Boarding flights in the United States can be a bit of a circus, given the extent to which the process is largely optimized around maximizing ancillary and credit card revenue, and stroking the egos of elite members. rather than just getting everyone on as efficiently as possible.
Continue reading: Oh My: United Global Services Member Angry That Family Boards Before Him
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
If the GS was behind the family but still pre-boarded, who cares.
If the GS was denied pre-boarding completely, there's a problem.
The entire preboarding circus is out of control. 50 people board on a 737 before the top elite status even has a chance. How about CK/GS/DL 360 all board first. They are the cream of the airline.
Foolish behavior but agree. United's boarding process is so silly and probably the worst of all the major airlines. Having 85 separate pre-boarding groups is crazy. Imagine being just a normal business class passenger who boards with Group 1. Half the plane is already boarded by the time they call group 1 lol
Everything in the US is a circus, though one shouldn’t expect any different from a country that elected a clown as president.
This is why I really cannot stand United's boarding process. As a first class passenger without any status it's entirely possible to be like 50th in line to board and not get any overhead space. Whereas on American they let first class passengers board pretty much first. That's the way it should be. Plus, on United, for whatever reason, everybody lines up hours before boarding. I hate it.
Good morning, happy new year, and happy Monday.
If you're not going to worry about in 5 years, don't worry about it at all.
Everybody is going to get their turn, take their seat, and go where they need to go.
"Plus, on United, for whatever reason, everybody lines up hours before boarding."
Exaggerate much?
Indeed. But, the US is not the only circus out there. British Airways tends not to respect boarding groups. On intra-Europe flights, it is typically Groups 1-3 concurrently. It has become a cattle car form of boarding. In practical terms, Group 1 boarding for BA Gold is an empty benefit. The purpose of revenue-based tier status was to thin the herd so that benefits were deliverable. But, that's not happening.
Maybe not hours, but way before they do on other airlines. Why so critical? Exaggerating to make a point that the boarding process on United sucks and needlessly frustrating.
Why do you have to turn this post into an anti- American diatribe? Complete with the requisite slap at Trump.
This post had absolutely nothing to do with politics, but you manage to inject your anti-Americanism into it.
Not sure what country you come from, but if you can't say something nice, then dont say it all.
Well.... yes and no.
It can be quite frustrating to see "kids" who look like they are about to take their first driving lessons soon, are considered eligible fo pre boarding.
Same for family clans of 10 people, who are all necesessary to help one person in a wheelchair.
Especially on some routes my guess is, that half the plane is already filled up, before the first status passenger is allowed to board.
That been said, i still think that the idea to do so is the right thing, it's just bloated nowadays.
Yes, it is an exaggeration. But, it's still a point. It happens with every airline in every airport. Not just in the US and not just with United. The gate agent states, "We're going to start pre-boarding" and a sea of humanity crowds the lane area. Inexperienced travellers. They don't know the drill and it will never change. When I experience a good, systematic boarding, I thank the gate agent.
The man's reaction was uncalled for. That being said, family (and people who need assistance) boarding is hugely abused especially on United. Was on EWR-LHR last week and sure enough this family of 8 (parents, grandparents and only 2 kids who appeared to be above the age of 5) got to preboard. But you would have been called racist if you tried to say anything. This is entirely a United problem and why in 2026 I will actively avoid it.
Although there might be some aspect of certain passengers not knowing what the process and priorities are for boarding, I suspect it has more to do with the lack of monitoring of cabin carry on luggage - both size and number, by gate agents. People know overhead space is limited and probably have, like Mr. Happy in the video, more than one item of non conforming luggage, and the pre boarding scrum is made up of desperate people trying to ensure they are able to stow their baggage.
1) he simply showed up late - you don't get to cut within preboarding if you're not there when called. although over the holildays a family insisted on going in front of the 1ks who had started boarding after other families who were there on time boarded. we all demurred.
2) his bags are oversized, esp the 'personal item'
Technically, the pre-board order is (and most times each group is called individually and allowed to board before moving to the next group):
1. Those who need assistance
2. Active duty military
3. United Global Services
4. Families with children 2 and under
4. United 1K
Not all GA's call each group individually though. And I've had some skip over GS if they've looked at the manifest and seen no GS booked. I've also seen GS and 1K called together, both before and after families. It's pretty random and nothing to get upset over IMO.
