United Airlines Rolls Out Window-Seat First Boarding – But Will It Actually Save Time?
Catching a flight can be stressful enough without disorganized boarding turning it into a mad scramble. To help streamline the process, United Airlines has announced they will start boarding economy passengers with window seats first beginning October 26th.
In an internal memo, the major US carrier explained this new procedure aims to reduce plane turnaround times spent parked at the gate. By getting window passengers settled first, aisle seat holders can board afterwards without needing to stop and store bags overhead before taking their seats.
The airline expects this will minimize everyone crowding the aisle and jostling for space in the same zone at once. The memo cites a study finding that random boarding methods take around 35-40 minutes, while window-middle-aisle patterns reduce it to approximately 30 minutes.
But some experts are skeptical whether window-first boarding will have significant impact. With many travelers still packing the overhead bins with bags they should be checking below, backups at the aircraft door are inevitable regardless of seating order.
Many passengers remain resistant to gate checking their carry-ons too, wanting immediate access to personal items. And full flights leave little wiggle room in the cabin to smoothly load luggage.
The procedure also risks frustrating customers relegated to aisles and middle seats who are forced to wait longer to board. Since these groups can’t access their seats until the window passengers are settled, it could actually prolong the process in some cases.
Travelers seem divided on whether the new system will benefit them. Frequent flyer Josiah Lane said he’s willing to give it a shot after years of chaotic zone boarding: “Maybe having a structured sequence will help others pay attention and keep things moving.”
Others like student traveler Maya Reynolds aren’t convinced: “Boarding is already disorganized enough with how many passengers bring oversized bags. I can’t imagine this will make much difference in speeding things up.”
At the end of the day, airlines want to minimize turnaround delays that throw schedules off. It remains to be seen whether window-first delivers on that goal more effectively than current practices. But United Airlines deserves credit for attempting new solutions and being open to evolving the boarding routine.
Flyers frustrated with sluggish plane loading will certainly welcome any innovations that help them take off on time. We’ll know soon if prioritizing window seats hits that mark.
