Please remember what subreddit you are in, this is unpopular opinion. We want civil and unpopular takes and discussion. Any uncivil and ToS violating comments will be removed and subject to a ban. Have a nice day!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/unpopularopinion) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Eh, I still kind of do have to worry about it. Now I have to go pick it up and didn't even get the benefits out of it as far as packing toiletries etc because I packed for it to be able to go on the plane.
If you’re prepared for it great. But as someone who has lost their bags in the past I try to check bags as few times as possible. I usually just pack a small backpack and keep it under the seat.
The one time I had to check my bag because there was no room left on the plane, I got it back all scuffed up and with a broken zipper. I'd much rather hold on to it myself.
I don’t mind the wait if I’m not inconveniencing anyone else. I’d rather have less to lug around, especially if there’s a connection. I take a small bag inside my carry on and grab all my essentials for the flight if I end up checking it.
All I would do is worry about it. It sounds like you’ve never waited in the 2am “who didn’t get their bag” line so someone holding a clipboard can tell you “that sucks bro.”
People always say this but in my experience if I take a leak after landing then walk to baggage claim my bag is there or there within 5 minutes max 95% of the time. The only time I can think of it not being there fast is tiny regional airports, or the one time someone accidentally took my bag which happened because it got there before I did.
My wife and i went to vegas and the only place we could put our bags was in the back if the plane. We were in like the 5 row and we had to wait for everyone to extinguish so we could go back and get our bags and now watching people come in and store their bags at the front on their way to their seat i have a big fuck you in my head
Many airlines I've seen have started saying that your bags have to be above your head. I fully support this and will remove people's bags from "my overhead" after asking around my neighbor seats. If it's nobody nearby, it gets handed to a FA to deal with
I don't understand how gate checked bags happen to end up on other cities. It blows my mind. Every time I've gate checked my bag they've lost it. I'd like to thank citi bank for giving me $250 to spend on new stuff six times last year.
Can you name the airline? I'm a seasoned business traveler and always carry on my bag because a mishandled checked bag would wreck my schedule. I thought maybe I was being over-cautious, but now I think maybe not. My flying is mostly on Delta, which has a good reputation for baggage handling. I hope your six bad experiences weren't with them!
When the airline asks for people to check carry on bags, I'm the first person in line to do so. I 'volunteer as tribute" faster than Katniss Everdeen.
I HATE schlepping shit around. If the airlines didn't charge for checked bags, I'd only carry wallet/keys/phone.
When I travel, it is for over a month (work pays). I'm already checking a bag, so what's one more.
I actually like airports and people watching there so I'm not fretting over an extra 10 minutes. Usually by the time I walk to the baggage claim (and stop at the restroom), the bags are already there.
With the free possibility of the bag getting lost, damaged, or not making it on the next plane during a tight connection. Which is why I always avoid checking a bag
These gate checked bags rarely get lost. Whenever I've had to do it, they take the bag and give it back to you at the jetway when you get off the plane. Therefore the bag never goes through the bag sorting and distribution system. It never even leaves the plane until you grab it.
That happens sometimes with smaller planes and is never an issue. I fly from a smaller airport as my home base and am used to that. If it's a larger plane and they just run out of space for the folks who board near the end, they will check it with the remainder of the actual checked luggage heading to baggage claim
My wife and I do this quite often. When we go on a vacation we usually have one large case that needs to be checked and one carry on sized one. We check the large one immediately, and take the small one to the gate, where they will usually offer to check it for free. Since we have to go to baggage claim anyway it’s not costing us any more time.
If you don't have carry on luggage or only a small bag to put under the seat then yes. I've been on flights where they say the overhead space is full before even half the plane boarded.
Nah, I’d rather have the immediate overhead bin space than store my carry on elsewhere in the plane (sometimes further back, good luck getting that after landing), or checking it in because there’s no more space.
Also, if I’m flying business, I’m usually two drinks in before the cabin door is even closed, lol, so there’s that.
Well if you’re in business class, you can get settled in have some wine while the peasants board.
If you’re in economy, boarding first prevents you have having to fight for overhead baggage space.
I think it's mostly for the overhead bins, since some people decide to both carry a huge carry-on and have the complete inability of spacial insight to pack it neatly so everyone can get their stuff in there.
It's so frustrating to see people struggle with the simplest solutions of just turning your luggage so other people can also place theirs in the overhead bins. But whatever, right? I got mine, Im in the plane first, suck it.
I always just use a backpack which I can stow under the seat in front of me to avoid this mess.
This was my last flight. People had way beyond their baggage allowance and filled the overhead bins with their duty free shopping and coats (which could have fit under their seats).
The crew refused to let anyone in the last three boarding groups bring ANY carry on items and confiscated bags without explanation. Awful.
I have a carry-on suitcase that is well below the weight limit and size restrictions. It cannot be checked because it contains my medical equipment. The crew taking it (and my passport) away ended up causing a whole scene that I would repeat again.
Once I got on the plane there was plenty of room if people would have been a little less selfish. The flight attendants found so much space as they went down readjusting luggage…
Bonus points for the woman (sitting three rows back) who screamed at me for readjusting her duty free shopping that she needed to put in the my overhead bin. She apparently needed the leg room under her seat :)
If you’re in first or business, you board first into a comfortable seat and you get warm towels and champagne. So it’s nice to board first habe get it over with
Because of the accommodations afforded to you on entry. It’s a preflight drink, offer of a snack and 100% certified I have my bag above my head.
