American Airlines (AA), known for offering cheap airplane tickets as well as cheap vacation packages, implemented a new boarding procedure in May which has not pleased its flight attendants.
Instead of loading passengers by seat order, starting from the rear of the plane, as done previously, the airline is now assigning passengers to boarding groups determined by the customers cabin, frequent flier status and other factors, according to the airline.
Another factor in determining the boarding order appears to be passengers check in time regardless of their assigned seat. The new approach reduces the number of boarding groups from 10 to six, spreading passengers throughout the cabin when they board.
This procedure has resulted in complete chaos prior to takeoff, according to the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, which represents AAs cabin crews. The union claims that the new way of boarding has resulted in congested aisles with flight attendants having to explain to upset passengers why there is chaos in the cabin.
Gate agent requests to begin the boarding process earlier are on the rise, according to flight attendants because of the new policy.
American counters We are already seeing tangible, positive results from our new boarding process, including a five percent to 10 percent improvement in boarding times. Our airport employees and customers are telling us they appreciate the calmer, quieter boarding environment, and our premium customers value the ability to board with the first group. www.cheapfares.com