Purpose of boarding card 'check' at aircraft door

[T250]

This got me thinking on a recent flight.

What's the purpose of the CC checking pax's boarding passes at the aircraft door? I think most pax are intelligent enough to find their seat number and row without a vague arm gesture from the cabin crew upon boarding? Regardless of seat number/row, its the same gesture 'oh row 'x' down there and left' or 'oh row 'z' down there and right'.

[Endeavour]

They are checking the flight no/date to make sure that you are boarding the correct aircraft!

[11Fan]

T250,

You may be accurate in the statement "most folks", but don't rule out the lack of intelligence on the remainder. That, or those who either are not paying attention or perhaps should just not be allowed out in public.

A number of years back (prior to 9/11) I witnessed someone get past the boarding process only to hear the announcement of the flight details onboard - just prior to door closing and push back.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to AAA Flight 123 from X to Y" and then seeing a passenger realizing that they were on the wrong aircraft because they were planning on going to Z, not Y.

Hasty collection of personal effects, up the aisle and out the door. :\

[Dit]

Yup, the boarding card is what you need to show to board the aircraft. All the checks before this are the extra checks to try and make sure problems don't occur at/in the aircraft.

I never understand why people think they should only have to show it once.

[One Outsider]

Given the number of people who have asked me for directions at airports while standing right in front of oversized signs, and the number of people who have asked if I could validate their parking ticket or help with their luggage at various hotels purely because I was wearing a uniform, I would say that there are a frightening number of people out there who need all the help they can get. Hence the need for boarding cards.

Darwin's ideas on evolution has been suspended for quite some time when it comes to humans.

[steviedash]

The number of people who manage to make it onto the wrong aircraft is quite scary - not sure if it's the fault of the pax who can't manage to find the right plane, or the fault of the ground staff who aren't checking the cards properly. 50/50 I think!

[Rush2112]

I've never understood why people feel the need to question this: it's the procedure on every flight, has been for years. There are some real dim :mad: out there and they need to checked or guided every step of the way.

[Load Toad]

This thread has been done (to death) before. There is a search function.


I think most pax are intelligent enough

Not on most of the flights I've been on (well over 500).

[Final 3 Greens]

I never understand why people think they should only have to show it once.

Maybe because that is all that is required by some airlines and they assume that it is the same for all. As a frequent flyer, one can readily observe some people try to show boarding passes to uninterested CC on boarding the aircraft of certain airlines.

it's the procedure on every flight, has been for years

Wrong. Not all airlines check the boarding pass at the aircraft door.

[dubh12000]

If it annoys people so much, then stick to flying with Lufty or Swiss where you only have to show it the once at the gate.

[Avman]

Agree with F3G. Personally for me one of the biggest frustrations of flying regularly is the lack of standardisation - even with the same airline (and it's not just the Boarding card issue either). At times it comes down to the individual and their mood of the day. So one day I board with BC in hand and get a disinterested F/A. The next day I board (same airline) not having my BC in hand and get the God-help-me look from the F/A who, this time, wants to check it. You just can't win, and the passenger is always wrong! :)

[Capetonian]

With the airlines where you are pre-seated, and which have premium cabins, it ensures that the SLF turn firstly in the right direction and then into the correct aisle.

However with the LoCo's it seems pointless other than to check that right SLF is on right cattle truck. Mistakes do happen specially when a/c are parked close to each other on the tarmac, and I was once bussed to the wrong a/c along with a dozen other pax.

Yesterday I asked an Easyjet FA on boarding why they check the boarding pass, she smiled and said : "Because we're supposed to ....".

They don't always even look properly, not long ago I did a day trip CPT - JNB - CPT and showed the northbound BP which I'd used in the morning, for the southbound flight, I only realised when I saw that 'my' seat was occupied what I'd done, but the FA hadn't realised.

[boardingpass]

If FAs didn't check the boarding cards, why have them welcome you at all? People could just get on any door like a train, sit down, and then during the flight an FA comes to punch a hole in your ticket.

Personally, I like checking boarding cards as it gives us an opportunity to interact with the pax, understand their nationalities, who they're traveling with, whether they're drunk or angry, and gives me a sense of who's on board to tailor the service accordingly. Stopping/slowing the running stampede from the bus/gate also helps calm the crowd as they enter a plane (not a soccer stadium).

Yes, and it saves headaches if you can direct the pax who's bound for Brussels instead of Berlin to the right plane before we've pushed back.

[apaddyinuk]

WE DONT CARE ABOUT YOUR SEAT NUMBER!!!!!!

It is a security procedure, all we are checking is the flight number and the date to ensure that you are supposed to be on this aircraft. WHY DO WE DO IT when the boarding staff should have already done so???? We do it because sometime in the past people have managed to slip through the system and as it was decided that the cabin crew are the first and last point of contact for anyone intending on entering an aircraft it is best we check again just in case!!!

No we only tell you which way to your seat just out of politeness!!!

[L'aviateur]

I'm not sure that confused passengers comes purely down to stupidity. As a frequent flier it is easy to forget how frightening travelling maybe to some people who rarely leave their own house. If you spend a few moments in Heathrow or Schiphol to watch people desperately scanning the boards and searching for gates amongst the shops and hoping that the someone will guide them onto the plane which they may have just spent their life savings on to travel. Some will have emotional stresses, others will be tired.

But even as a frequent flier, we all have a preference of which airport to transfer through 'because its easier'. Thats a choice you make because your familiar with it and feel comfortable there (I personally prefer KLM via Schiphol as the UK and International flights are within the same terminal).