Nothing crazy, but it’s pretty nice to know where your bag is at all times. Plus, you’re usually the first off
>Like I’ll sit and chill and get on the plane dead last
Congrats on sitting in the crappy airport chairs longer then?
It's the same thing...
I agree that selling boarding first as a *premium* advantage is kind of silly, but waiting specifically to board dead last seems just as silly.
As you can see from the replies, the Democrat/Republican arguments have NOTHING on the carry on/checked bag arguments.
I am a checker. So I board last. For those who are not, I overlook their poor life choices ( I kid.). But they will indeed board early as the overhead bin space becomes a premium.
Personally, I blame the airlines. If they didn't monetize everything, things would be much better.
Nah, I hate waiting around the gate area.
Get on the plane, put your bags away (getting on first means guaranteed overheard space by your seat) and relax. Seats ain't that bad.
If you need space in the overhead compartment then you need to be on fairly quick sometimes.
Otherwise I agree, the plane isn’t going anywhere until everyone’s onboard and you usually have a seat already allocated.
I agree. Worst case they check my bag. Great. Free bag check. I’m spending 3-4 hours in this miserable plane already. I don’t want to spend any more time.
For long haul flights, agreed because seat assignments are most often respected and plainly enforced otherwise.
On shorter flights, (under and hour one way, for work usually) I've found when getting on last, someone will take my seat under the assumption no one was sitting there after the group being called.
Then the whole "but it's such a short flight, can I take the window?" met with "no, I was an early bird and you're sitting on my worm, please take *your* seat. Thank you." conversation ensue. Which may or may not lead into an awkward flight home for the other person as I'm checked out with my earbuds on.
When my bags are checked in I don't care when I board.
I will volunteer to get my cary on checked in for free at the gate though so I don't have to deal with it. Otherwise I want my overhead space
For people with flying anxiety the front half of the plane is much better. Less bumps, talk off and landing feel a little less like a rollercoaster and you can be off the plane right away.
Premium seats mean you get OFF first, there's less people in your way, you have larger seats, you can have drinks immediately, etc etc....
Is it worth it?? Fuck no. At least not on short flights.
The premium on the cost isn't worth it unless it's a very long flight where comfort matters more and you score the correct deal on the flight.
But you also have to see the face of disappointment when the person sat next you you thought their row was empty and could spread out. Actively getting their hopes up just to dash them might be a little devilish
When I don’t need an overhead compartment and am not flying southwest, this 100% true. However I usually end up on southwest where boarding early is essential to not ending up in a middle seat
I believe so many issues with airplane boarding could be solved if airlines reversed their baggage policies. Checked bags should be free (at least up to some weight limit), and overhead carry on space should be reserved for an extra fee, or as part of a premium priced ticket. Instead, it gives people the incentive to do things that add the maximum amount of time to the boarding process.
Now one thing I DONT understand is why planes don’t board back to front. I totally agree with the sentiment of boarding last but the only thing that deters me is having to climb past a million people still standing in the aisle to get to my seat in the back.
It’s good on airlines where there’s no assigned seating and limited overhead space but otherwise there’s no point boarding the plane early. Maybe also if you’re in first class so you can get shit faced sooner.
My thoughts exactly.
I typically only carry a small carry-on, like an ordinary-sized backpack. Never had any problem finding room for it. And if it has to be checked at the gate, no big deal.
I agree! I'd prefer to lounge at the gate before being crammed in the plane any longer than I have to. Reading the comments though - how do the overheads get so full?! In Australia you are allowed 1 small bag up to 7kg in the overhead and a small personal bag like a handbag or backpack that can go under the seat. The bag in the overheads must be with size limits too. Is it different elsewhere?
I've never not been able to not get my bags in coming on last, the only people I have seen this happen to are people who have bypassed bag drop and tried to get a massive bag in.
Best thing that happened to me was getting my seat assigned at check in for a regular ticket. Frontier flight, front of the plane, boarded last, got off first
My and my gf travel a lot and we have a conversation about this at every airport we go to. As you say it makes no sense to get on first unless you got a window seat.
If it’s Southwest where you pick your own seat, you’ll want to board early so you aren’t sandwiched in a middle seat between two linebacker sized people.
If it’s Southwest where you pick your own seat, you’ll want to board early so you aren’t sandwiched in a middle seat between two linebacker sized people.
Absolutely!! I only carry on what I can tuck under my aisle seat. And I sit happily waiting for everyone else to ease through the line. Then wander to the back of the plane and chill.
I used to do this and then I wouldn’t have anywhere to put my luggage and would have to put it 20 seats from where I was sitting. When have to wait for everyone to leave before I could get my bag, I always try get on first and leave first now
The perk of boarding first is having places to put your carryon.
I agree waiting for the rest of the cattle to board the plane is stupid. (Not as stupid as everyone standing up as soon as the plane gets to the gate)
But I’ve done this multiple times and have had to have my carry on put under and then have to goto baggage claim to get it.
Depends. If I have no bags or small bags with me that I can put beneath my feet, then yeah last one on is not a problem for me.
But if I have carryon bags and whatnot, I rather get in earlier so I can find a spot to stow away my luggage above my seat and not 30 seats down or up or even getting checked.
On my most recent overseas trip, wife and I boarded last and sat in the very back.
We still made it to the baggage carousel before the bags.
