British Airways to Launch Zoned Boarding

Count British Airways among the latest carriers to board its aircraft based upon fare class.

According to The Independent, the airline will roll out the new process starting December 12. The service, which is already commonly used by domestic carriers in the United States, will function in a similar manner with the U.K. airline. Upon checking in, passengers will be issued a zone number on their boarding pass that is based on their elite status or fare class.

“This number will then be displayed prominently on the boarding pass, printed or mobile,” said British Airways in an internal memo. "The first three levels will be assigned to passengers with elite status, while economy passengers will be placed in zones 4 and 5.

A spokesperson for the airline said it should "speed up" the boarding process.

“This method has been used by airlines around the world for a number of years, including by our partners American Airlines, Iberia and Qatar," said the spokesperson.

Obviously, passengers who purchase the lowest class fare or the equivalent of “basic economy” fares, will be the last to board. According to The independent, not all passengers are excited about the change.

“In a society which we’re trying to make more equal, British Airways is doing the opposite,” said one passenger. “It’s very Kardashian, being ostentatious about wealth and status. Everyone will know how much money you’ve got based on where you are in the line.”

On Twitter, however, travelers are mostly hailing the announcement as long overdue, good news.

Over the moon to hear @British_Airways are introducing group based boarding come December. I'm sick of people calling "I'M BRONZE LET ME THROUGH!" in the priority lane like they're royalty. pic.twitter.com/ePWK1prXK1

— Rob de Canha-Knight (@rssfed23) November 17, 2017

The Ginger Travel Guru website said, “Anyone who travels with any regularity on British Airways knows that boarding is a mess. Always.”

#BritishAirways rumoured to introduce group boarding in December! Finally! https://t.co/9vtQbHfPN6 pic.twitter.com/qYXRZy4fJP

— Ginger Travel Guru (@gingertrvlguru) November 17, 2017

According to One Mile at a Time, the boarding zones for shorter flights will be assigned according to the following breakdown:

Group 1—Executive Club Gold, oneworld Emerald, and business class

Group 2—Executive Club Silver and oneworld Sapphire

Group 3—Executive Club Bronze and oneworld Ruby

Group 4—economy

Group 5—hand baggage only fares

For long-haul flights, the breakdown shifts slightly to::

Group 1—Executive Club Gold, oneworld Emerald, and first class

Group 2—Executive Club Silver, oneworld Sapphire, and business class

Group 3—Executive Club Bronze, oneworld Ruby, and premium economy

Groups 4 & 5—economy

Meanwhile, British Airways has announced a $5.9 billion investment program targeted towards improving the flying experience for all customers.

READ MORE: British Airways Launching Low-Cost, Long Haul Airline

"The glory days are coming back. I firmly believe that our best days lie ahead," said CEO Alex Cruz during a speech at the World Travel Market in London last week.

British Airways has been plagued by negative headlines this year, including multiple computer system outages that left thousands of customers stranded. The airline also irked travelers by doing away with in-flight meals and reducing legroom. A series of other bizarre incidents only compounded its problems.

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