So what i'm saying is that, people boarding a wrong plane, or concerned about where they are going to sit because they don't understand the seats rows maybe just because this is a completely brand new or rare experience for them.

[T250]

Some interesting replies, thank you.

WE DONT CARE ABOUT YOUR SEAT NUMBER!!!!!!

It is a security procedure, all we are checking is the flight number and the date to ensure that you are supposed to be on this aircraft. WHY DO WE DO IT when the boarding staff should have already done so???? We do it because sometime in the past people have managed to slip through the system and as it was decided that the cabin crew are the first and last point of contact for anyone intending on entering an aircraft it is best we check again just in case!!!

No we only tell you which way to your seat just out of politeness!!!
Please don't shout! :ok:
Its laughable you call it a 'security procedure' when I have seen quite the opposite!! Take some of the Greek Island airports, from recent experience, after having my boarding pass checked at the gate inside the terminal, passengers were then directed (unescorted) down a walkway leading to the apron, passing by numerous open doors to airside baggage sort areas (no one supervising us or any airport staff). So it defeats the check all together, as a baggage handler/any airside apron staff could simply take my boarding pass and board the aircraft! and I could have disappeared off into the airport. :hmm: Please don't call it a security check!

So in theory, at airports where there is no direct air bridge connection, the last line in defence against incorrect passengers on a flight is in the terminal building at the boarding gate and that should be the case anyway I would have thought?

I've never understood why people feel the need to question thisI'm mainly bringing the topic up due to what I've just mentioned.
I expect some passengers also feel an annoyance factor too, ie. why am I, having walked 50-100 metres being asked for my boarding pass again?

[ford cortina]

Well just because secure parts of the airport are not guarded or closed off, is not the crews fault now is it?

I am not CC, I am a Pilot, in our CAM (Cabin Attendant Manual), it quite clearly states that the checking of boarding passes is a security check, the last one. Also there is the case of Hand Luggage, Unruly passengers, Animals in the cabin.

No hold on, you know it all and therefore are not prepared to listen to anyone inside the industry who does this day in day out as you know better. Sorry to have bothered you Sir, would you like to tell me how to fly better?:ugh:

[TurningFinals]

The final check is to ensure that PAX are onboard the correct aircraft.

I am a dispatcher, and twice i have been dispatching a flight where PAX have been on the wrong aircraft, simple mistake made at the gate when gate staff have been very busy. However, both times it was gate staff that discovered it when checking boarding cards after all PAX have passed through the gate, the cabin crew missed it too. :}

[eightyknots]

At the airline I work for, if you don't have a boarding card for the flight you are trying to board, you will not be allowed on the plane. If a passenger loses their boarding card between the gate and the aircraft, thier passport will be checked against the passenger manifest. I suspect all airlines use the same rules.

[Mark in CA]

Gosh, I'm really surprised to see these answers. I can't remember the last time I've actually shown anyone my boarding pass as I enter the aircraft. I've always treated it like going to the symphony: once I'm in the main entrance and they've checked my ticket there, I have no reason to show my ticket to anyone after that to get to my seat. After all, my boarding pass has just been checked as I enter the jetway, so I see no reason why it needs to be checked again at the other end of the jetway as I get onto the aircraft. And in all these years, no attendant has ever asked to see my boarding pass. I usually just smile at them and say hello as I walk into the plane and go to my seat.

[Load Toad]

Probably because you are obviously such a unique little humble snowflake.

[Final 3 Greens]

Mark in CA

Don't be surprised.

A lot of posters are UK based and form their view of the world from their location.

They are unaware that things work differently in other places.

[L'aviateur]

Mark in CA

Don't be surprised.

A lot of posters are UK based and form their view of the world from their location.

They are bllissfully unaware that things work differently in other places. That is a rather arrogant and assuming statement which is probably incorrect, or are you trying to provoke an issue?

[Final 3 Greens]

L'aviatur

I wasn't trying to be arrogant, just explaining to Mark from CA why he saw the posts he saw. I'll edit my response and remove the word 'blissfully', as this probably gave the wrong impression.

What I was trying to say is that UK airlines must check the BP at the door, the regulations impose this.

These quotes appear to be from UK based posters, some of whom seem to be unaware that other countries operate in different ways - e.g. check the comment about 'every flight' below. Some make emphatic statements which are just wrong. Others state the regulatory reason for the check.

I've never understood why people feel the need to question this: it's the procedure on every flight, has been for years.

I never understand why people think they should only have to show it once.

At the airline I work for, if you don't have a boarding card for the flight you are trying to board, you will not be allowed on the plane.

The final check is to ensure that PAX are onboard the correct aircraft.

It is a security procedure, all we are checking is the flight number and the date to ensure that you are supposed to be on this aircraft.

This is a view from outside the UK, where the regulations are different

If it annoys people so much, then stick to flying with Lufty or Swiss where you only have to show it the once at the gate.

[Load Toad]

It isn't exactly one of life's biggest inconveniences is it. Sometimes I get on a flt and they check the card and point which way to go - I know which way to go but they are familiar with people who have no clue and think that 61F is a left turn at the door and into the comfy seat with the pillows by the window at the front. Sometimes I get on and the cabin crew aren't bothered. I'm not mithered either way - as long as I get a big glass of wine I'll be a happy camper either way.

[Final 3 Greens]

It isn't exactly one of life's biggest inconveniences is it.

I couldn't agree more, the easiest thing to do is keep the BP to hand.

[Glamgirl]

I'd like to butt in for a minute, if you don't mind..