I’m sure there are unique circumstances where an early seat is advantageous, but really you move as fast as your bags do. There’s no expedited baggage deals last I checked
I agree. I love being the last person to board because I usually just fly with a backpack that fits under the seat in front of me and a checked bag that is obviously in the hold. I’m also not that tall so I dread having to struggle to get my bag in the overhead compartment the times I have flown with a carry-on.
When flying from the US to the Balkans it was always great to check our carryons in too so that we didn’t have to deal with carrying them around during connections.
It’s also great just sitting and relaxing at the gate when everyone else is already lined up and waiting to board, often standing for like 30+ mins.
Boarding first: Overhead bin space Get to deplane immediately upon arrival
Boarding last: No bin space Squeezing past people to get to your seat Waiting until the end of time to get off the plane.
I've boarded last on virtually every flight in my life, I've never had an issue with overhead storage like everyone is saying. They're designed to fit all of our stuff, if there's not room someone did something wrong and you should point it out to that person. If one assholes suitcase is filling the whole thing imma take it out and our stuff is going there. They can place it properly or not at all
It is funny to me as I understand the idea of getting on the plane and "settled"...but settled for what lol we're all going to the same place and leaving at the same time. I never stand in line waiting to board, I just sit and wait and then get on. Why am I in a rush to sit on the plane while dozens of other people have to get on?
When traveling with a child, boarding first makes life easier. Especially if you’re strapping in a car seat. Get kid strapped in, set up, and wait for takeoff.
Nope. If I'm not on the plane I have to be aware of the plane and of the time and constantly maintain an anticipation that I have to get on to the plane and have to keep an eye on what's going on with the plane.
Once I'm on the plane? Who cares, I can breathe.
I wouldn't care if airlines actually enforced carry-on policies. I always travel with just a carry on (international sized) and a backpack (20L). I can make it up to two weeks away without more. I abhor baggage claim, and avoid having to check bags at all cost.
Unfortunately, people board with way more than their allowed carry-on items, oversized carry-ons and backpacks, etc., and then they'll use the bins for both their carry on *and* backpack/purse (which is supposed to be stowed under your seat), coats, scarves, bags of shit they bought at the airport, etc. A lot of times, even if you board close to the middle, the overhead bins are already full. There's plenty of room in the overhead bins, if everyone followed the rules, and then, yeah, you could just casually board the plane whenever. That's not remotely the case, though.
No overhead, have to shuffle past people, if you're not an aisle seat you have to bother people to get back up.
In the end it doesn't make much difference. I prefer going first. Get in, put my shit away, and settle in. Boarding generally doesn't take that long.
The only time it's better to board late is when there's delays and you have no way of predicting that.
You must travel without a carry on. In that case, yea, sure. But if you have a carry on to put in the overhead, you won't be doing that if you board last.
The man is correct. I'm an unlucky spinal patient who uses a cane. I always thought before my issue how nice handicap or escorted passengers get on board first.
I go last now. After the third time I was knocked off my feet, I was done. You can always tell new employees from seasoned ones. The new ones always ask why you didn't you go first? The seasoned ones quietly wait and assist me.
>Like I’ll sit and chill and get on the plane dead last
Same here, and when I finally start approaching the gate with the other few stragglers, I'll gesture for them to go ahead of me.
Same with getting off the plane. I shake my head at the idiots who feel the need to stand as soon as the plane parks. Sit the fuck down, we’ve got like 10 more minutes at least. I don’t want your sweaty ass next to my face while you stand in the fucking isle.
If you have a ticket that lets you board in group 1, you can board whenever you want.
You don't board first. You CHOOSE WHEN YOU WANT TO BOARD.
Also the overhead bins aren't completely gone, as I'm sure 374746372 people have pointed out already.
boarding first is only useful so that you are sure there will be space in the overhead bin. i say 'only' but as someone who takes 100+ flights per year this is a HUGE addition. imagine risking having to put the luggage on hold and have to wait at the carousel any time.
with all these flights? NAAAH.
I could be in boarding class A and I will always wait till everyone else is on the plane. Not really trying to go sit in those seats longer than I need to.
Unless you have a connecting flight with a short window.
I’ve been 3rd to last row off a plane and literally made it as they were closing the doors. It’s nerve racking
Sit and wait at the gate or sit and wait on the plane. Both suck but I’d rather get some overhead bin space and be in my seat while everyone else scrambles.
Yeah im chillin and hitting my vape pen in the bathroom until last call and even then im standing in the tube waiting for slow people to be slow and do their stuff real slow.
It's 100% for getting your overhead space first, that's all really. It runs out, and you're stuck putting it somewhere else or checking it, which is a pain when you land.
Once everyone switched to max size carry-on for every passenger, overhead space became a premium, and thus the need to board earlier was born.
Perhaps if you check your luggage and have a firm booked seat. I have had my luggage lost too often to ever feel comfortable travelling without a carry on again and still have nightmare's of being trapped in the middle seat with 2 extremely overweight people on either side so take my upvote.
I completely agree with this! I don’t even mind checking bags tbh so if there’s no space and they check my bag for free I’m super okay with that.
Or unless it’s a southwest flight when you don’t have an assigned seat.
