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I wrote last week about Delta Air Lines tweaking its boarding procedures. Diamond Medallion members (the highest-ranking elite status) no longer may board with First Class and Delta One cabins. Instead, they were demoted to their own boarding zone — right after First Class and Delta One.
I assumed some people would be upset — and they were.
But a different boarding group altogether is what sparked most of the controversy.
Why Should Active Duty U.S. Military Get to Board First?!
Honestly, I thought the post’s Comments section would be filled with Diamonds complaining about Delta stabbing them in the back — and non-Diamonds punching their buttons in response. There was very little of that.
But I was surprised by commenters taking umbrage with active duty United States military members getting the top boarding zone for Delta flights.
(To be clear: most of these people are regular commenters here on the blog. Some I’ve gotten to know personally. While we may occasionally disagree, they seem like pretty decent folks. So, this isn’t any personal attack.)
I don’t mind one single bit if active duty U.S. military board first on my flights. These brave people volunteered to place themselves in dangerous situations and away from home. Are my tax dollars paying their wages? Yep. Isn’t that enough? Meh. I can wait an extra minute or so to board my flight.
(I’m also someone who buys a meal or something for uniformed military members when they’re in line with me at a restaurant. I wave and say hello to firefighters and police officers. So, maybe I’m just one of “those people.”)
I’ve sat on flights with kids (yes, I think 18- and 19-year-olds are kids) dressed in fatigues and heading off somewhere. Maybe some domestic training, an overseas destination, I don’t know. But seeing some of them nervous as heck? They’re braver than me.
So, yeah, I’m cool with military folks boarding ahead of me.
Active duty military boarding doubles as a “Wait?! We’re really going to board in a couple of minutes?!” warning to unprepared people still messing around on their phones or otherwise not paying attention. Sorry, not sorry — those schmucks delay the boarding process more than anyone else.
RELATED: Delta’s Special Memorial Day Tribute at LAX
But Do Others Abuse the Privilege? Or Should It Be Extended to More “Dangerous” Professions?
I can’t remember a time when more than, like, four military members took advantage of the boarding privileges.
However, that’s contrary to what Don in ATL says he’s experienced: “It’s an honor system, and there isn’t much honor left these days…. (Some)times (like to FRA or ICN) half the plane boards with military – and they usually announce it as ‘active or retired military.'” (Bold mine.)
I can see where that becomes a problem. Especially because Delta’s website says explicitly the boarding zone is “Active Duty U.S. Military with I.D.” It mentions nothing about the retired military. I’m sure the gate agents either don’t know that only active duty personnel are the ones who are supposed to get the boarding privilege — or if they’re simply trying to be friendly and grateful to those who’ve served. But there are worse examples of Delta shenanigans.
Longtime readers of this blog know I appreciate good snark — especially when it must be used to illustrate a point. To that, we have reader derek’s comment:
Active duty military should not board so early. If they do, they should change the criteria to:
Active duty military, former military, doctors, fire fighters, CIA, charitable contributors donating over $100,000, wrongful termination victims, drivers of small cars.
While I disagree with derek about active duty military not being able to board first, derek brings up an interesting point with “former military, doctors, firefighters” before listing several other, erm, criteria. (Which I find rather amusing.)
I understand derek’s reasoning, though. Firefighters sign up for a job requiring them to run into burning buildings, provide life-saving medical care for patients who aren’t yet at a hospital, and all sorts of other dangerous and/or high-stress duties. What about doctors? Don’t some of them save people’s lives? Weren’t they on the front lines during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic?
And let’s not get forget police officers: people with a job that automatically places targets on their backs and comes with universal scorn.
I hate to say, “Oh, it’s a slippery slope” because that’s such a cliché. But I see where boarding privileges can quickly become one.
What Do You Think?
I don’t mind if active duty military are the first people (after those needing extra time, of course) to board a flight. I think it’s a kind gesture. It’s never once inconvenienced me.
How do you feel about this? (If you commented in the original post but want to add something else to your take, feel free to do so.) Please share your thoughts in the below Comments section.
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I fly out of San Antonio (dubbed as “Military City USA”). There are usually 15-20 or more military boarding before I do (as a Diamond who may or may not be upgraded). I don’t mind. I do agree that police and firefighters as well as active educators should also be recognized but that could be after the those who need more time in boarding, active military, first class, Diamonds, other SkyMiles members, then police, firefighters, and educators. Then Main 1, Main 2, Main 3, and Basic.
I am grateful for those who voluntarily serve. My son is enlisted in the Army National Guard and just flew to basic training. When he flys home for his two weeks in December I think anyone who is serving should be allowed to board first. Our enlisted soldiers don’t get paid alot so boarding a little earlier is a benefit for what the armed service member experiences.
I’m with you, both about military getting to board first, and about the confusion of the slippery slope. And though it’s strange to feel I have to clarify my political affiliation, in these weird times I do: I am a Democrat. Patriotism belongs to us all, and I am grateful to those who sacrifice on our behalf.