At this point anyone with autism or ADHD is gonna be boarding first. US based airlines created this mess.
Not in every airport. In places like Japan and Taiwan, boarding is quick and orderly, and very few people line up before their group is called. Unless it is a United flight - then it's back to the survival of the fittest 🙂
Look carefully at the roller bag that Mr GS has… it’s fully expanded and violates the allowable dimensions of a carry-on.
If there’s “an order” then there are certainly “rules” so he can’t have his cake and eat it too.
I’m glad other pax called him out on his attitude and rudeness. And also glad his pic is on the internet now. If I see him waiting to board ahead of me as a 1k, I’ll have to ask “didn’t I just see you on the internet in the travel blogs?”
Eh, I wouldn’t be that passive about everything (because then we’ll be complicit in allowing bullies and abusers to bully and abuse others), but, for somethings, like this, sure, fine, whatever.
No, not ‘everything’ … let’s not ‘both sides’ any of this. One side is clearly no longer acting in good faith, and that’s a problem for everyone.
Is there really such a huge, global problem with carry on bags that priority boarding is indispensable? I always aim to board last and I'm convinced that the last time I was made to check my rollaboard due to lack of space was on a SN Avro- an aircraft type which, according to Google, got retired by the airline 9 years ago! I only place some value on priority boarding when I fly TAP as it invariably means that I can get a seat on the bus to the plane!
Yeah, that "If you're not going to worry about in 5 years, don't worry about it at all" mentality is completely idiotic. If everyone did that, there would hardly ever be any justice in the world or improvements for mankind.
There were three children in the front of the boarding line. The biggest got to board 5th.
Crappy behavior but he is right. GS, then families, then 1Ks round out preboarding. That’s supposed to be the order.
I would never ever cause a scene about this, or even raise it with members of staff who are just doing their job but inside I'm constantly annoyed by this nonsensical rule of letting the slowest group of pax first. Of course I understand and support boarding customers with disabilities first as there's a practical reason why that's needed (inability to stand, assistance possibly needed, etc) but letting people into first group just because they have a kid with them is a bit ridiculous.
“Supposed to be” the order. If the gate agent called them all, then they’re perfectly entitled to line up and board as called. If the GS really cares that much, he can write a nasty gram to United and they’ll probably give him some token miles. At the gate, in the line is not the appropriate time to address your grievance.
@Lee - Boarding groups 1 to 3 together on shorthaul is very much the policy at BA (and most EU airlines), there's just no point having so many boarding groups on small planes, but at the same time you want to keep groups consistent with longhaul.
Sure. And that happens a lot when staff get rushed to try and board on time, and then it becomes a circus or when it's rapid fire from one (pre-board) group to the next.
I agree, not a good look and not the best time to address your grievance, you have to chalk it up as an L and move on.
Somehow Qatar, Singapore Airlines, Cathay etc. are all able to make it work with 3 boarding groups (disabilities, business class + elites, everyone else), but US airlines need to have 15 different boarding groups to satisfy the DYKWIA crowd
While we're all showing ourselves as evil child hating monsters, can we also point out how many families abuse family boarding?
It's supposed to be for families with young and small children ~2 y/o to get them on board and settled in quicker to avoid inconveniencing the rest of the plane. Half the time I see families where the youngest is at least in grade school if not older. Little Bobby may be studying for the SAT but maybe he's "young at heart"?
"And to show such lack of courtesy to a family is even worse."
The GS member is a dick but you're kidding right? Why should families get special treatment? You people already pretend to be holier than thou when wanting to change seats and play the victim card when the rest of us actually say no. We all paid (in theory at least, unless there's some kind of "family only" fare basis scam which wouldn't surprise me given how too family-friendly the world's become) so maybe it's time to check your privilege.
After watching the video and noticing what the wife was wearing , I’d feel much safer taking the next flight.
"But you would have been called racist if you tried to say anything."
Why is that?
BS. Groups 1 and 2 line up in their designated lanes, Groups 3 to 6 stay in their seats until they're ready. There aren't gate lice the way there is on AA and DL.
What is the wife wearing that scares you so much that you wouldn't board the flight?
There have always been loser work flyers who are given "elite" status by the airline and act like they own the world. Meanwhile, they make 50k flying around for their corporate boss on weekends and holidays (Jan 2!!!)