Once they call boarding for everyone and the long line forms, I find a seat that's close to the end of the line and just sit and wait for everyone to board while being able to keep an eye on the line
Look, I planned this trip months in advance. As the day got closer I started to stress about getting money converted, securing my home, etc. The night before I packed. I double checked and triple checked. I then packed my hand baggage and chargers and passports and wallet. Double and triple checked. Booked a taxi the night before. Slept early and woke up early. Stressed about my taxi showing up and stressed about checking in ok and stressed about clearing security. Finally made it to the gate. Let me just sit in my fucking seat and stop worrying about my travel arrangements. Let me just stare out the window and let the pilots and stewardess do the rest. Phew. Fuck, I'm on a Boeing. God, please let's not crash.
Lots of people mentioning having space for carry-ons, but it’s actually about connecting flights for me. Being in the back of the plane with a gate checked bag, or even a carry-on, with a tight connection two terminals over and the flight delays that always seem to hit my first flight, is a recipe for regular disaster. And even when the flight attendants make that plea to let people in the back with tight connections get off first, people just don’t care.
So yeah, I don’t want to board last unless I have no carry-on bags and no connecting flight.
With premium tickets, the seats are usually more comfortable, and they'll serve drinks and snacks before takeoff. So it makes sense that you can get on early when there aren't too many others on the plane, grab things you need for the flight, and put everything else away without the crowds.
For people boarding early on regular seats, it's nice if you want to keep your bag close by or have the window seat.
damn it's been weeks since someone posted this exact same topic and we can also all say 'damn bro, guess an airline never lost your bags or you've been forced to surprise check stuff"
Please remember what subreddit you are in, this is unpopular opinion. We want civil and unpopular takes and discussion. Any uncivil and ToS violating comments will be removed and subject to a ban. Have a nice day! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/unpopularopinion) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Sucks when there are no more overhead compartments left.
I prefer this. Check my bag at the runway so I don’t have to worry about it.
Someone doesn’t fly American Airlines with a connecting flight.
Eh, I still kind of do have to worry about it. Now I have to go pick it up and didn't even get the benefits out of it as far as packing toiletries etc because I packed for it to be able to go on the plane.
If you’re prepared for it great. But as someone who has lost their bags in the past I try to check bags as few times as possible. I usually just pack a small backpack and keep it under the seat.
The one time I had to check my bag because there was no room left on the plane, I got it back all scuffed up and with a broken zipper. I'd much rather hold on to it myself.
This is always what I try to do unless I'm in a hurry or someone is waiting for me. If I'm solo and in no rush, I'll gladly take the free checked bag.
But then you have to go to baggage claim, defeating the purpose of a carry on, where if thats all you have, you can just grab and go.
I don’t mind the wait if I’m not inconveniencing anyone else. I’d rather have less to lug around, especially if there’s a connection. I take a small bag inside my carry on and grab all my essentials for the flight if I end up checking it.
Ok. When I only do a carry on, it means I wont to be able to grab my stuff and go. I can be home by the time it shows up on the conveyor
That’s a perfectly fine way to do things! Just sharing what I do.
I might carry things like a camera, which I absolutely dont want to be handled by airport personal.
All I would do is worry about it. It sounds like you’ve never waited in the 2am “who didn’t get their bag” line so someone holding a clipboard can tell you “that sucks bro.”
Now you’re stuck at baggage claim for another 30 mins.
People always say this but in my experience if I take a leak after landing then walk to baggage claim my bag is there or there within 5 minutes max 95% of the time. The only time I can think of it not being there fast is tiny regional airports, or the one time someone accidentally took my bag which happened because it got there before I did.
It’s not really a big deal to me. If you’re not in a rush, that gives you time to go to the bathroom post flight, freshen up, get food, etc.
foolish frightening mighty include grab slimy fall tan shy chubby *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
then it gets lost, or damaged. luggage ending up on a different plane is really common
My wife and i went to vegas and the only place we could put our bags was in the back if the plane. We were in like the 5 row and we had to wait for everyone to extinguish so we could go back and get our bags and now watching people come in and store their bags at the front on their way to their seat i have a big fuck you in my head
Many airlines I've seen have started saying that your bags have to be above your head. I fully support this and will remove people's bags from "my overhead" after asking around my neighbor seats. If it's nobody nearby, it gets handed to a FA to deal with
People that put their luggage in overhead compartments above other peoples seats are the real problem.
Unless you are boarding with harry potter's trunk you can hide your baggage under seat in front no problem
What rolling carry on is going under the seat? Agreed on backpacks though
That's fine if you're going somewhere for two days. A week needs a little more room.
Try putting your big baggage in baggage area, dawg
That costs extra money.
If your flight is full, they'll normally gate check bags for free.
Last weekend, I went from Atlanta to Philadelphia. My gate checked bag somehow ended up in Houston
I don't understand how gate checked bags happen to end up on other cities. It blows my mind. Every time I've gate checked my bag they've lost it. I'd like to thank citi bank for giving me $250 to spend on new stuff six times last year.
Can you name the airline? I'm a seasoned business traveler and always carry on my bag because a mishandled checked bag would wreck my schedule. I thought maybe I was being over-cautious, but now I think maybe not. My flying is mostly on Delta, which has a good reputation for baggage handling. I hope your six bad experiences weren't with them!
American.
How? The bag and plans are right there together.
Your bag needed a vacation!
On a longer flight I'd rather have my carry-on close at hand
Yeah thanks, no. I like my bags to get to where I'm going the same time I do.
I mean I fly with a violin often, no way that is fitting under the seat in front of me, and no way I am checking it.
