Airline Cattle Call

So I flew home on the redeye Thursday night and as I’m waiting to get on the plane I get to thinking (yes, dangerous I know). Whatever happened to loading the plane using rows (i.e. 5 rows at a time) than the cattle calls they do nowadays? Granted on my flight out they did it but on the way back it was almost a free for all. And I’ve found they do the mass boarding more often than not lately. Maybe it’s just the airline I’m using...although I must say the hot cookie, then later the hot banana bread they gave us were very good snacks.

Now as usual they called first class, all the frequent flier members that have attained the higher ranks that allow them to get on the plane as well as the folks that need help, that’s all good. Then they call rows 15 and higher. Now that’s basically the whole plane except for first class. Who thought this up? Thus begins what I think of as the cattle call as we all shuffled forward to board. You’re hoping in the back of your mind that there will be enough overhead space because some people bring on the biggest bags. Then while you’re trying to work your way to the back you’re continuously stopped because someone has reached their row and has to get settled. It just makes me think it would go much faster/smoother if they’d go back to loading from the back. I guess that’s just logical and as I usually say at work, logic need not apply.

I have seen some different methods of loading including sections on United and I think my favorite on Delta (I’m guessing it was a pilot program of sorts) was by seat type. First window, then middle, then aisle. It was sort of entertaining, and actually kind of worked.

That’s enough of my rambling. Thanks for reading/listening.