Most incidents/accidents etc happen due to a chain of events. As far as I'm concerned, checking the boardin pass several times before you get on board might be inconvenient, but the more people check it, the less chance of being part of the chain of events. Humans make errors, therefore we double check things, not just boarding passes. Arming doors, check lists are a couple of things that springs to mind.

Gg

Ps. It is of course true about checking the boarding pass to make sure the right people are on board - as a security check. (Just to clarify)

[Abusing_the_sky]

Put it this way, i would still check boarding passes even if the company wouldn't ask us to.
The number of times i had to send pax back to the gate, it's unbelievable. And to the dispatcher posting saying "it wasn't gate staff's fault" well... i know it was their fault, you know it was their fault so save it pal... for someone who actually TRUSTS the gate staff.
We all know that majority of pax pack their brains with their check in bags... Hell, i do it, and i work in the industry!
Jeez, the number of times i was just walking through the terminal having returned from Boots happily holding my "Boots Meal Deal" bag, and been "approached" by BmiBaby pax demanding to know why their flight has been cancelled... I'm sorry sir, i really am, but i don't work for Bmi... You lot are all the same, 'effing this and 'effing that...

It doesn't work that way. In my base we have 7 company a/c. The "earlies" and "lates" go off at about the same time. Boarding through gates next to eachother.
I usually have 2 or 3 pax or couples going through say the Malaga gate when they're supposed to fly to Murcia. Hence why we check the boarding passes. And we heard it all before: "Oh i just put it away", "Oh she never gave me a boarding pass","Oh she took it away", "Oh for :mad: sake, why do you need it again?", "Oh you people are just ridiculous", "Oh i don't need a boarding pass, i'm So and So..."

So please, we kindly ask you to keep your boarding pass with you and show it when entering the aircraft. It's not exactly rocket science, is it?

:ok:

[Final 3 Greens]

ATS

Not wishing to be controversial, but I live in a country where there is no requirement to check BPs at the door and with an active airport - very active in summer.

Yet, talking to my friends at the airport and in the airline ground support business, there are very few instances of pax boarding the wrong aircraft and these are identified by careful headcounts, which are SOP on the local airline.

I wonder why this happens so much in the UK?

Genuinely interested, not trying to provoke you.

At first glance, I'm wondering if the UK ground handling is less professional than the Maltese?

[WHBM]

Am I not correct that it is a cabin crew SOP requirement of the UK CAA (and possiby others) but is not universal. Hence why you get asked for the card on Easyjet but not on Ryanair (and apparently, according to the above, not in the USA).

What pax find tedious is not the having to comply with rules, no real problem there, but it is the inconsistent (to them) approach, where on Flight 1 you don't have it ready at the door and are reprimanded for holding thngs up, then on Flight 2 you try to show it to the only crew member visible, working the galley by the door, and are reprimanded for interrupting them.

Could be mostly solved, where required, by a notice at the gate saying "You will need to show your boarding card again at the aircraft door". No, apparently such thinking is beyond airline management thinking.

[One Outsider]

I wasn't trying to be arrogant
It just comes natural, apparently.

[Final 3 Greens]

WHBM

You are correct on both counts.

For frequent travellers, not such a big deal, as we tend to know who does and does not wish to see the BP and act accordingly.

The irritation for me (as FQTV) is the less frequent pax holding things up searching through coats and bags for the BP, although in many cases I can't really blame them because no one told them to keep the BP handy.

I note that Jetset lady commented, on another post, that she now reminds the gate staff to tell the pax to show the BP at the door - that is helpful.

[Malone]

WHBM,
A good idea but with one major snag!
What are the chances of anyone actually reading and inwardly digesting such a notice? Very low I should think!!!
:}

[VS-LHRCSA]

F3G, to answer your earlier question:

My experience, world wide, working for different airlines, is that pax boarding the wrong aircraft happens often enough for it to be a worthwhile check, regardless of the SOPs of the particular airline or the security culture of the airport, or where it's located geographically.

A good example is Antigua where there may be two BA flights returning to LGW within an hour or so of eachother. The amount of times I've had pax from the later flight try to board the earlier flight is worrying. If this is not picked up at the door, and the pax actually travel, it's the crew who get reprimanded, not the groundstaff - who are outsourced anyway.

I've flown under a number of authorities - Canadian, Icelandic, British, Irish, Australian and they have all required BPs at the door. I've never known any different. As suggested earlier, a clear request during the boarding call does help but there's usually one or two that don't seem to hear it.

[WHBM]

a clear request during the boarding call does help but there's usually one or two that don't seem to hear it.
I would expect more than one or two. There's plenty of analysis available about the penetration of messages. If you start with "Flight 123 to London now ready for boarding at gate 45 ......" everyone is then getting up, assembling bags, marshalling their children, walking to the queue, etc - normal behaviour in this situation, and so the rest of any message will likely be lost. You have to put the messages one at a time, and when the pax are most likely to have their BC in their hand so they don't put it away again. Hence the prominent notice at the gate approach.

[starbag]

At many of the domestic gates at LHR T1, bmi have put up signs in the jetty and also make annoucements in the gate reminding people to keep their boarding cards out to show the cabin crew, yet still we get many passengers who have shoved it back in their bags / jackets. Also we ask to see a boarding pass as many of the jetties have access to the ramp which isn't visible from the aircraft or the gate. How do I know that you're not a cleaner, caterer, baggage handler that fancies a quick trip somewhere exciting?