Retired Army guy here- I’d say no to early boarding unless in uniform, if at all.
I understand that logic, but my son who is active duty and recently deployed said they are not allow to wear their uniform when they travel.
This isn’t true at all. I am an active duty service member and I am actually on a plane right now. Today in Charlotte I saw at least 5 Soldiers in uniform in the airport waiting to board a flight. I personally think it’s ridiculous for Soldiers or any other branch of the service’s members to fly in uniform. We all get paid and have other clothes, I don’t think we should make it more of a “soft target” situation than it already is by walking around flamboyantly showing off the fact that you’re serving.
As far as the flight boarding discussion, I view it much the same way. Why stand up and point yourself out in a crowd as actively serving? In a world where lone wolf attacks are more of a threat these days, I say keep yourself quiet about being a service member unless in direct conversation with someone. As the Green Beret phrase of “Quiet Professionals” rings in my ears, I think it stands as teaching point here.
It is true that certain posts are now requiring soldiers to be in civilian uniform while traveling. I don’t know about other branches, but the army strongly recommends traveling out of uniform
This is actually very true. It all depends on your command. I wasn’t allowed to be in uniform until my chain of command changed. Times are changing.
This is true as it is a Command decision. Certain Commands prohibit Soldiers from traveling in uniform while others do not. So your Command may not, but the others do. That is the power of Mission Command, let Commanders make determinations based on analysis that acts within the overall intent.
Also, I never boarded when they called for Active Duty Military as unless you were in uniform, which I was only in on mid-tour leave, it makes the Soldier feel awkward. I have been on flights with Senior Leaders including LTGs and CSMs, who all sat when they said Active Duty Military could board. Let the Junior Soldiers enjoy that small privilege given the sacrifices we ask of them.
As a Marine you can’t wear cammies off base and wearing your dress or service uniform looks tacky as hell and is frowned upon but I do see sailors and soldiers in cammies on flights
I am an active duty sailor and the only time you can wear a uniform (dress uniform) is from boot camp, to your training school. All others are not allowed to where a uniform while traveling commercial air.
I disagree with the slippery slope argument for a lot of reasons but the main one is this: Out of all the professions of people being in harms way, the one which (generally) don’t get to go home at night are Active Duty (and others like deployed ANG). Cops can quit and move to a different department, doctors/nurses can go wherever whenever they want (with very nice salaries even if deserving), etc. Military cannot. Pay is laughable, hours can cross the point when you forget what day it is (Navy vet myself), and I think a minute or two to say “Thank You” isn’t much to ask.
I totally agree 100% with Sedrick! In addition; if the Active Duty must show their ID card, why not the Retired Military show their card along with their VA Card! Ok, ok! I hear ya! Well! Retired Military you must show your ID Card along with documentations of 100% VA Disability! Ok! My Bag/Bad! Retired Military with ID Card and mobility card! I think Active Duty (uniform or not) and Retired Military (VA Card or not) would be the closing chapter of this book! If not; why say, “Thank You For Your Service!”
With apologies in advance if I offend you unintentionally…but that depends in the branch. My son is in the Navy and is required to wear his dress whites or blues when traveling to his next duty station unless he is arriving earlier than his reporting date, in whch case he can wear his Peanut Butters. Army allows soldiers to wear their ACUs, Air Force wears their Service Dress and Marines wear their BDUs unless traveling to the DC area in which case they wear their Class B uniform.
Army no longer permits traveling in OCPs, although certain posts may vary.
Right so I am personally in the Navy and fly quite a bit for my respective job. My orders and everyone I knows orders specifically state you are to travel in civian attire. You change when you get to your destination. Also there is a reason for boarding first. Overhead storage is limited. And sometimes we are either on a super tight schedule or are carrying something we can’t check or valet. So we board to ensure we get the storage space we need to move on as quickly as possible when we land at least on orders.
Active duty infantry marine here. You’re supposed to travel in civilian attire. I’ve blasted many many marines for wearing anything other than. Doctors should be allowed to board early. The job comes with 10-14 years of school, higher stress, incredible debt, and they have a direct influence on someone’s life every. Single. Day. Thank you docs. You can replace every other job to a certain extent. A lot of doctors are nigh irreplaceable.
Ignore Josh obviously he hasn’t been in that long. Active Duty in certain situations do travel in military uniform under orders
Im retired military and have no issues with active duty boarding first because it just might be their last plane ride so let them enjoy getting treated with a nice surprise. TBH, when I was active, most of us did not like the attention and would rather just wait our turn but we appreciated the gesture.
Correct per Regulation AR 670-1 Reservist, Active Duty, and National Guard are not authorized to travel in uniform without commander’s approval.
ok quitter
Whoa, what does quitting have to do with anything?
Soldiers in your uniform are targets for others and can be harmed.
