GusMan's Blog

You know... If I still had my AAdvantage Platinum status, I would have been kinda ticked at AA on Monday.

Like many airlines, AA boards by groups. And there is somewhat of a pattern when it comes to who gets one group over another. If you have some sort of "status" you usually get to board first or during group 1. Then if you are in the back, group 2 and so on as you work your way towards the front. I figured this out and choose my seat so that if I know I will be carrying on luggage, I would be pretty much assured that I have a spot for it.

So, this past Monday, I had to head out to Denver. Got a seat behind the exit rows. Got group 3. No biggie. Its an MD80 so I know that I will not have an issue with my luggage.

But - AA decides on doing a "test" in ORD and boards by row number. This really messed things up for a lot of people and it took a lot longer. For me, it was really neutral but at the same time, if I had my status and wanted to exercise my perk by boarding first, I would have been like "whats the deal." After all, its one of the small perks that makes a difference for those who do carry on their luggage.

Why the big deal about the luggage? Simple - overhead space is limited and sometimes you need to carry on your bags. And with some carriers charging for checking in that second bag, more people are going to bring more into the cabin.

The problem is that even though the flight attendant says that if you carry on 2 bags one needs to go under the seat, there are many inconsiderate people that dont do that and just shove their bag and their laptop up above as well without giving people a chance to put their rollalong bag up there as well.

To be honest, if people would just be more considerate to their fellow travelers we would all be happier.

Oh, in case you ask... yes... I put my bag above and my laptop at my feet. I waited to put my coat above once everyone else had a chance to put their bags up there.

Now... about that armrest....