[radeng]

It's SOP on BA. But even there, I've seen a guy (non- native English speaker with very poor English) end up on a Nice flight when he thought he was going Copenhagen! Of course, the CC were able to help him before it got to be a problem - they even had someone who spoke his language.

I've seen it a few times in the US with people rushing off at the alst minute because they were on the wrong flight - so checking has a useful purpose. I suspect it helps the CC identify the frequent travellers early on, too.

[Final 3 Greens]

VS-LHRCSA

Thans for sharing your experience. I can' certainly understand the confusion arising from two closey scheduled flights to London!

[Ainippe]

I am a little suprised at the attitude some of the FC have about us self loaders, I know most pax leave their brains at home and act like two year olds as soon as they enter the airport. However to shout at people who have asked what seemed like a reasonable question begs of bad manners and arrogance - if we are that bad then do not work with us.;)
But I am glad to see that there are some reasoned responses on here:ok:

In saying that even as a vff 100 + flights a year - even I cock up, trying to catch Virgin Nigeria in Lagos back to LGW the staff at the door managed to notice I was about to board the Jo Burg flight and sent me packing. So there is a good reason for the checks and they do work. Do not take it out on the staff they are just doing their job.

[rgbrock1]

I'm not sure I fully understand the problem with having to show one's boarding pass.
Does it take a lot of brain power to do so? How many calories are expended whilst lifting one's arm up to show CC the pass? How many additional hours does it cost by doing so? (You're probably stalled at the cabin door anyway, waiting for someone to finally get their 95lb. "carry on" bag hoisted into an overhead.)
:{:{:{

[Final 3 Greens]

rgbrock

May I respectfully suggest that you read posts #11 and 30 and then your brain may stop hurting ;)

For the avoidance of doubt, the problem is not with FQTVs, who know who needs to see the passes and have them ready, but with a combination of


infrequent travellers who don't realise they need to have the passes at hand, put them away and often have trouble retrieving them
the gate staff for not setting expectations to keep the passes at hand.


It shouldn't be a problem, but it is.

[rgbrock1]

@final3greens:

And? Your point being? I understand the content of the two posts you refer to.
I do not understand the large bru-ha-ha over having to show a damn piece of paper.
Or not. If you have it in your damn hand and need to show it, then show it. If you have it in your damn hand and no one asks for it, then don't show it.

Shall I clarify, perhaps?

$ a = boarding_pass_in_hand
$!
$ IF boarding pass asked for
$ THEN
$ show piece of paper
$ stop whining
$ go to assigned seat
$ ENDIF
$!
$ IF boarding pass not asked for
$ THEN
$ don't show piece of paper
$ stop whining anyway
$ go to assigned seat
$ ENDIF
$!
$EXIT

[jeanyqua]

Too funny...Do folk get this exited when a train conductor/bus inspector asks to see ones piece of paper.
Just wondering.:rolleyes:

[rgbrock1]

@jeanyqua (http://www.pprune.org/members/187274-jeanyqua)

My thoughts exactly. When getting on a train, a bus, a trolley, a tram or even entering a movie theater, one usually shows a ticket. Why should it be any different, at all, for boarding an aircraft?

[jeanyqua]

The card game "chase the ace" just came to mind when i was posting.
You stick your chosen card to your forehead with a bit of "spit" :}
(Tis quite a funny game actually)
Could be a hilarious new trend in a departure lounge...:ok:

[Final 3 Greens]

rgpbrock

The problem is not the code, it is the lack of an instruction to execute it.

If you don't get, then I give up.

What several very experienced travellers are telling you is that the current system does not work.

We get as fed up as the cabin crew do, waiting behind people searching in bags and clothing.

If you do not inform the infrequent travellers to show their BPs just before boarding, they often will not. Even if you do, you will get some failures due to myriad reasons, but including pre-expectation and poor listening skills.

Go and google Ebbinghaus and look up the memory loss curve.

Without wishing to demean you, I have qualifications up to masters degree level in social psychology subjects and also 20 years experience in organizational development and learning and development.

I don't think you do, or you would understand the validty of posts 11 and 30 and why the system doesn't work.

My thoughts exactly. When getting on a train, a bus, a trolley, a tram or even entering a movie theater, one usually shows a ticket. Why should it be any different, at all, for boarding an aircraft?

Now, if you take the time to read posts 11 and 30, then reflect on your question, you might get a valid answer.

[nicolai]

I really do feel there are more graceful and less graceful ways of approaching the experience of various crew and staff wanting to see one's boarding pass. I ensure I have my boarding pass (and passport) easily to hand should I be required to show it. If I perceive, from being familiar with the carrier's operating practices or from seeing the experience of the passengers in front of me (which requires some basic observation skills that some people appear not to exhibit on a regular basis), where I will need to show my boarding pass, then I endeavour to have it presented with an orientation and vertical positioning that makes it easiest to inspect for the crewmember who wishes to inspect it.
One knows one has this down pat when the crew don't have time to start asking for the boarding pass before one greets them and they see it held exactly where they can read it.
I do find this rather less stressful than becoming irritated over having to present my boarding pass, or having to search for it while someone waits for me to get my act together.
I do this when going to the cinema, for example, as well.

[Final 3 Greens]

Nicolai

It should be that easy, shouldn't it?

But it isn't.

As I said in an earlier post, I have a lot of years working with people in the areas of behaviour.

