United introducing new boarding policy
United Airlines will next week start a new aircraft boarding policy for economy class.
Passengers in window seats will get priority.
The move will speed up boarding time, United says.
The new aircraft boarding policy is set to kick off on October 26.
The plan is called WILMA – window, middle and aisle.
It only affects passengers in the fourth boarding group –non priority passengers in economy class.
First and business class ticket holders will board as usual.
United said groups of passengers such as families will be able to board together.
The new aircraft boarding system will be employed on domestic flights and some international routes.
The airline says the average boarding time has increased by about two minutes since the pandemic.
Airlines have regularly tweaked their boarding systems to find the right balance between convivence and speed.
The big time consumer is stowing luggage overhead which is one reason why the industry has moved to stricter carry on sizes and bag fees.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Perry KotzkerOct 21, 2023 02:14 PM
Problem I see will be passengers storing overhead bags will leave some not able to do so. Restrictions should also be where and number of bags one can store overhead
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