I’m currently Active Duty and technically we aren’t suppose to fly in uniform. It puts a giant target on our back, especially after 9-11. It’s nice to board early with the family to get everything situated though especially since it’s usually been a long time since we’ve been able to visit home.
Delta gate agents routinely say “active-duty military and veterans.” They never look at identification and pretty much anyone from 30 to 80 can pass as a veteran. The number of cases of stolen valor or whatever they call it are well-documented. Even in airports, fakes have been caught wearing uniforms wrong. As others have said, if military gets pre-boarding why not cops or firefighters? Or emergency room nurses?
I’d say that Delta agents should check the ID, and limit it to active duty. Stolen valor cases are limited in my opinion. I think the original idea of early boarding of active duty military went back to the Iraq war time – Soldiers coming/going home from battle areas in uniform. But somehow that got expanded to anyone related to the military. As a veteran, I don’t expect early boarding (although I’m getting older and soon will need that “extra time” thing…).
@JRG, you often hear gate agents announce the military boarding by including “those in uniform and those with a military ID” for this reason.
I think the key difference here is that military travel more than doctors and nurses. They’re often split from their families, spouses, children etc. And whether that’s because they’re in a dangerous position or not, the lack of control over where they are sent is significant. Are there some doctors and nurses who don’t have control over where they work? Sure. But they can usually bring their families with them. There are many instances in which military cannot. So overall- active duty military are folks making sacrifice in that regard more often than not and I think that’s where the tie in with flying* specifically ties in.
The challenge is the inequity. Joining the military is voluntary, as is being a nurse, firefighter, or other individual that places themselves into possible harms way. During the early days of the pandemic, a buddy of mine who is a police officer said that he rarely got out of his police car to interact with society, yet his wife teaches and interacts with 175+ high school students daily. Who was in the more dangerous job at the time? Yet, he receives all the perks of being a first responder and his wife receives none. Another friend of mine was in the military for four years, never left the U.S., but receives all the perks of being a veteran. It’s simply the inequity for me.
The things we compare and complain about…
The first part of your argument you said joining the military is voluntary which is true, but so is traveling via aircraft so what’s your point?
Since I was mentioned in Chris’ post, I need to comment again. Honest to God, that flight to FRA from ATL had half the plane boarding under military and retired military (yes, that’s the way they regularly announce it in ATL). My point here was, if the purpose of the new boarding procedure is to give the FA’s more time to prepare coach, on this flight they would not have had that extra time. 99% of the soldiers sit in coach. Pretty much the same story on one flight ATL to ICN. I don’t mind the vets going first. I appreciate their service to our country. The only time I got hot because of the boarding order was when 2 DL non revs boarded under the heading of those “needing more time” (presumably because they have a physical/medical condition) boarded under that category. They were in their 20’s or 30’s and were walking perfectly normally. When I got onboard they were sitting behind me in D1. They were the first ones into the D1 cabin, and there they were chatting merrily with several of the FA’s assigned to that flight. It was obvious from the conversation that those two worked for DL and were non revs. That’s why I said it’s an honor system, and there isn’t much honor left any more.
I respect and love the idea of having military personnel board first. But that’s a lot of people Don. Assuming this was on Delta. I have flown the ATL-FRA route on Lufthansa a dozen times in the past 3-4 years as a Star Gold and father of a toddler (boarding towards the front) and don’t think they ever called out for military personnel. Maybe because it is a foreign carrier?
Be cautious about this assumption. I qualify for extra time due to a severe peanut allergy, so that I can wipe down anything that could have residue. I would otherwise appear to be a “healthy” person. I also have a shoulder issue from a car accident a decade ago & had a parent yell at me for not giving up my aisle seat (nobody to my left, which is what I need) for her middle seat so she could sit by her child. Not all physical issues are visible
Those flights are full of military members because the largest US military bases (and numbers) outside of the US are in both those countries. Most of them away from their families the enter time they are stationed or deployed there. I’d say pick different locations to fly to. US military fly federally contracted flights and they are the lowest category and cheapest. I bet they would put us in the cargo hold with the luggage if they legally could.
Active duty should board first…and if they wanted to add first responders to the list (police, fire, and ems) I’d be okay with that as well. Those fine folks do what they do so that I can have the freedom to do what I do.
The way the country is going, you might as well add teachers. Because if education does not improove soon, you’ll soon have no freedom left.
I have no objection to active military folks boarding first. “It does me no harm, not picks my pocket.”*
*Thomas Jefferson on another topic, but still…
How about minorities/oppressed, lgbtqia++++, victims of domestic violence, victims of racism, Native Americans? Victims of police brutality (which can board immediately before police officers…..or should it be after) Are these people not to be honored and appreciated? Where do we draw the line? Society really sucks now but in a weird sort of way, I’m kind of enjoying watching the collapse. As for me, I board in group 32….white, cis, conservative, straight, non-criminal, employed, etc.