Having observed the 'difficulties of this process' at first hand for many years, I am inclined to believe that the following list contains some causes (although it is not exhaustive


Some people are distracted by the excitement of their holiday/trip and a re not aware of what is happening in their surroundings (that's why they don't notice that the peeps ahead are showing their boarding passes)
Some people are not very bright
Some people are selfish, don't listen and don't care
Some people think that they have shown the pass on passing the gate, so that is the end of the process (especially those used to flying on airlines who don't check twice - this reinforced by the CC on those airlines dismissing attempts to show the pass)
Most people do not fly regularly enough for the experience to become a routine (learning decay), in contrast to using a bus or a train for example
A small percentage don't realise that it is mandatory for some airlines to check the BPs, perceive it as bureaucracy and argue
A small percentage are drunk and these people should not get as far as the aircraft door


As to changing the behavioour, one could try one or more of the following


Play a continuous loop video at the gate, in a similar way that some airports show videos of 'how to prepare for security, e.g. Luton or Brussels, stating boarding by row number, keep your boarding pass to show at the aircraft door
Have reminder multiple signs at the gate and in the corridor to the aircraft (but then what do you do for LH/LX etc, as they don't wish to see your pass?)
Make regular announcements at the gate, before boarding


If everybody thought like you (or me) this whole process would run very smoothly, but the reality is far from this.

It seems to me that there are two rational responses to this issue

1 - do something about it - it is a matter of imprioving communications (that most challenging task)

2- accept it is part of human nature, control your blood pressure, remain polite (whilst remembering that no one ever got sent to jail for unshared thoughts)

I wish you were always boarding in front of me, Nicolai :ok:

[TurningFinals]

And to the dispatcher posting saying "it wasn't gate staff's fault" well... i know it was their fault, you know it was their fault so save it pal

I assume this was aimed at me, however if you re-read my post, i think you will find I said nothing about it not being their fault. I said that they were busy and made a mistake.

I am in no doubt that it was their fault. However, as has been said, it is a chain of events because the cabin crew missed it too.

[jetset lady]

The card game "chase the ace" just came to mind when i was posting.
You stick your chosen card to your forehead with a bit of "spit" http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/badteeth.gif
(Tis quite a funny game actually)
Could be a hilarious new trend in a departure lounge...http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gif


Sorry, but am I the only one that now has a vision of F3G, sat in the departure lounge, beaming around proudly, with 1A stuck on his forehead! (Sorry F3, you know I love you really...:p)

One warning...try to snatch that boarding card out of my hand and I will snatch it back and read it top to bottom, front to back, whilst smiling inncocently at you! And you'll be amazed at how slowly I can read!

[BUGS/BEARINGS/BOXES]

all this fuss over a piece of paper......honestly! I think there may be more important things in life to worry about, such as the war in Afganistan or the world's financial troubles. If i got this wound up every time a dispatcher takes longer than usual to locate that loadsheet i need i would have landed in the loony bin years ago!

Am I correct in believing that a US carrier tried 'e' boarding using barcodes on mobile phone text messages rather than printed boarding cards? How would that work at the aircraft door? "Good morning sir, may i see your nokia/blackberry/sony erric-crap phone for your text message from our beloved company to read that there barcode with my robotic eye? please ensure that you do not show me the dirty text from your mistress, or i may feel inclined to call your wife!"........."thankyou sir, W910i?" :bored:

[Final 3 Greens]

Sorry, but am I the only one that now has a vision of F3G, sat in the departure lounge, beaming around proudly, with 1A stuck on his forehead!

Don't give KM any ideas :ugh: stamping seat number on the forehead is probably a lot less expensive than printing boarding passes :mad:

the departure lounge[

What's that? Is that where all the unwashed sit? :}

One warning...try to snatch that boarding card out of my hand and I will snatch it back and read it top to bottom, front to back, whilst smiling inncocently at you! And you'll be amazed at how slowly I can read!

You'll be amazed how much service I need after long waits ;)

Am I correct in believing that a US carrier tried 'e' boarding using barcodes on mobile phone text messages rather than printed boarding cards? How would that work at the aircraft door?

I will be using this system with Lufthansa tomorrow; some other countries have different procedures to the UK - try showing the LH CC your BP and you get a reaction that varies from a polite decline to rolling eyes.

[RevMan2]

I will be using this system with Lufthansa tomorrow

I just give them the normal friendly "Good morning" and indicate left or right (or upstairs) at the door.

They only really want to shunt people a) into the correct aisle and b) in the rough direction of their seat

[Skipness One Echo]

Dare I say it but the operating airline is well aware of the limitations of the staff employed by Aviance, Swissport, Servisair, Alba and the like and have a last chance to ensure their own people ensure a costly delay or expensive error is avoided. The calibre of ground staff has declined with the wages paid.

[TurningFinals]

The calibre of ground staff has declined with the wages paid

Tell me about it. No pay rise for 3 years running, does nothing for staff morale so people stop really caring.

[lowcostdolly]

What a fuss over a piece of paper which forms part of a standard operatig procedure for all UK carriers:confused:

It never ceases to amaze me the amount of SLF who feel they have the right to question the standard operating procedures of the carrier they choose to fly with usually because they cannot be bothered to either read or listen to instructions. It is usually the CC who get the butt of this on boarding and also during flight.

A boarding pass is just that. it gives you the right to board that particular flight. The clue is in the word boarding peeps and it is the CC who will board you. Most carriers will require you to produce this at the aircraft door and you are told this at the departure gate.

