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Topics: Travel
Emma Rosemurgey
Topics: Travel
Sometimes it can feel like the process of boarding a plane can take longer than the flight itself; whether its queuing to get onto the aircraft, people blocking the aisle while they get things out their luggage or even when someone gets on at the wrong entrance.
Luckily, that all may be about to change... well, if you're flying with United Airlines, anyway.
The airline has vowed to make big changes to the way it gets passengers on board in bid to speed the whole process up, starting as early as next week.
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United Airlines is set to take on the WILMA method, which sees customers board the plane in order of window, middle, then aisle, and if you think about it, it makes an awful lot more sense.
Having already set up trials to test the new boarding system, United says the policy can save up to two minutes on the time taken for passengers to get into their seats, which has also boosted the company's Net Promoter Scores, Business Traveller reports.
Loyal United travelers will be pleased to know that the airline will continue to allow first and business class customers on first, as well as members of their elite loyalty program, active-duty military members and anyone needing additional assistance. It is only once all those passengers have boarded that the WILMA policy will kick in.
The system will only affect those in boarding Group 4 and below and anyone in the same economy reservation will receive the same and highest applicable boarding group, with the exception of anyone traveling in Basic Economy in Group 6.
The changes are set to take place from 26 October, on US domestic routes, as well as those to Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, and on transatlantic and transpacific routes.
Meanwhile, if you do happen to be flying in economy, one passenger recently shared a genius hack for how to turn your economy seat into a VIP, without even having to move.
In the TikTok video, we see a passenger who has created their own little booth by fastening a blanket from the overhead cabin storage to the aisle-side armrest.
Admittedly it's a little strange, but it certainly provides some privacy.
The person behind the camera shared the clip, writing: "Caught my neighbor turning economy class into a VIP section. Has anyone else experienced this on their flight?"
Many people on TikTok were seemingly impressed, with one writing: "Omg that’s actually genius!"
"What a great idea!" wrote a second, while a third echoed: "You can make a tent? I love it!"
Others, however, were far more concerned if the passenger's hack was actually permitted onboard.
One wrote: "For security reasons I can’t imagine this is allowed."
Putting the issue to rest, a self-professed flight attendant confirmed: "Flight attendant here. We won’t allow it."