Why should we celebrate people just because they choose to live and engage in homosexuality?! If we’re really all equal then what makes them better for choosing that lifestyle? It’s nothing special at all! I know you meant it sarcastically but the point remains
I think it’s safe to say that most everyone agrees that our military and first responders deserve our gratitude. I find it interesting that in this and Chris’ previous post, that it was active and former military who were most likely to comment that military should not board first. I imagine there are many active military who regularly pass on the offer to board early. If we spent more time asking how we can help and thanking others rather than worrying about what we are entitled to and what’s fare, we would all be so much happier.
They should not extend the early boarding priviledges to active military. There is no reason for that. Conscription is over and this is a career choice. Only 10% of the military sees actual combat. Finally, it is not any more deadly and arguably less important than those people working on deadliest catch fishing boats off Alaska to feed the country.
And getting on a plane is voluntary and a choice in it itself. So you’re whole argument is null and void.
Let them board in their appropriate group depending on their ticket and membership status. Being military does not make you better than the rest of the population. There are many civilians that may be more deserving, like a doctor, or Nurse, or a great Social worker. Perhaps a fire fighter. Stop putting members on a pedestal above the rest of the citizens or travelers. FYI, I am a 22yrs serving veteran.
You embarrassing yourself, especially as a veteran. At the end of the day 0.727% of the population was in the military in 2022. About 7% of the US population are veterans, and really, how many are flying on the day you are, what an inconvenience. Just shows how selfish you are Mr. Quanon. And yes, I am a veteran, over 20 years, still serving. And not better the anyone.
This is just sad. I think it goes back to an earlier post about a lack of education, or our education system going in a bad way. Your thoughts about 10% are laughable. I’m guessing you have all the opinions on military members and have never served. Best of luck…..opinions are like…….everyone has one.
I’d like to think that this is a parotitic gesture on Delta’s part, but this goes back a long way to Delta and other major airlines charging huge checked and oversize/overweight baggage charges to members of the (active) military. The story got picked up by the media and suddenly no more baggage fees and early boarding also cam online, presumably so these same passengers wouldn’t have have to gate check their carry-ons adding to the bad PR for the airline.
I don’t mind boarding after military members, however, I wish that Delta would just board them along with the “passengers who need some extra time getting down the jetway” to make boarding less confusing and plugging up the boarding area.
I am derek.
I had business dealings with a man who, at the time, recently had served in Iraq. He was amused by strangers thanking him “for his service”. He said that those in Iraq on patrol indeed had a very dangerous job. Any moment, an IED/bomb could explode at the roadside. However, he said he was in the middle of a large base and was very safe, safer than an average American city. He just signed up so that he could go to college.
I would favor such recognition to active duty military personnel in times of war, but not now. It would be one way to rally the population during wartime. However, the US is not at war anymore. Combat zones, like Iraq and Afghanistan, no longer have Americans.
From my personal experience, those in the Army (and presumably other branches of service) feel hard up due to low pay so a military discount is a better way of showing appreciation, not cutting the line. Special recognition, such as preferred boarding during Army Day (April 6), Navy Day (October 27), Air Force Day (August 1), Marine Day (November 10), and Coast Guard Day (August 4) could be a nice touch and an educational tool to all passengers waiting.
As an active duty soldier I would just like to say that maybe not all soldiers deserve this privilege. That being said all soldier do deserve it, and people really shouldn’t put soldiers in the same level of duty a** police, firefighters or doctors. All those professions are very noble and I respect them completely ( I used to be a fire fighter). The biggest difference is all those professions are local, they get to go home after there shift and get to have decompression time with there friends and family. When you see a soldier traveling, specially in uniform, 90% of the time we are leaving our friends and family or going home to them. Personally the physicality of being away is not a big deal but the emotional side is a judge weight that those that haven’t served could never understand. All the stress of day to day things travels with you but there is nothing you can do about them. Then we get to a deployment or training and we have all the added stress, lack of sleep, and more and we never get to just go home after a long day hug our significant other and just be with them. The 30 -60 minutes each day we get to talk to them on the phone, if we get to, is spent hearing about there day, how they miss us and are stressed about all the extra stuff they are doing because we aren’t there and there is nothing we can do to release there stress. So I take great offence to people hating on soldiers boarding before then because God forbid they have to wait an extra 30 seconds before they get to board, because let me tell you they wouldn’t have the freedom to [complain] if it wasn’t for soldiers defending our way of life every day.
I think letting the military board early is really more of a PR gesture than anything, but I agree with SFC about lumping other public servants in the same category for the same reasons. SFC didn’t mention that those other professions are paid well, some have union protection and other perks that most in the military do not.
A question was asked and people have responded. The vast majority have responded politely to the question. Not everything is complaining. Sometimes an observation is just an observation. Relax.
Military in uniform should be able to board first, a small token of our appreciation for their service to our country. Anyone who disagrees should go to the “back of the line”. Where available I would like to see them upgraded to first class.
I received that 1st class upgrade several times, upgraded from military standby, and while in uniform: American Airlines, 1967 to 1969. It was great!