It is a requirement of the DFT and the CAA that every person airside has a valid reason to be there. This applies to aircrew and employees equally as well as the SLF. I have an airside pass which is valid for particular areas. If I try to board a plane within that area on which I am not operating I can expect to be challenged as to my reasons. The same applies to SLF who try to board a flight they are not meant to be on and it is the boarding pass who will alert us to this. Nobody is infallible and that includes everyone in the boarding process.:)

There has been a lot of explanations on this thread as to why boarding passes are checked by the CC.....most of which have official credibility. Lets look at a human reason.

A young boy runs away from home and manages to get himself not only to LGW but all the way through it!!!:eek: This includes check in, passport control, security, and the gate check. He was stopped on boarding by the CC.

I'm sure as a parent myself the parents of this young boy were very grateful that Monarch cabin crew check boarding passes.

[Load Toad]

Given how easy it is to stick the boarding pass etc in a pocket and pull 'em out if need be I'm amazed we've managed to witter away so much about something that frankly - doesn't matter much to us SLF. You want to see it? Cool. You don't? Also cool. Move on.

[Skipness One Echo]

It never ceases to amaze me the amount of SLF who feel they have the right to question the standard operating procedures of the carrier they choose to fly with usually because they cannot be bothered to either read or listen to instructions. It is usually the CC who get the butt of this on boarding and also during flight.


First of all I am not "Self Loading Freight" I am the customer paying your wages so refrain from speaking to me in that tone. Secondly, if I thought you read the Terms and Conditions of your mobile phone bill or car rental agreement before signing I would take you seriously but almost nobody does. The clue here is that people think it is yet another check at the long line of many other demeaning checks, it is also one that other nations don't feel the need to impose within ten feet of the last check at the gate. I might also add that we don't need your permission to question something that seems to be utterly pointless. If there is a clear compelling reason, most people buy into it no problem. The clue here is that this doesn't seem to be occuring.

So bite your tongue, suck it up or find another career.

[Glamgirl]

Skipness,

There are valid reasons for checking the boarding cards, whether you think they're valid or not. No need to get so :mad: about it.

Sometimes aircraft park at airbridges, which means your boarding card is checked twice in 10 yards. Sometimes the aircraft is parked on a stand where passengers have to walk across the tarmac, often several aircraft boarding around the same time.

There has to be a standard for each airline, as I'm sure you and others would be even more confused if an airline changed boarding card policy depending on where it was parked.

Also, please remember that Cabin Crew don't make the rules (nor do Pilots), we just implement them, because it's part of our job.

Gg

[lowcostdolly]

Skipness

If you are not SLF then what are you doing posting on the SLF forum?? We are all SLF at some point when we travel are we not? Incidentally you do not pay my wages my employer does. As for tone you are really clever if you can read that into a post that has no voice content or visual body language.

I just get a little tired of pax (note the PC language) questioning every single procedure I carry out for the employer who does pay my wages in the name of safety. Only the other day I was questioned to my face so I can observe both on :

A) Why it was necessary for an infant to be secured in an infant seatbelt during turbulence at a time when the pilots had PA'd the CC to take their seats and baby was bouncing literally on the tray table next to me:rolleyes:

B) Why we cannot have the widow blinds open for take off/landing. The short answer is because I'm telling you you can't when securing the cabin as it is a safety regulation. If you want the in depth reason read the recomendations as to why this regulation applies post Kegworth.

C) Why my Ipod has to be switched off on take off and landing? It's so you can hear commands from the CC or pilots in the "unlikely event" something happens on take off/landing. If you are listening to "I will survive" at full blast and are told to brace and don't you probably won't!

A reasonable instruction from the crew of an aircraft forms part of the air navigation orders which you have to obey without question whether or not you feel you have the right to question them......that includes the carriers right to ask you to produce a boarding pass. Don't like it?? Then go by train and pay their wages instead :ugh:

[Malone]

lcd,
Well said.
:D:D:D:D:D:D

[Load Toad]

You ain't payin' my wages.

[BUGS/BEARINGS/BOXES]

Spot on LCD !! well posted! :ok:

[Shack37]

Well said LCD but I fear you're preaching to the unconvertible:ok:

s37

[beamender99]

I recall an incident a few years ago at LHR when the A/C was ready to depart and then the final passenger arrived at the gate.
Check in counts and boarding counts etc all looked OK so ready to go.

On investigation it was found that a one in nn chance had happened.

Passenger A arrived at the gate and his seat no was checked, but it was not noticed was for another flight, and he boarded.

Passenger B, with the correct, for that flight, boarding card, then arrived and just happened to have the same seat number.

CC please keep up the good work and keep checking.

[TurningFinals]

Nicely done LCD.:D

[apaddyinuk]

LCD.....Dont ever leave this forum! We need people like you!!!! :D:D:D

[GANNET FAN]

Many moons ago, as a frequent flyer SLF, on boarding the aircraft there
was no demand at the door to view the BC. And when much later it became standard practice to be asked to produce your BC I thought sod it I know where I'm going to sit and complain why do I have to show my BC fer Christ's sake, just bring me a drink after take off.

Glamgirl, LCD, JSL and others, I was your worst nightmare! I pay your wages and if I say jump, I expect the answer, how high! Probably made Skipness look polite.

Then I grew up, mellowed somewhat, hopefully became a bit wiser. By chance I found Pprune, read the comments and have a far better insight about the job that CC do and what they have to put up with.

Talk about conversion, probably only bettered by Paul on the road to Damascus. I smile, say good morning, show my BC and actually pay attention to the safety briefing.

One day I hope to meet some of the CC posters in flight, I'm easily recognised, I'm the outrageously polite one!

GF

[lowcostdolly]

:ok::ok::ok: Thanks all!!