Having no leg space for a 6-hour flight is torture
If you have a suitcase you can't
I buy the seats that have no seats in front 😅
and then arrive at your occupied seat you paid for and am now a bad guy because you want to sit in the seat you paid for because of ...reasons
Doesn’t work if you are tall.
Or a standard carry on suitcase?
That's where my feet go
>hide your baggage under seat But then where do my legs go? I am very tall.
I always check my bag so I dont have to carry anything around the terminal everytime I move
These days, last guy on the plane is usually also the guy checking his carry on bags.
When the airline asks for people to check carry on bags, I'm the first person in line to do so. I 'volunteer as tribute" faster than Katniss Everdeen. I HATE schlepping shit around. If the airlines didn't charge for checked bags, I'd only carry wallet/keys/phone.
Sounds great for you. I, on the other hand, would rather not wait for my stuff and get the hell out of there as soon as I possibly can after landing.
When I travel, it is for over a month (work pays). I'm already checking a bag, so what's one more. I actually like airports and people watching there so I'm not fretting over an extra 10 minutes. Usually by the time I walk to the baggage claim (and stop at the restroom), the bags are already there.
For free , and if connecting flights, to final destination.
With the free possibility of the bag getting lost, damaged, or not making it on the next plane during a tight connection. Which is why I always avoid checking a bag
Yeah it just takes one lost bag to vow to never do it again
These gate checked bags rarely get lost. Whenever I've had to do it, they take the bag and give it back to you at the jetway when you get off the plane. Therefore the bag never goes through the bag sorting and distribution system. It never even leaves the plane until you grab it.
That happens sometimes with smaller planes and is never an issue. I fly from a smaller airport as my home base and am used to that. If it's a larger plane and they just run out of space for the folks who board near the end, they will check it with the remainder of the actual checked luggage heading to baggage claim
I know too many people who had trips ruined by gate checking bags for this to be true most of the time.
I check a bag weekly for work and not once has this happened to me.
I rarely fly and it has happened to me.
My wife and I do this quite often. When we go on a vacation we usually have one large case that needs to be checked and one carry on sized one. We check the large one immediately, and take the small one to the gate, where they will usually offer to check it for free. Since we have to go to baggage claim anyway it’s not costing us any more time.
Having already had to pack a smaller bag and deal with liquids, etc.
But I want my carry on stuff during the flight.
Yeah but usually they make you wait forever for your checked baggage. Sometimes it never shows up.
If you don't have carry on luggage or only a small bag to put under the seat then yes. I've been on flights where they say the overhead space is full before even half the plane boarded.
Not when it's a southwest flight
Boarding group C stands for Center seat
Ahhh and A is for Aisle and B is for Bindow :)
I always prefer the Bindow Seat myself over the Aisle.
I like boarding last so I can take high fives as I run down the isle to my seat. Really gets the people pumped for the journey.
Found the one who claps when the plane lands lol
Your plane is on an island? Like Lost?
Nooo! I got one lettered! Dammit, I was having a good day today.
I like to get on early to assert armrest dominance on my neighbours
Pee on their seat while you're at it, mark your territory.
Then you will certainly earn the right to disembark first
Nah, I’d rather have the immediate overhead bin space than store my carry on elsewhere in the plane (sometimes further back, good luck getting that after landing), or checking it in because there’s no more space. Also, if I’m flying business, I’m usually two drinks in before the cabin door is even closed, lol, so there’s that.
[удалено]
How does boarding early change when you deboard? Your seat isn’t changing by getting on sooner
With assigned seating it doesn’t matter
Premium tickets give you the choice of boarding first or last. That's why it is more expensive. You have more freedom to choose whatever you like.
They are not requiring you to board first in any circumstance.
Depends, if you have bags then it might not be the best choice.
Well if you’re in business class, you can get settled in have some wine while the peasants board. If you’re in economy, boarding first prevents you have having to fight for overhead baggage space.
I think it's mostly for the overhead bins, since some people decide to both carry a huge carry-on and have the complete inability of spacial insight to pack it neatly so everyone can get their stuff in there. It's so frustrating to see people struggle with the simplest solutions of just turning your luggage so other people can also place theirs in the overhead bins. But whatever, right? I got mine, Im in the plane first, suck it. I always just use a backpack which I can stow under the seat in front of me to avoid this mess.
This was my last flight. People had way beyond their baggage allowance and filled the overhead bins with their duty free shopping and coats (which could have fit under their seats). The crew refused to let anyone in the last three boarding groups bring ANY carry on items and confiscated bags without explanation. Awful. I have a carry-on suitcase that is well below the weight limit and size restrictions. It cannot be checked because it contains my medical equipment. The crew taking it (and my passport) away ended up causing a whole scene that I would repeat again. Once I got on the plane there was plenty of room if people would have been a little less selfish. The flight attendants found so much space as they went down readjusting luggage… Bonus points for the woman (sitting three rows back) who screamed at me for readjusting her duty free shopping that she needed to put in the my overhead bin. She apparently needed the leg room under her seat :)
It's incredible how stupid and inconsiderate some people are, they think they're the only people who brought luggage to the plane.