Absolutely not! We as a country need to quit disrespecting our military and offer them support when we can. It’s a small token of our appreciation for their sacrifice for our country. So sit your big asses down and give them a path!
Im all for ACTIVE but it is true that I’ve seen average, sloppy dressed, people line up as “active”. could they be a kid in sweats, yep. But, when a 40 year old in torn sweats with a tummy that has had too much beer, pushes his way to line up with active military i just have to assume he’s either retired mil or he’s cheating. And, i don’t agree with either. He obviously, like all of us, is concerned that he can get his overhead bin near his seat. I get it. The airlines need to fix both problems. Allow active duty with their ID board first. And, stop flying CRJ’s with an overhead bin that a purse can’t fit it.
I have no issue with active duty military having boarding priority. I remember when airlines held exit row seating until day of the flight, and if you were an EMT, Firefighter, Law Enforcement they would seat you in an exit row. I wish they’ed bring that back, easy enough to do prior verifications to allow them to book those seats. Sitting in the exit rows, I mostly see people that I’d be hesitant to think would be of much help in an evacuation. 😉
TD
Retired military here…there is an easy fix to shenanigans. When given an opportunity to board early, for retired, I show my retired military ID. It’s not tough. It’s not like they need to analyze it…people who appreciate the military probably don’t care. The ones who don’t, don’t and will cry about the unfairness of it all. The requirement to fly in uniform is gone to help us not be targeted. Some people just need more cheese to go with their whine….
I don’t understand why boarding order matters either way. We have assigned seats. The outcome of boarding is identical no matter what order it takes place in. It takes the same amount of time no matter how it goes down.
If active duty military gets to go first, so what? Strange thing to take issue with, honestly.
FWIW I’m not usually the “rah rah go military” type, either.
It’s simple really. With deployments, permanent changes of station, etc, active duty military travel more than firefighters, policemen. Some doctors may travel a lot, but there are few in comparison to the number of active duty military. And how many or any of these groups move every 2-4 years? It’s just smart business by Delta – good PR and a way to make their product more attractive to one of the largest, most mobile workforces in the US. Delta just needs to follow their policy and check IDs at the gate, just like they (occasionally) check boarding zones.
I do not have a problem with it. I’m retired law enforcement and do not expect any special privileges. I have never seen more than 3 service members at any time. I always thank them for their service. If in uniform, I have switched my 1st class seat to a service member as a thank you. As far as checking ID’s active or retired, it’s one more thing to slow down the process. It’s an honor system.
I’m going to offer an unpopular opinion here. Military (active, retired, uniformed, any of the above) should NOT be given early boarding privilege at all. Why should they? Because they’re putting their lives on the line for us? Only about 10% of military personnel work in combat roles, which means that 90% aren’t putting their lives on the line. I have LOTS of friends and family members (including an ex-wife) who have served in the military. For most of them, it was just a job. And, for everyone, it was voluntary.
So why board first? The most frequent fliers are the airlines’ best customers and have earned the right to preferred treatment. Folks with special needs go next because it’s more efficient to help them get settled before the plane fills up. After that, board by zone.
You missed the part that there is no rear area in the modern battlefield. If you are a US citizen you should no We’ve been at war for 20 years.
I am all for active military “in uniform” boarding early. It is easy to identify them. I would agree with other first responders and teachers, but how do you make sure that the people are who they say they are. I’m platinum and have no problem boarding after 1st, military and diamond.
If letting a soldier…who is working for peanuts btw… is a problem for you, you’re probably a jerk.
In the Marine Corps, you are not allowed to wear your uniform off base (except for service or dress types). So when I travel, I’m in regular civilian clothes and no one knows I’m in the military. But then I see all the green, blue, and tiger stripe boys & girls boared first cause they’re in uniform. Must be nice…
My personal opinion about preboarding is for people traveling with small kids or need extra time: if you board early for these reasons, you should deplane last. Getting on first & off last means that you aren’t holding anyone else up from moving about. I am never one of those idiots knocking over the elderly with their walkers; I can wait to get my luggage. Slowing the deplaning process for 100+ others is frustrating.
Some of the people allowed to board first, like people with severe contact allergies, don’t have any reason to be held back from getting off with their row. I have seen several people with mobility issues wait to deplane. What I’ve seen hold up deplaning more than anything else is the idiot who packs too much & doesn’t make sure they can actually lift their bag over their head, with a bag that didn’t get measured but clearly appears larger than it should be, who struggles to get said suitcase OUT of the overhead bin.
I’m retired military combat veteran and a diamond medallion. I’m also fortunate to be able to fly first class. It doesn’t bother me at all that active military board before me. I take more offense to those needing extra time to board that clearly do not require it. There I find much more abuse of the “system “ . But, it is what it is.
Military dude here… Am I the only one who doesn’t care when I board? If I have a seat, it’s all the same to me. 90% of the time we travel commercial, we’re just on a training trip. And Active duty can check bags for free so bin space shouldn’t be a factor.
