Why Do Airlines Require You to Board in Order?
Introduction
Have you ever experienced a delayed flight only to be confused by the confusing boarding process? Most passengers are familiar with the ever-changing and somewhat annoying airline boarding procedure. Airlines believe that certified boarding improves boarding time, yet the process often causes frustration for both airlines and passengers.
The Myths and Reality of Boarding Order
Airlines typically use the back-to-front boarding method, especially on larger aircraft, which theoretically maximizes efficiency. However, according to a[1] insightful CGP Grey video, this method is not as effective as presumed. In fact, boarding in a disordered manner, with no specific sequence, is often the fastest approach. Instead of following a strict back-to-front or zone-based method, airplanes with ample space and multiple gates could theoretically achieve faster boarding times by allowing passengers to board in any order they choose.
A Real-World Example: Chaos at Charles de Gaulle
Consider an experience from one of the author's trips to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport. The author was scheduled to fly on a massive Airbus 380, but the departure was delayed due to plane issues. When the aircraft finally arrived and boarding began, the process became chaos. Passengers had to queue for nearly 90 minutes to board a plane with massive seating capacity, but this included the arduous task of stowing carry-on baggage and finding seats.
On the other half of the plane, passengers struggling to reach their seats found an abundance of empty spaces. Passengers at the back of the plane were stuck, waiting for their turn to board an already half-empty aircraft. This boarding experience was far from ideal, yet it was consistently neglected. The inefficiency of this generalized boarding approach was evident, causing significant frustration for all involved.
Why Does Boarding in Disordered Connects Planners and Passengers?
According to CGP Grey, boarding without any predefined sequence can be the most efficient as it prevents passengers from congesting specific areas of the plane. On the new Airbus 380, the front of the plane experienced congestion as passengers tried to place their belongings in overhead bins and find their seats, while passengers in the back were essentially left to wait. In contrast, boarding in disordered style could free up these congested spaces and move passengers more efficiently, reducing overall boarding time.
Conclusion
Passengers often experience extended boarding times due to poorly managed boarding procedures. Airlines typically employ the back-to-front method, which, in reality, can often be inefficient and frustrating. Without proper coordination and a more disordered approach, airlines could significantly reduce boarding times and improve overall passenger experience. It is high time for airlines to reconsider their boarding protocols and embrace more efficient methods to streamline this critical process.