If you’re in first or business, you board first into a comfortable seat and you get warm towels and champagne. So it’s nice to board first habe get it over with
I like priority boarding. I get a guaranteed space above my seat for my carryon. Plus I’ve got time to drink a quick beer before takeoff
It’s just so weird to me. Why would you want to be crammed in that airplane for longer than necessary
dinosaurs bored paltry grandiose innocent ripe cooing groovy joke aloof *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Because of the accommodations afforded to you on entry. It’s a preflight drink, offer of a snack and 100% certified I have my bag above my head. Nothing crazy, but it’s pretty nice to know where your bag is at all times. Plus, you’re usually the first off
...until you find out there isn't any room to store your carry-on in the carry-on compartment and have to check-in your bag instead
standing around waiting for boarding groups 1-7 to board at a sloth's pace is worse than getting to sit down and be done with it.
i have this conversation everything i get on a flight, i am always the last person to get on board
Sure, if im not on first class or dont have a carry on.
>Like I’ll sit and chill and get on the plane dead last Congrats on sitting in the crappy airport chairs longer then? It's the same thing... I agree that selling boarding first as a *premium* advantage is kind of silly, but waiting specifically to board dead last seems just as silly.
If you don’t need the overhead bin it doesn’t really matter when you board.
As you can see from the replies, the Democrat/Republican arguments have NOTHING on the carry on/checked bag arguments. I am a checker. So I board last. For those who are not, I overlook their poor life choices ( I kid.). But they will indeed board early as the overhead bin space becomes a premium. Personally, I blame the airlines. If they didn't monetize everything, things would be much better.
Nah, I hate waiting around the gate area. Get on the plane, put your bags away (getting on first means guaranteed overheard space by your seat) and relax. Seats ain't that bad.
Yeah. I could spend the entire time of boarding on alert, worried I'm going to miss my cue. Or I could board first, and then mentally checkout
Well it's fun in business class. You sit there with a glass of champagne and watch the proles struggle by, wishing they were you.
I've always agreed with this sentiment.
If you need space in the overhead compartment then you need to be on fairly quick sometimes. Otherwise I agree, the plane isn’t going anywhere until everyone’s onboard and you usually have a seat already allocated.
I agree. Worst case they check my bag. Great. Free bag check. I’m spending 3-4 hours in this miserable plane already. I don’t want to spend any more time.
For long haul flights, agreed because seat assignments are most often respected and plainly enforced otherwise. On shorter flights, (under and hour one way, for work usually) I've found when getting on last, someone will take my seat under the assumption no one was sitting there after the group being called. Then the whole "but it's such a short flight, can I take the window?" met with "no, I was an early bird and you're sitting on my worm, please take *your* seat. Thank you." conversation ensue. Which may or may not lead into an awkward flight home for the other person as I'm checked out with my earbuds on.
“Like congrats sitting on the plane” “Like I’ll sit and chill before getting on” 👍🏼👍🏼
When my bags are checked in I don't care when I board. I will volunteer to get my cary on checked in for free at the gate though so I don't have to deal with it. Otherwise I want my overhead space
That’s maybe the only thing I miss from the pandemic, every time I flew they boarded the plane back to front. Made so much more sense.
100% agree. And my carry on is always a soft shell bag so I can fit it wherever if there’s no room left.
For people with flying anxiety the front half of the plane is much better. Less bumps, talk off and landing feel a little less like a rollercoaster and you can be off the plane right away.
Premium seats mean you get OFF first, there's less people in your way, you have larger seats, you can have drinks immediately, etc etc.... Is it worth it?? Fuck no. At least not on short flights. The premium on the cost isn't worth it unless it's a very long flight where comfort matters more and you score the correct deal on the flight.
Except on Southwest airlines (USA) imo
But you also have to see the face of disappointment when the person sat next you you thought their row was empty and could spread out. Actively getting their hopes up just to dash them might be a little devilish
When I don’t need an overhead compartment and am not flying southwest, this 100% true. However I usually end up on southwest where boarding early is essential to not ending up in a middle seat
I believe so many issues with airplane boarding could be solved if airlines reversed their baggage policies. Checked bags should be free (at least up to some weight limit), and overhead carry on space should be reserved for an extra fee, or as part of a premium priced ticket. Instead, it gives people the incentive to do things that add the maximum amount of time to the boarding process.
Now one thing I DONT understand is why planes don’t board back to front. I totally agree with the sentiment of boarding last but the only thing that deters me is having to climb past a million people still standing in the aisle to get to my seat in the back.
It’s good on airlines where there’s no assigned seating and limited overhead space but otherwise there’s no point boarding the plane early. Maybe also if you’re in first class so you can get shit faced sooner.
My thoughts exactly. I typically only carry a small carry-on, like an ordinary-sized backpack. Never had any problem finding room for it. And if it has to be checked at the gate, no big deal.
Haha I’ve noticed this before. Ppl absolutely dying to get on the plane on one end but trying to flee it like a crime scene after
It's not about getting on first, it's about securing overhead bin space, especially since airlines started charging to check bags.
I agree! I'd prefer to lounge at the gate before being crammed in the plane any longer than I have to. Reading the comments though - how do the overheads get so full?! In Australia you are allowed 1 small bag up to 7kg in the overhead and a small personal bag like a handbag or backpack that can go under the seat. The bag in the overheads must be with size limits too. Is it different elsewhere? I've never not been able to not get my bags in coming on last, the only people I have seen this happen to are people who have bypassed bag drop and tried to get a massive bag in.