Is this a joke? “You people?” As if there’s any behavior that applies universally to families. It’s also to your benefit: do you really want to stand in a jetway for 10 minutes while a couple kids play tag running around you (or throwing tantrums if their parents make them stop)? You do not want that. I promise.
Here is what I have witnessed many times in the last year and saw yesterday again. It is the "pre-boarding SCAM" at least on Delta. Before anyone boards the plane, the GA calls "anyone needing extra time to board". In the past, you would see a few passengers on wheelchairs, elderly massagers, people with mobility issues. But now, scammers are pre-boarding. Yesterday I counted 22 passengers, and 20 of them were young, no wheelchairs, no mobility issues at all. They simply walk in before anyone with tier carry ons and GAs do nothing. When you get onboard, they are happily seated and with their luggage stored on the overhead bins. I starred noticing this behavior last year and but the number of pre-boarding scammers is growing. Note this is before military members, first class, families, etc... Anyone "feeling" they need extra time to board can simply walk in. No questions asked.
United’s Boarding process without having 1K was reason enough to avoid for me. moved to american mosty because of how they each board first class.
People start getting into the group 1 and 2 lines way way early. many times before the inbound plane arrives. Who wants to deal with that? It's annoying, and not BS.
Yeah, I do agree with you on lack of First Class boarding first is a frustration. I had, when just a lowly Platinum, times boarding First (when I'd paid for First) that I'm last one to board in the cabin. One flight that particularly made me irritated was that I had 1.) boarded amongst the first half dozen with Zone 1, 2.) had a bulkhead seat thanks to a rebooking a missed connection, 3.) overheads were completely full and the F/A told me basically I could find a spot for my personal item back in coach or check it. Oh, and I'd missed pre-departure drinks since mine was the only seat empty in F and they'd held me at the door to finish the service then said I was too late.
Even Spirit and Allegiant blockade the overhead bins at rows 1-2 until the bulkhead seats are filled. Militantly in fact. I appreciate that a lot. On Spirit I can be the 220th person to board the A321 and have a seat in row 1 with my bag right over my head.
They don't line up at UA hours in advance... though two weeks ago had a flight where they said "boarding soon" so I left the Club, go down to the gate, get in line, and we stood there 20 minutes until they realized there was no crew on the plane and they wouldn't be there for 2 hours. Ehhh... Crap happens I guess.
But I'll give you the First Class boarding annoyance. But also not going to push around someone who is ahead in line.
I once sat next to an elite who made such a scene of him boarding first while his family (presumably spouse and 3-4 kids between about 5 and 15) sat in coach. He made it very clear he got to board first and they had to wait (to his family and anyone who could hear his elevated voice). Since he's so important to the airline. Then on board enjoying his pre-departure drink and commenting as family passed by.
He tried to talk to me and tell me all about his status and well, he gets the upgrade, so the family is in row 20-something. I told him if I speak to him next, it'll be if the plane goes down so I can make sure the last thought that enters his brain is my voice reminding him that his own self important comes ahead of his family.
I can understand your confusion and I am happy to offer some perspective as a father who has logged around 20 segments with his infant son. As I experienced it, there are the following good reasons:
1.) Having your bags close by is more important with an infant: diaper bag, toys, snacks, comfort items. For everything longer than a short NUE-FRA shuttle, you won’t be able to fit all of this under your seat. Having these items handy contributes to a happy and balanced toddler (and quiet cabin).
2.) Some kids are terrified by being around so many strangers: coming into an empty cabin allows them to examine it and feel safer. Baby feels safe? Less crying and quieter cabin.
3.) Toddlers (mostly lap and but also with seat) mean additional logistics for the crew: infant belts, infant life wests, double checking availability of additional oxygen masks, restraining devices. Having families board early, gives the Crew time to distribute those materials and brief the families on how to use them.
4.) We (other families too?) are quick in the jet bridge but not necessarily once seated - you take care of the logistics for yourself and another person. So, having families on board quickly might very well contribute to an on time departure.
I acknowledge that I am biased here 🙂 but I think the pros outweigh the cons.
Legitimate question: I've seen AI videos with higher production value. I'm not suggesting this video is AI, but what happens when someone films a normal gate agent interaction only to have the video edited by AI to have the gate agent curse you out, etc.
