Time to remove Qantas Gold from priority boarding.

But my status does not allow that, surely not

The scanner should also emit a loud Klaxon sound as well as say 'Declined'. And if the Gate Staff give a demonstration of what the 'Declined' alert sounds like BEFORE pax start boarding, I suspect voluntary compliance will soar.

Trial Alert Starts Here: https://youtu.be/W_9KR3mYkUo?t=1

I thought we lowly golds had been punted from the priority line a while ago, I remember seeing something on here about it, hence I have changed to be last man on these days, loving it, it’s what we did for years, don’t know how getting on the plane first became a priority really.

I used to not rush from the lounge but now I ensure I'm at the front for boarding with all the carry on luggage since COVID. I am a carry on luggage convert for all but the longest of itineraries and so are many others.

Overhead storage space is why priority boarding is so valuable. Otherwise, I would be more than happy to be the last guy boarding.

Another issue is it's common to saunter through the boarding pass check after waiting for the queue to dwindle, only to find everybody is in line in the airbridge. This is why it's best to optimise boarding from back of the plane to front, rather than by caste.

I agree the priority boarding is currently a joke, however not convinced yet that boarding groups is the answer. It has it's good points if managed, but I have just spent 2 weeks traversing Europe on about 10 "business class" (Euro style...) flights which means group 1 or 2 for boarding. Was not that impressed with the way crowds of people stand around and you can't even get near to the gate. Then when the boarding starts, behold the arrogance and pushiness commences! Everyone is entitled to barge on. The only way to overcome it is leave the lounge really early and hang around standing for ages at the front of the gate. Which kinda defeats the purpose of lounges and priority to save time... Just to add to this rant, I can't believe how many people dumped their bags in the Euro business lockers and then headed on down to economy. And then when the flight arrives and the door is opened, econ pax just push their way through business (until we learnt to prevent them...) maybe the answer for AU is groups but not numbered groups, but status groups instead.... P1, P, gold, Silver, all others... cheers!

Here’s a suggestion- Platinums and above get to use the front stairs. All the other riff raff up the back stairs. Done ! ;)

I don't think it's too many status groups- the domestic carry-on situation has become ludicrous, which makes priority boarding more of an asset than it should be. One thing + personal item doesn't seem to mean anything now, and you typically see everyone with a giant rollie, a laptop bag, AND a suit bag and/or a giant box of Krispy Kreme donuts. If overhead space was controlled better, people wouldn't feel the need to rush the boarding line.

I've noticed that QF seem be making some attempts on this- they've had someone at the security area in SYD in peak times checking hand luggage limits, and there is a weird announcement being done in MEL ("if you can't get your hand luggage on the plane it won't make this flight" which seems like it would just make people more assertive with getting onboard first). Since QF doesn't charge for checked baggage, the slow collection at major airports is probably the biggest issue (with well-publicized shortage of baggage handlers).

Nailed it, Cliff.

It's been how long now? I haven't noticed a change.

Have been wondering why I have a very low care factor for this conversation, now I remember. Most of my flights are regional, with max pay of 72. Normal carry-on, if it's too large to go in the plane, flies with a 'premium' tag in the back with the rest of the luggage and you pick it up on the apron at your destination. Plenty of room in the plane and no-one cares about Club, Silver, Gold, Platinum, P1 etc and who gets on first or last.

But, on other flights I have a more conciliatory view...if I have a window seat I try and get on early compared to an aisle pew where I'm happy to be a little later in the boarding hierarchy, even when flying with just carry-on luggage.

Happy flying everyone and I hope that you have stayed at home for Easter with your family and friends...:)

I wish the Qantas staff would police this better.

When I hear priority boarding starting, pretty much everyone lines up, I highly doubt the whole plane is gold or higher

I don’t really care abt that too much. If u fly domestic, it won’t take that much longer to board. If u fly international, I usually snuggle up at the lounge until the very last mins which the queue would hv been gone by the time I arrived at the gate.