Let the airlines decide. It’s their policy and image. If their customers get angry that early boarding is getting out of control, go back to the basics and prioritize those with status over those without.
I’d rather we discuss all the nickel and diming the airlines have been doing right after getting bailed out by the tax payer. That’s the real problem
The BIGGEST problem is the air industry (not just airlines) soaked up every cent of PPP money they could, while firing people right and left. Now 2 years later with travel returning, they don’t want to pay wages that people will work for, and they (ahem) “FORGOT” that you can’t just rehire the same people. Some people have moved on. New people need extensive, costly, time consuming background checks in many of the air travel fields. You cannot just pick up some guys in the Home Depot parking lot they way you would to build a garden wall. I say “FORGOT” in quotes up there because deep down the execs KNEW this would happen but they didn’t care about the future and this quarter’s bonus check. They pretend to act surprised to cover up that they knew this would happen.
I’m sorry, but don’t we have more important things to stress about than a momentary delay in boarding? If you really “need more time to board” because you’re anxious or afraid the plane will leave you behind then board with the folks who identify as disabled. You clearly have a disabling condition – if only a social disorder. Settle in and the rest of us will come in turn – after active duty military. Take them at their word. Asking for an ID will just create further delay.
It’s not a big deal and I really don’t care who boards when as long as I have an assigned seat.
Just don’t be the early boarder who can’t differentiate one seat from another and sits in mine.
As a side note, Navy and USMC typically do not travel in uniform. Our regulations do not allow travel in working uniforms, similar to Air Force’s Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform, and Army’s Army Combat Uniform. Travel in a dress uniform is not comfortable, so when on official travel, Navy and USMC chose civilian clothes. On the upside, Navy Sailors don’t need air travel too often. We travel on big grey Warships. Additionally for Rene, the Navy has a better “frequent floater” plan than NCL. We’ll PAY you for a 9+ month cruise!!! Better than the Haven Suite and you get 3 specialty meals a day. No shrink-flation here.
I don’t mind waiting at all while active duty military board. As for them being in uniform,most of them are not allowed to travel in uniform even when on Government business. They get paid crap for what they do, so a few perks here and there shouldn’t trouble anyone.
This is the first time that I’ve responded to such a post. I usually just scan articles and comments without giving them much thought. But I have a special place in my heart for the military because I am a veteran and I come from a multi-generational family of Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen (no Guardians yet, but we will see!). I find great humor in our ability to rant and share our feelings in a public forum without thinking twice about the impact our words may have on others. That’s freedom of speech, and you’re welcome. When thanked for my service I always respond “it is my pleasure to serve” because it truly was an honor to defend our country when we were attacked. I had the freedom to make it a career choice, to represent my country, and for that I thank the many who came before me and paved the way. If I need to wait a few extra minutes to show respect where it is due, please walk ahead of me. What I do not appreciate is the mad rush of entitled folks who encroach every single gate like they don’t understand how boarding groups work. These are the people who need to just take a deep breath and realize we are all in the same line, going to the same place. I travel all the time, and the people who do not deserve the courtesy are the ones who pay cash for the privilege. Please remember that you’re privileged because of the sacrifice of Servicemembers who are no longer with us, again, you’re welcome. The military person who you let cut in line may be the next person who pays the ultimate price: and that’s why they should continue to board first.
The complete audacity of what I just read. I am a veteran, my son and son-in-law are both currently serving. Service members don’t get paid very much, boarding airline passengers could, at the very least show them a little respect without making this an issue. I always fly Delta first class and what bothers me is when the ticket agent allows people to board ahead of everyone that, as they say, “need a little more time boaring”. I guess that’s a nod to the ADA but even that is what it is. What really grinds my gears is a couple weeks ago flying from Tampa to New York the needs a little more time announcement was made and a group with six people boarded, only one appearing to actually need the consideration. That was kind of silly and no one said anything but sure, go ahead, hate on the military. Apparently no one cares about anything that really matters anymore.
To prevent confusion here, I am DERRICK, not DEREK. The differences are likely more than spelling but I love you brother. I’d be willing to bet if we asked a police officer, doctor, firefighter … if they are OK with military boarding first, you would be hartd pressed to find one not named Derek that had even a little problem with it.
I am derek. Ha ha, I am at more than one of the following: “…former military, doctors, fire fighters, CIA, charitable contributors donating over $100,000, wrongful termination victims, drivers of small cars.” I physically contributed to the Gulf War effort at an Army installation but I do not wish to say how. America has a reputation as a warmonger in some unfriendly countries and preferential treatment to active duty military can only reinforce this belief. I do not share this belief.
About the slippery slope thing, many military personnel have to routinely travel for work, so granting them some travel perks makes sense from both the overall sacrifice of the profession as well as the specific task of frequent travel. Most doctors don’t routinely travel.
I’ve never had a problem with active duty military being able to board early. They deserve it.