[Final 3 Greens]

Lowcostdolly

If I am SLF in your eyes, then I take it you have no objection to me referring to you as a cart tart?

On the other hand, we could be respectful to each other.

[Final 3 Greens]

Beamender 99

Let's get one thing straight, the CC have to check the boarding passes on UK airlines to comply with regulations, no discussions.

However, when I read your post and then I think about how many hundreds of thousands of people get on the right flights, I do really wonder about proportionality.

In other words, if (for sake of argument) 1 in 20,000 people take the wrong flight, does that really justify the process of double checking?

Lufthansa/Swiss don't check BPs at the door, are your saying that they do not understand how to run their business?

I doubt it. The real issue is that many airlines no longer do a headcount, which is where discrepancies are usually caught by airlines who still do them.

As I said, the crew have to do them on UK airlines, but I disagree with your reasoning.

[jeanyqua]

Well said Dolly !! :ok:
Noooooo way !!!...i'm away on my jollies for over a week...come back,& ths topic is still under discussion.:rolleyes:
I truly wanted to slap my boarding pass on my forehead as i entered the cabin yesterday morning...but alas...just showed it to crew.

[beamender99]

As I said, the crew have to do them on UK airlines, but I disagree with your reasoning. Nothing to do with reasoning. I was just recalling what I consider a freak incident.
It appeared to happen as the seat number was called out by one member of the gate team and then another member input it into the DCS system at the gate.

I am totally happy with the existing checks for those on board.
My rule is, when on board and A. N. Other is in my assigned seat, as has happened on several flights, I have a quiet word with the CC out of earshot and leave it to their expertise to resolve things.

I do however hope that some of the serious holes in the baggage handling proceedures that existed a few years have been plugged.

[T250]

Final 3 Greens
Lowcostdolly

If I am SLF in your eyes, then I take it you have no objection to me referring to you as a cart tart?


Well said! :D:D:D:)

Passengers are not 'self loading freight' despite whatever the people who run these forums like to nickname the various forums here.

It sounds like you need some customer service retraining Lowcostdolly, I thought cabin crew were trained to be polite and curteous at all times, as however you may like to look at it, we, the 'SLF' pay your wages as Skipness also said. Maybe as you are 'Lowcost' your airline overlooks such training! :=

[TurningFinals]

In other words, if (for sake of argument) 1 in 20,000 people take the wrong flight, does that really justify the process of double checking?


I think the second half of this sentence disproves your point. Say 1 in 20,000 was the correct firgure. This is so low because these things are double checked.

So to answer your question, yes.

Is holding your boarding pass for that extra 10 seconds that it takes you to walk from the gate to the aircraft THAT big a deal?

[VS-LHRCSA]

I can't see anywhere where LCD has been impolite or discourteous. She is merely stating her frustrations with passengers who feel the need to question her instructions as a crew member. No-one here has any idea in how she deals with this in the cabin - only LCD.

Personally, I object to passengers who come on to this forum and lord it over airline staff on here - staff who are trying to help, on their own time - and expect staff to revere them because they are customer and 'pay our wages'. Passengers deserve to be treated with respect as fellow human beings, just as crew should be treated with respect by passengers.

However, at a point where a passenger feels they are entitled to by-pass regulations, all aviation authorities empower their cabin crew to assert themselves to resolve an issue by whatever means. For example, I had to deal with a complaint at BA where a passenger stood up just after take off, opened a locker and stood there while rumaging through her baggage looking for her ipod. A crew member, still strapped in to her jump seat yelled at this passenger to sit down - as trained. This customer wrote in to say she was embarrased, that the crew member was rude, etc but what is this crew member to do? Get out of her own seat and quietly ask the lady to sit down? Why should the crew member risk her own safety?

I also think we need to remind people that this is not airlinequality.com. This is a pilots' forum and they have very generously given space for passengers to ask questions. I don't believe the space was allocated for frustrated passengers to have a shot at cabin crew and ground staff at every opportunity, or remind staff of who pays their wages. Staff who contribute on here have to put up with this reality in the terminals and on the aircraft everyday. They shouldn't have to put up with it here. This is a place where staff should be able to be themselves.

[TightSlot]

The problem with the "I pay your wages, therefore..." argument is that it can used used to justify almost any action or position taken up by anybody. It is an imprecise area weapon that inflicts casualties on everybody within the blast radius, including the user.

Factually, it is accurate - passengers do of course pay the wages of airline personnel (together with freight shippers) however from that point on, things begin to slip.

Modern aviation is a mass transit industry. Intelligent human beings do not like to be treated as part of a mass: Good airlines understand this and put policies and procedures in place to try and recognise this fact, and to treat customers (as far as possible within the cost model) as individuals. Even with the greatest efforts, it is inevitable that some areas of the experience will fail to meet customer expectations or desires. When this happens, the customer will either decide to roll with the punches, or will complain and attempt to rectify the problem, or will move elsewhere. This is why good airlines will tend to treat complaint as an opportunity to improve the customer experience.

Aviation also employs humans: By definition, there will therefore be infinite shades of ability, empathy, intelligence and talent. This will, in turn, constantly shade the customer experience. There are crew that I have worked with who make me wince every time they speak to somebody, and also some who have a natural ability that I envy. This will surely be true of any industry.

Now we know this, shouldn't we just step back and get some perspective before posting further on this thread?

[Rusland 17]

Let's get one thing straight, the CC have to check the boarding passes on UK airlines to comply with regulations, no discussions...

Lufthansa/Swiss don't check BPs at the door, are your saying that they do not understand how to run their business?