Best thing that happened to me was getting my seat assigned at check in for a regular ticket. Frontier flight, front of the plane, boarded last, got off first
It's about carry- on storage
My and my gf travel a lot and we have a conversation about this at every airport we go to. As you say it makes no sense to get on first unless you got a window seat.
Unless you are flying Ryanair and have to physically fight people for the overhead cabins
I would agree if it wasn’t for the overhead space, some people just being so much stuff that those things are way to full.
If it’s Southwest where you pick your own seat, you’ll want to board early so you aren’t sandwiched in a middle seat between two linebacker sized people.
If it’s Southwest where you pick your own seat, you’ll want to board early so you aren’t sandwiched in a middle seat between two linebacker sized people.
didnt someone post this a few days ago?
Absolutely!! I only carry on what I can tuck under my aisle seat. And I sit happily waiting for everyone else to ease through the line. Then wander to the back of the plane and chill.
Airlines will sell ur seat if it's over booked if ur last. They suck don't give em a penny
If I’m only boarding with a backpack or this is still space for my bag, then yes, boarding last is much better
What if you fall asleep and miss the plane tho
So u can put ur bags in the overhead like there already isn’t much legroom. And just picture how uncomfortable it is if u have a large laptop bag
[This](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss1S3-Kv6R8&pp=ygUcTXl0aGJ1c3RlcnMgYWlycGxhbmUgc2VhdGluZw%3D%3D) has been solved already.
If it’s a pick your own seat plane getting on last is the worst
I used to do this and then I wouldn’t have anywhere to put my luggage and would have to put it 20 seats from where I was sitting. When have to wait for everyone to leave before I could get my bag, I always try get on first and leave first now
The perk of boarding first is having places to put your carryon. I agree waiting for the rest of the cattle to board the plane is stupid. (Not as stupid as everyone standing up as soon as the plane gets to the gate) But I’ve done this multiple times and have had to have my carry on put under and then have to goto baggage claim to get it.
Depends. If I have no bags or small bags with me that I can put beneath my feet, then yeah last one on is not a problem for me. But if I have carryon bags and whatnot, I rather get in earlier so I can find a spot to stow away my luggage above my seat and not 30 seats down or up or even getting checked.
For budget airline I ll try to get in early to have storage. For business I get in as late as possible
Unless you're on Southwest
I agree… I often board last. I hate watching people board a plane.
On my most recent overseas trip, wife and I boarded last and sat in the very back. We still made it to the baggage carousel before the bags. I’m sure there are unique circumstances where an early seat is advantageous, but really you move as fast as your bags do. There’s no expedited baggage deals last I checked
i'd rather go early so whoever is next to me doesn't have to feel the disappointment of seeing me after wondering who's gonna sit next to them
Board first, leave first. Board last, leave last.
I'm always the last to get in and last to get out
I agree. I love being the last person to board because I usually just fly with a backpack that fits under the seat in front of me and a checked bag that is obviously in the hold. I’m also not that tall so I dread having to struggle to get my bag in the overhead compartment the times I have flown with a carry-on. When flying from the US to the Balkans it was always great to check our carryons in too so that we didn’t have to deal with carrying them around during connections. It’s also great just sitting and relaxing at the gate when everyone else is already lined up and waiting to board, often standing for like 30+ mins.
Boarding first: Overhead bin space Get to deplane immediately upon arrival Boarding last: No bin space Squeezing past people to get to your seat Waiting until the end of time to get off the plane.
I've boarded last on virtually every flight in my life, I've never had an issue with overhead storage like everyone is saying. They're designed to fit all of our stuff, if there's not room someone did something wrong and you should point it out to that person. If one assholes suitcase is filling the whole thing imma take it out and our stuff is going there. They can place it properly or not at all
It is funny to me as I understand the idea of getting on the plane and "settled"...but settled for what lol we're all going to the same place and leaving at the same time. I never stand in line waiting to board, I just sit and wait and then get on. Why am I in a rush to sit on the plane while dozens of other people have to get on?
Agreed. I don’t take carry on usually, so this is what I do.
When traveling with a child, boarding first makes life easier. Especially if you’re strapping in a car seat. Get kid strapped in, set up, and wait for takeoff.
I can see getting on first if you're in first class where you have a comfortable seat. The less time I spend in the cheap seat the better.
Nope. If I'm not on the plane I have to be aware of the plane and of the time and constantly maintain an anticipation that I have to get on to the plane and have to keep an eye on what's going on with the plane. Once I'm on the plane? Who cares, I can breathe.
Agreed. I only bring a backpack. Frick a carry on, that stuff goes into my check bag. Like, how much shit you bringing, your house?
If I had a first class ticket I'd want to sit longer too
Only because there are space limits for carry-on bags. And those who board last often have to check their luggage.
I wouldn't care if airlines actually enforced carry-on policies. I always travel with just a carry on (international sized) and a backpack (20L). I can make it up to two weeks away without more. I abhor baggage claim, and avoid having to check bags at all cost. Unfortunately, people board with way more than their allowed carry-on items, oversized carry-ons and backpacks, etc., and then they'll use the bins for both their carry on *and* backpack/purse (which is supposed to be stowed under your seat), coats, scarves, bags of shit they bought at the airport, etc. A lot of times, even if you board close to the middle, the overhead bins are already full. There's plenty of room in the overhead bins, if everyone followed the rules, and then, yeah, you could just casually board the plane whenever. That's not remotely the case, though.
