Thursday, April 11, 2024
From May 1, Delta streamlines boarding, making passenger loading onto planes faster and more efficient. Get ready for a smoother experience!
Travelers will now need to be aware of their assigned zone number for boarding in the correct order.
This adjustment comes as Delta opts for a zone-based boarding method across all its flights. This means passengers will be assigned a specific zone number, moving away from the previous system that categorized passengers by airline status or ticket type, like “Sky Priority.” Despite the change in terminology, the order in which passengers board will remain unchanged.
Delta previously declared zone boarding obsolete with the introduction of its branded fare boarding system in 2018. However, the airline is now shifting back to this more traditional boarding method, a decision viewed by some as unexpected for an airline known for its forward-thinking approaches.
Passengers requiring additional assistance will continue to board ahead of others, followed by Zone 1 passengers, including those in Delta One and First Class. Zone 2 will cater to Diamond Medallion Members and those holding Delta Premium Select tickets.
Following this, Delta Comfort+ passengers will be part of Zone 3, with Sky Priority passengers in Zone 4. The zones will extend to Zone 8 for basic economy travelers, as detailed on Delta’s website.
Delta suggests that this minor adjustment will simplify the boarding experience, particularly for those who fly less frequently or may face language barriers, by only requiring them to recognize a number to know when to board. The airline also anticipates a reduction in stress for gate agents.
However, some industry experts remain skeptical about the impact of this change on the speed of the boarding process.
John Milne, a Clarkson University professor and airline boarding expert, commented to CBS MoneyWatch that the actual boarding sequence is not being altered, just the labels for passenger groups.
Delta’s statement to CBS MoneyWatch highlighted that this “simple change” aims to demystify the boarding order and make it more intuitive, especially benefiting those not fluent in English or infrequent flyers.
Moreover, Delta noted that adopting numbered zones brings its boarding procedure in line with those of its international partners, offering a more streamlined experience for customers on international flights.
Nonetheless, experts like Milne view the change as largely cosmetic, pointing out other potential strategies for making boarding more efficient, such as boarding passengers based on their seat location on the plane.
Delta continues to group passengers for boarding based on their loyalty status and the fare they paid, a practice that does not necessarily optimize the boarding process.
Keyes also suggested that any enhancement in the boarding process could significantly benefit airlines by reducing delays and potentially adding more flights to their schedules.
Despite these changes, Delta announced a $37 million profit for the first quarter, indicating robust demand for air travel as the summer season approaches, even in the face of recent air safety incidents.
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
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Tuesday, April 30, 2024
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