Oh, it's those "invisible disabilities" you see. Anyone can claim to be anything and milk it for all it's worth. "Oh, I'm autistic!", and yet you've still managed to navigate your way solo through the airport and made it all the way to boarding? There's nothing wrong with them. It's a total scam.
Not only that, his second item is way larger than the three acceptable carry on size. It should be way smaller at the personal size dimensions
Am American believing he can forcibly invade someones space and order everyone around. Probably thought it was Venezuela.
As long as you're group 5 or earlier, you'll snag an overhead bin space. If the gate agents did a better job policing the carry on policies, there would be even more. That being said, last year I had to stop a portly self-important first class business guy from cutting in front of a very pregnant mother and her toddler. That was enjoyable.
United Elites are notoriously known for measuring their self-worth by their PQP. This is no surprise. Kirby created these monsters and Im not talking about the Lady Gaga kind.
Half the US population appear to have some reduced or mental disability. Sadly this spreads everywhere. If people don’t get their way it’s because they have a “hidden disability”. Whilst of courses there are genuine cases it’s the others who take advantage of this
It absolutely does. It’s because we see how ignorant (many) Americans are by choosing to post stories and imagine such as this, therefore proving a point. Trump emboldens xenophobic and disruptive behaviour.
These are very stupid people. I call him Watermelon Head. He's got the thinnest neck I've ever seen. How it holds up that head? He's got a neck that's about a size six. Very unattractive guy, both inside and out.
I never quite understood why the piccolo player for the Marine Band gets to board before the police officer who patrols the south side of Chicago. They both volunteered for the job, but one takes on a lot more risk.
1. Every Marine is a rifleman.
2. The Police Officer can quit, the Marine is obligated for 4 or more years.
That said, let first responders board before first too. Especially volunteer firefighters.
Yes, by all means, let us say "active duty military except if you serve in the band...."
Even if the families were boarding out of order, I would have the humility to recognize that perhaps, just perhaps, it is inappropriate and rude of me to make a determination about someone else’s right to a specific boarding order as clearly I have insufficient information to make that determination.
Why are you giving these goddamn privileged, entitled, main character syndrome ambassadors of audacity any time of day?
God you'll do anything for goddamn attention and to promote such idiocy is absolutely moronic.
This is general comment regarding United boarding that happened to my son yesterday [January 5th, 2026] from Houston to LGA via ORD. My son was seated in first class primarily because he could then take extra baggage back to NYC. At 815am airport arrival the lines at IAH were out the terminal doors WITH NO DEDICATED FIRST CLASS CHECK IN; which at United hub cities [IAH, ORD, EWR and perhaps SFO] is quite ridiculous. The long lines were a result of United Premier Access flyers which at hub cities are very common - as was evident yesterday!! C'mon United - please have dedicated first class check in for the approximately top 8% of first class passengers that are seated in that cabin. There might actually been more people in the Premier Access line than in the regular check in line which gives some insight into the value pf Premier Access!!
How on earth does he handle the fact that the disabled (visible or not) board before him
as someone with a disability thats not obvious to others, these miracle flights where people need a wheel chair to get on the plane but somehow manage be cured on the way off the plane drive me effin' nuts.
At the same time there are some people assume don't require extra time to be setup but actually do in order to be able to fly safely. I would honestly be ok if there was a 3rd party validation that could notate disability access to your skymiles account, but I'm sure thats against the law
I can't stand people like this. I am Concierge Key on American and frankly already feel self conscious about boarding so early. To make a scene? I can't imagine behaving this way. They should pull his status and make him a general member of the MileagePlus program.
There also seems to be differences in what airlines consider a child that necessitates early boarding. I asked AA on my recent flight and it's for kids 2 or younger. I know that I've gotten early boarding when my son was up to 5 on AS and HA. Not sure if it's due to their policy or if it's because he was going to fly in a car seat. But, I certainly appreciated having an emptier cabin when I was strapping in his car seat.
The problem is when all the gate agent has to say is "any passenger that needs extra time to board can now pre-board" that allows anyone to feel entitled to need extra time. "Yes, I need extra time to accommodate all my bags on the overhead bin" or "I need extra time to not want to be boarding in Zone 6" or "I need extra time to game the system". It is just a honor system in a place where any dishonest person can take advantage.