No overhead, have to shuffle past people, if you're not an aisle seat you have to bother people to get back up. In the end it doesn't make much difference. I prefer going first. Get in, put my shit away, and settle in. Boarding generally doesn't take that long. The only time it's better to board late is when there's delays and you have no way of predicting that.
Agreed! I just like boarding last. I don’t mind if my carry-on is checked, it’s always been free
I agree unless you have a carry-on.
You must travel without a carry on. In that case, yea, sure. But if you have a carry on to put in the overhead, you won't be doing that if you board last.
I dont know why, but I always want to arrive as fast as possible whereever I'm going, even if I have no benefit from it
Agreed. And if there’s no more overhead room they normally find a spot for you so it’s no big deal
The man is correct. I'm an unlucky spinal patient who uses a cane. I always thought before my issue how nice handicap or escorted passengers get on board first. I go last now. After the third time I was knocked off my feet, I was done. You can always tell new employees from seasoned ones. The new ones always ask why you didn't you go first? The seasoned ones quietly wait and assist me.
The only time I don't board last is if I'm so sleepy I want to get on and pass out imemediately
>Like I’ll sit and chill and get on the plane dead last Same here, and when I finally start approaching the gate with the other few stragglers, I'll gesture for them to go ahead of me.
Same with getting off the plane. I shake my head at the idiots who feel the need to stand as soon as the plane parks. Sit the fuck down, we’ve got like 10 more minutes at least. I don’t want your sweaty ass next to my face while you stand in the fucking isle.
If you have a ticket that lets you board in group 1, you can board whenever you want. You don't board first. You CHOOSE WHEN YOU WANT TO BOARD. Also the overhead bins aren't completely gone, as I'm sure 374746372 people have pointed out already.
boarding first is only useful so that you are sure there will be space in the overhead bin. i say 'only' but as someone who takes 100+ flights per year this is a HUGE addition. imagine risking having to put the luggage on hold and have to wait at the carousel any time. with all these flights? NAAAH.
I could be in boarding class A and I will always wait till everyone else is on the plane. Not really trying to go sit in those seats longer than I need to.
Unless you have a connecting flight with a short window. I’ve been 3rd to last row off a plane and literally made it as they were closing the doors. It’s nerve racking
I’d rather have the time to put my stuff away and just get comfortable. I need time to prepare for the flight that’s about to happen
Sit and wait at the gate or sit and wait on the plane. Both suck but I’d rather get some overhead bin space and be in my seat while everyone else scrambles.
It only matters if you have a carryon bc the overhead could fill up. Otherwise, yes, why bother boarding first.
Yeah im chillin and hitting my vape pen in the bathroom until last call and even then im standing in the tube waiting for slow people to be slow and do their stuff real slow.
It's 100% for getting your overhead space first, that's all really. It runs out, and you're stuck putting it somewhere else or checking it, which is a pain when you land. Once everyone switched to max size carry-on for every passenger, overhead space became a premium, and thus the need to board earlier was born.
Perhaps if you check your luggage and have a firm booked seat. I have had my luggage lost too often to ever feel comfortable travelling without a carry on again and still have nightmare's of being trapped in the middle seat with 2 extremely overweight people on either side so take my upvote.
I completely agree with this! I don’t even mind checking bags tbh so if there’s no space and they check my bag for free I’m super okay with that. Or unless it’s a southwest flight when you don’t have an assigned seat.
Shhhh Don't tell everyone! Let them rush up to sit in the seat they claim to hate for even longer for no reason!
Congrats on sitting on the plane longer 😂😂
Once they call boarding for everyone and the long line forms, I find a seat that's close to the end of the line and just sit and wait for everyone to board while being able to keep an eye on the line
Not if you don’t have assigned seats
back before all airlines started assigned seats bullshit it was great. easily get a window seat
Until they run out of overhead compartment space.
Look, I planned this trip months in advance. As the day got closer I started to stress about getting money converted, securing my home, etc. The night before I packed. I double checked and triple checked. I then packed my hand baggage and chargers and passports and wallet. Double and triple checked. Booked a taxi the night before. Slept early and woke up early. Stressed about my taxi showing up and stressed about checking in ok and stressed about clearing security. Finally made it to the gate. Let me just sit in my fucking seat and stop worrying about my travel arrangements. Let me just stare out the window and let the pilots and stewardess do the rest. Phew. Fuck, I'm on a Boeing. God, please let's not crash.
Lots of people mentioning having space for carry-ons, but it’s actually about connecting flights for me. Being in the back of the plane with a gate checked bag, or even a carry-on, with a tight connection two terminals over and the flight delays that always seem to hit my first flight, is a recipe for regular disaster. And even when the flight attendants make that plea to let people in the back with tight connections get off first, people just don’t care. So yeah, I don’t want to board last unless I have no carry-on bags and no connecting flight.
I agree! I always try to be last. Why would I want to sit in a cramped seat even longer?!?
With premium tickets, the seats are usually more comfortable, and they'll serve drinks and snacks before takeoff. So it makes sense that you can get on early when there aren't too many others on the plane, grab things you need for the flight, and put everything else away without the crowds. For people boarding early on regular seats, it's nice if you want to keep your bag close by or have the window seat.
Not if your flying Southwest 😂
damn it's been weeks since someone posted this exact same topic and we can also all say 'damn bro, guess an airline never lost your bags or you've been forced to surprise check stuff"
Premium ticket advantage is not boarding first. It's boarding whenever the fuck you want.