What could be more fun than a bit of Wednesday evening controversy? Rumor has it that the new United will be adopting a different boarding process starting May 11, which seems to mostly be based on the previous Continental system. Now, based on this FlyerTalk thread you’d think it’s a life or death issue, which I don’t see it as. I firmly believe that the plane will leave the gate regardless of how the plane is boarded, though I will say that I find United’s process to be a bit more efficient. That being said, I’m not losing sleep either way.
One of the more controversial aspects of the boarding process, however, is that US military members will be able to board before first class. Among Americans, very few people are questioning that, and those that are questioning it are being called names. From a patriotic standpoint I can certainly see the point of boarding military first (though is it necessary that they board before first class, as opposed to with first class?). At the same time, I think FlyerTalk member fastair raises some very valid points about regional patriotism in this post.
So what say you? For an international airline, should active military be invited to board before first class, with first class, or with whatever boarding group they naturally fall into?
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