All drama aside
If he has paid his way to the top invited tier he should board first
But it’s up to the agent to uphold that privilege
I find when flying First on United I feel like I’m the last to board there are so many groups.Dont like the airline
I fly AA and feel they treat me better typically in the boarding process
Let GS and 1K board with F, not before. Or, better yet, do other preboards, then those in F/J, then, play a drum roll of the speaker, and annouce, "Please remove your hats and lower your heads as or GS and 1K board."
It’s definitely GS before families during pre-boarding. But the gate staff don’t always adhere to it, and its not worth making a scene
Can confirm that Jules is correct. It goes “people that need assistance “ “active military” then GS.
"it sure feels like the frequent flyer should know better…"
That's your first mistake, Ben. You take some basic pond scum, and treat them like royalty. And you are surprised they act like jerks.
It used to be if a person was upgraded( like on Eastern's Executive travel program), they would thank you.
Just think of all the "good" publicity they earned on this episode. Yank his card. You won't miss his business. And the rest of us will applaud them.
lol I mean if it bothered you so much to board with the CKs you could just board with first class right?
This entire thing is a nothing burger. "Yank his card?" For what exactly? People get frustrated when the only tangible benefit that hasn't been taken from them by United is early boarding and people always try to cut them in line. He was entitled to go ahead of the family. It was reported that he jumped on his laptop as soon as he was seated. Maybe he had something urgent to do on said laptop?
Is his behavior rational? No. Is it worthy of punishment or even internet shaming? No. Should he stop being loyal to United? Yes.
They already let first responders board first. Haven't you seen all the deadhead and non-rev flight attendants get on to secure overhead space before boarding?
Sadly, it sounds like this man really cares that his status is recognized and everyone knows he is Global Services. I was GS for ~4 years and saw a decent number of people like this. Asking 20 people at the gate "are you GS or 1K?" so they could stand in front of people.
Agree, the only good reason to be in the pre-boarding group is because of the overhead bin space. It's a waste for him to complain on something so small. Also agree many non-US airlines do it effeciently in two to three groups.
The bottom line for those who care about facts truth etc. are that the preferred passenger was correct in this situation because the Airline written policy supports his position. Would it have been nice (think 1950's) if he believed that families should always come first? I guess, but it is a clear sign of how screwed up the US is when 99% of the comments blame the dude who paid a lot to board first and was screwed. And not a peep about the douchebag family who refused to abide by the clearly written airline rules.
Guy was being stupid, but the preboarding with United has gotten entirely out of control. I routinely take United international flights with 20+ wheelchairs at boarding, and maybe one person needs a chair to get off. Families with Children old enough to drive boarding as children with no enforcement whatsoever by United. In the old days, boarding group one meant something. Now I'm lucky to be in the first 80 to board. It should be global services, 1K, business class, and then everyone else. IF you have kids, deal with it. I wasn't there for the conception or the birth, handle your own kids, and don't make me wait on junior, who's running around like a madman to start with.
Yeah, United's boarding is nutty. I occasionally fly United in paid F and have Silver status (from Marriott). So, essentially I have no status. It is true that half the plane is on board before they call me in group 1. Almost all of F is full and it's a battle to get my carry on overhead. Meanwhile AA calls people who need extra time, military and concierge key before group one while Delta doesn't call any elites before group one. That means that everyone (with few exceptions) boards at the same time. Much more reasonable. They are the source of that silly SNL skit...
@Dave... you don't know what the agent said. I assure you the family didn't read the rules. They listened to the agent and it sounds like the agent called everyone. Regardless, he was being an entitled tool. What does it matter if one family goes before you? Are you worried they're going to take all the bin space?
His entitlement, clearly showing through, and simple for him to let that family go through. And he was likely correct, although we don't know anything about what was actually announced, so none of us can really say for sure. I am a 1k flyer, so have certainly boarded a few planes in my time - and it is a bit crazy, not always clear, every airline not only has different rules, but different mechanisms as well, and half the time, I can't make out what they are saying over broken loudspeakers. So a little flexibility and empathy for others is nice.
The one that really bugs me though is the nasty woman on video who was doing all of the talking! That's the one in all of this that is really showing off the entitlement, and without her, likely would not have been most of the situation in the first place.
I don't have a problem with families being allowed to get their seats before me, however, I feel that they should be placed further back on the plane in case they have unruly or crying kids. Being on a 4+ hour flight listening to a screaming child or feeling them continually kicking the back of my seat is not acceptable.