I do have a problem with some of the Pre-boarding where it appears many times some people just take advantage but you can’t always see why they might need more time.
I am in the military. I didn’t ask for the boarding preference, but if they are going to give it out I will use it. I am 6’4″ and I appreciate the time to get myself situated for a seat engineered for someone much smaller than me (able-bodied people up to 5’10” and under approximately 180 pounds). Also, not all airlines give the same preference. For example, some allow military after their first class customers. This seems like a first world problem, if I am being honest.
I never served in military, nor have my children or most of my relatives. But I think it’s great to honor our volunteer defenders of our great nation by letting them board first. It’s about the smallest gesture we can make and doesn’t really put anyone out.
Hell yes!! Give them priority for everything
A flight boarding policy, that’s other than by row number, highest to lowest, fails even the simplest of common sense tests. Who cares who you are, when the 1st person onboard (adult with child0 is in Row 12 and blocking the aisle and you’re the second person (military in uniform) trying to get to Row 23…it’s complete insanity to board by class of service, employment status, age/number of children or loyalty program level.
I’ve asked why they don’t board this way. Apparently, if you put all the weight in the back of some planes first, it will tip over. So, turns out it ISN’T common sense to board this way. Also, the flight sometimes runs out of bag space, so the airline has an obvious incentive to ensure their most loyal fliers are the least inconvenienced.
I think it should be active and retired military, if you put in 20 years you can go first.
30 year vet here. No reason for early boarding, they are no longer the best or the brightest.
Active Duty here. Glad you are retired. Thank you for your service.
Even after all the comments above, I really don’t see what difference it makes. Why is there even an argument over this? What’s the big deal? If everyone has preassigned seats, who cares?
I think those who are in active duty deserve all rights and privileges our nation can provide. But just as that active duty status is not life long, some priveleges should not be either. I love veterans and I respect the service they provided our country. There are benefits they have earned and qualify for as such, but I think anyone of veteran status should have experienced the boarding benefit in their past and would understand and support the idea of priority to those currently active. It is a matter of respect and support. My goodness people boarding a plane…unless you’re late to your flight…a ticket should give you confidence that there is a seat for you even if you are the last to board. Airlines need to honor what they say as well. If you have earned a status or paid for a level of priority it should be acknowledged by the airline. Simple as that. If the airline has no boarding distinction then first come first served is a plan most of us are used to. Without any particular work classification I can pay for a first-class seat if getting on a plane first matters that much and so can anyone in any other profession.
If identify as a pilot can I sit up front?
That’s hilarious!
YES! My wife and I purchased First Class seats. When walking down the ramp, getting on the plane, my wife took her seat, my seat was occupied by (a pilot)! My seat was assign to another seat in First Class, away from my wife! Did the pilot say, “Oh, I’m sorry! Let me take this other seat, it’s unoccupied!” So to answer your question, “YES, the airline will give your seat to another pilot and you don’t even have to identify yourself, someone else will do it!” But to stay in the realm of this blog, I too am a Retired Army Veteran! “Thank you for your understanding!”
Without active duty US military members, neither our country nor the other groups worthy of our respect because their work saves lives and / or puts them in harms way would exist.
So as a former active duty US Air Force officer, multimillion mile / multi-decade Delta customer and physician who spent 40 years saving lives and helping train the next generation of doctors, I consider it a privilege to wait while current active duty members board. Even give one my upgrade now and then.
I am a military veteran and a retired law enforcement officer. I’m perfectly fine with active duty boarding first. I don’t think it should apply to retirees. Nor do I think it should be expanded to cover all these other professionals. We need to stop thinking that everyone has to be included in everything. Let the active duty guys have the 1 minute head start and move on.
People who “deserve” to board early.
1) Those who PHYSICALLY SHOULD like the disabled, for whom it’s much easier to maneuver into seats while the aircraft is empty-ish.
All else is various groups jockeying for their order of entry to match their ‘status” with airline/society, or they PAID EXTRA for early boarding.
It’s a civilian transport, they can board as what they are in this context which is a fellow citizen.
Personally I’d rather board LAST when I can, I do not understand the obsession with spending more time crammed in next to strangers on a SKY BUS.
I’m active duty and honestly I don’t really care when I board we do so much hurry up and waiting that honestly a couple minutes is nothing I think the only people that would care would be the non active duty folks
One other distinction for active duty military. You call the cops when someone breaks into your house. You call the military when someone breaks into your country.
Soldiers in your uniform are targets for others and can be harmed.
I understand what everyone is saying but I promise you there is no comparison to what Soldiers have to go through.
Everyone nurse, police officer, etc get goes home. Soldiers don’t.
Get to eat dinner with their families.
Soldiers don’t on deployment.
Get to spend holidays with their families.
Soldiers don’t on deployment.
Get watch their children grow up.
Soldiers don’t do it on deployment or some duty stations.
