to board. Most airlines board by zone. Whenever my zone is called I get in line.

I guess I really don't care when I get on the plane, but I do like sitting toward the front of the plane, because it means when we deplane I will be one of the first ones to get off.

[disneysteve]

I board whenever they call me to board. Most airlines board by zone. Whenever my zone is called I get in line.

Same here. It isn't like you have a choice, unless you are flying first class (which I've never done).

Given the option, I'd prefer to board early. It is easier to get on and maneuver down the aisle before the plane is crowded. I'd rather be settled in my seat and getting things arranged the way I want them before everyone starts crowding the aisle.

[bigdaddybus]

The closer I can be to last on/first off the better. I'd rather train or drive than fly, its just not not enjoyable to me so the quicker the better.

[asdf]

I try to fly Southwest as much as possible, and since they have no assigned seating it's in my best interest to board early in order to get a good seat.

[DRILLINDK]

I try to be the last one to board unless I'm flying Southwest. Never understood why everyone is so eager to hurry up and sit on the plane...

[LuckyRobin]

We usually board first. We travel first class because of all of DH's air miles he gets from going back and forth to work. I am disabled so I need time to get into my seat comfortably and have the flight attendant put my cane away. And we travel with carry-ons that must go in the overhead bin. DH's feet are too big to have something under the seat in front of him and I have to be able to stretch out my bad leg in that spot as well. Often we will be behind the bulkhead as well, which gives more room, but there is no seat in front to put stuff under.

[moneybags]

When our kids were little, we never took the kids on the plane until the last minute (unless flying Southwest). One of us would board first with all our junk. The other would wait outside with the kid(s) and get on last.

[BuckyBadger]

If I have a roller bag that needs space in the overhead bins I board as soon in my zone as I can. If I don't, I board toward the end.

"Last on" doesn't mean "first off" unless you're sitting in the front of the plane, anyway.

[kork13]

I will almost always wait to be one of the last people to board. I just don't care to sit in a cramped airline seat watching everyone stress out... Flight attendants, parents, first-time flyers, passengers with huge bags that "are gonna fit", and so on. I'm already sitting & comfortable outside the gate, so why not just stay there, charge my electronics a bit longer, and board at my own pace? I normally try to sit on the aisles anyway, so boarding near the end allows me to get on, most people are situated, and "hey look, there's my seat."

[Like2Plan]

I try to fly Southwest as much as possible, and since they have no assigned seating it's in my best interest to board early in order to get a good seat.

+1.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

FIrst with all our crap and DH last with two kids.

[rennigade]

I forgot about Southwests no assigned seat thing...My wife and I will be flying with them at least 2 times next year...guess we'll have to board early.

[Chris Leese]

I board when my zone is called as well, but I prefer to board earlier rather than latter. Mostly because of getting a spot in the overhead compartment to place my carryon luggage (hate paying baggage fees) close to where I am sitting.

[Wino]

I have seen twice, and been the "not victim" once, when the same seat was given to two different passengers. On the one where I was already seated, the plane was full, and the person who "lost out" on "our" duplicate seat missed the flight. I have no idea what, if anything, he as given in compensation.

So, I now board as soon as I can. I would just as soon sit on the airplane as sit in the boarding lounge, and I do like to put my backpack in the overhead, which nowadays fill up very quickly.