So you guys are complaining about Soldiers boarding a plane before you can board a plane. This is one of the reasons why people are not joining the military anymore. Because of people like you don’t appreciate the sacrifice that gives so you can enjoy your family at peace. All those who are complaining should be thankful that someone is willing to put there life on the line to make sure you keep your FREEDOM…
WOW, I just read all the comments posted and though I already made a comment I am motivated to say a little more. I had mentioned that I am a veteran, my father is a veteran, my son and son-in-law are actively serving so this issue is very front and center for me. Two things. . .
One – I know in Florida I took my DD214 to the DMV and they put VETERAN in big gold letters on my driver’s license, so it is easy to prove you are an actual veteran.
Two – In a lot of cases we are paying more than twice the price for a first-class ticket and the amount of benefit you get for that extra money is shrinking. Before Covid when you preboarded with Delta there was time to hang up your jacket in a compartment also the flight attendant would give you a cocktail before the others started to board. Flight attendants generally do not do things like this anymore.
Much like the state of our country I want so of the niceties back. Also, I don’t know if you remember but when our servicemembers preboarded during severe war time they would get a hearty round of applause, now silence. I hope we are not heading for a time when service members are treated with contempt like the Vietnam era. That was a dark time indeed and many folks have come to regret projecting negativity on those serving back in those days.
When I fly, it’s usually on orders with a lot of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and a spare uniform in case my luggage is lost. The uniform is bulky, including clunky boots, not leaving enough room for everything in a backpack alone. I always take advantage of the early boarding so that I know there will be enough overhead space for my carry-on, placing my backpack under the seat.
People who have issues with this should re-asses the sacrifices and amount of bull crap we have to put up with everyday. We have an all volunteer military. Giving military priority boarding privileges is the least people can do if they don’t want to contribute themselves.
Volunteer?…..so you mean you don’t get paid?
Per Merriam-Webster: “a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service: such as…one who enters into military service voluntarily.” You wiseacre, you.
So nobody put a gun to their head…..just like any other job you apply for.
I’m a Delta Diamond medallion flyer, and travel all the time for work, I really don’t mind who boards in front of me. In fact, I do my best to be the last one to board. I don’t enjoy racing to a gate an hour early and then standing in line to get on to a plane, so I can sit at the gate with my seatbelt on for an extra 45 minutes for a cross country flight when I could be sitting in the lounge comfortably waiting enjoying a beverage and or working. If I’m the last one on, no one is in line and the plane leaves when I get to the gate, and my time is not wasted.
Boarding zones are for Delta’s benefit, not mine. They make money selling upgrades for a space in line and people fall for it. Just my two cents.
I’m 10 years Diamond and a Delta million Miler and with all the changes I’ve seen mostly for the worse some for the better I’ve decided to just buy first class tickets on an airline with best deal. I’ll get platinum just from Amex spend and I’m done always chasing Delta so the finally lost a fan boy lol…
ADSM – If I’m traveling on orders I definitely take advantage of the early boarding. I’m usually traveling with specific equipment that can’t go under the plane because I have to maintain positive control of it. If I’m traveling for personal travel, I’ll board when it says I’m supposed to board.
As to the in uniform thing. According to the Joint Travel Regs (Which govern every services travel) you aren’t supposed to be traveling in uniform except for a few specific circumstances: coming from/returning to a deployment, new SMs otw to their advanced individual training following basic training, and escorting remains being the 3 you’ll see most often. It irks service members more often than not to see other service members out of place in uniform anywhere. Like, why you at the mall at 5pm on a Saturday in your OCPs?
“Uniformed” military only. Everyone else board normally regardless of occupation or which size car your drive.
Active duty military should, in uniform or not, should always board first. I mean no one’s complaining about them being the “First to Fight!”
In fact, I don’t think anyone else should be allowed to board without the unanimous consent of all the military personnel already onboard.
As far as I can tell, Active Military boarding first may be a piece of gratitude by gate agents, but in airline policy, there’s a different reason. Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t write airline boarding policy, so I can’t speak with any real authority on the matter, but I’m thinking it’s an agreement with the government. Many flights to transit hubs for deployments (even though they are less prominent in the eyes of the public since the Afghanistan withdrawal) like Kuwait, Qatar, and other similar locations, fly commercial to either a local airport, or one near a base elsewhere in the world to simplify logistics for military aircraft. Deploying individuals MUST be on time when they arrive at their destination, as there is another person waiting for them to arrive so that they can go home. Deploying teams must also stick together, and must be able to keep all of their luggage, as there is no telling when they would be able to pick up a bag that got lost in the sauce after a gate check.
All in all, I’m pretty sure the “active boards first” is intended for those on official duty, to make sure they don’t get bumped from an overbooked flight, or have to leave behind a bag with mission-critical equipment. Everything else is (much-appreciated) gravy.
I have no problem with Military boarding but since the NEW RULES(separating DIAMONDS from FC boarding making them group 4) I have seen a very LARGE increase in people (looking young and healthy)racing onto the plane during PRE-BOARDING~!!!!So obviously it did not help anything……