As I said, the crew have to do them on UK airlines, but I disagree with your reasoning.I probably haven't travelled with as many airlines as you have, F3G, as I tend to stick to the same airlines depending upon where I'm going (and who's paying!).

But over the past year I've probably flown with a dozen different airlines, including BA, KLM, Air France, Austrian, Aeroflot and Thai, and I cannot recall ever boarding a plane and not being asked to show my boarding pass.

It seems to me to be a perfectly sensible final check that the passenger is on the correct aircraft (especially if you've walked or been bussed to the plane), and it really is so little trouble for the passenger that I don't understand the objections made against it.

[Final 3 Greens]

Rusland 17

Your choice of airlines does very much determine whether the BP will be checked at the door. Looking at your list, BA have to check, Air France do, not sure about KLM as I don't use them (Europe Select is a disgrace), am surprised Austrian did (I have flown 4 sectors this years and they did not check mine), Aeroflot and Thai I don;t use.

Probably 65% of my flights are with airlines who do not, but different people wil l have different experiences.

It seems to me to be a perfectly sensible final check that the passenger is on the correct aircraft (especially if you've walked or been bussed to the plane), and it really is so little trouble for the passenger that I don't understand the objections made against it.

You need some kind of check to ensure that the aircraft departs with the right pax on board.

With British airlines, the government imposes this check, so it is a fair accompli.

Other airlines may have the discretion not to check.

I think a headcount makes a lot of sense, as it shows up the actucal on board vs the planned, but some airlines don't do that anymore.

As to the trouble for the passenger, I do agree that it should not trouble them and you won't find me objecting to the check.

Because I am a FQTV, I usually know which airlines wish to see the pass, so it is particularly easy for me.

[Final 3 Greens]

Tightslot

Factually, it is accurate - passengers do of course pay the wages of airline personnel (together with freight shippers) however from that point on, things begin to slip.

I am sorry to have to disagree.

The passenger pays the airline, who in turn pays either the employee or the agency who provides the contract worker.

I would never say 'I pay your wages' to an employee of any business, it is crass and likely to promote an emotional reaction.

On the other hand, 'I do not believe that you are providing the service I am entitled to and this is what I would like you to do ......' is entirely reasonable and provides the opportunity for the airline (via the employee) to make things right.

[Final 3 Greens]

Turning Finals

I think the second half of this sentence disproves your point. Say 1 in 20,000 was the correct figure. This is so low because these things are double checked.

Great hypothesis, BUT to validate it, you need to show that the ratio is higher for airlines who don't check boarding passes at the door.

Do that and I will be convinced that the effort is proportional.

Once again, to avoid any doubt, UK airlines MUST check BPs at the door on DfT instructions, as a security check.

If this were not the case, I believe that a headcount would be a far more reliable way of detecting peeps on the wrong flight.

Just my opinion.

There are very good reasons for checking BPs, such as identifying premium pax and escorting them to their seats.

[nivsy]

Separate pax not travelling together trying to seat themselves a few rows in front of me on Lufthansa A319 the other day - inbound flight from Milan on Lufthansa Italia - had boarding cards with same seat allocations on it - so when they were shown to the cabin crew confusion reigned. If we need to show our cards it would be nice of the airlines to all manage to allocate boarding cards not in duplicate for the same flight......(yes unusual I am sure but nevertheless quite odd no?)


Nivsy

[rgbrock1]

This thread was originally opened with the heading of "Purpose of boarding card check a the aircraft door". Since then we've gotten psychological analysis of why this is, defenders of the "I don't have to show you anything" school of thought, etc.

Adding my unsolicited 2 cents to the original question I'll say the the purpose of boarding card check at aircraft door it to check your boarding card at the aircraft door.
That is the purpose.
:ugh::ugh::ugh:

[Final 3 Greens]

I'll say the the purpose of boarding card check at aircraft door is to check your boarding card at the aircraft door.

No, that is not a purpose, it is an operation.

You need to add an extra piece of info, let me start things...

I'll say the the purpose of boarding card check at aircraft door is to check your boarding card at the aircraft door to


irritate the pax
maintain security
greet premium pax


Any other ideas?

[rgbrock1]

Gee Final 3 Greens, you certainly do enjoy mixing semantics don't you?
I disagree. Checking one's boarding pass at the aircraft door has a purpose. Yes, it is also an operation but it does serve a purpose whether or not you agree with that purpose. If you consider it irritating that's on you. (a mosquito serves a purpose also.
Which is to suck your blood. It may be irritating to you when it does so but it does serve a purpose.)

[Final 3 Greens]

Gee Final 3 Greens, you certainly do enjoy mixing semantics don't you?

No mate, your premise was illogical and you have contradicted yourself in your last post.

[Hunter58]

Having to come back on the 'self loading freight' thing. Somehow I got the (hopefully wrong) impression that there are poeple who think of such expression as diminutive?

Shame on you!


To come back to the subject. I have not recently flown with any airline that did not ask for my boarding card whith the exception of Lufthansa in FRA and MUC. That is the place they have the automated readers. However, I also have once lived through a boarding where the readers were not functioning and the crew then DID check the boarding cards.

[Final 3 Greens]

Hunter 58

LH SOP is not to check boarding passes and their associated company Swiss has the same policy, as does Air Malta.

This is not linked to automatic readers (re LH/LX.). I know this, as some time ago I got a brusque, bordering on rude, reaction from a Swiss CC member when I tried to show my BP and when I asked her to explain the reaction, as told that the rules had changed in LH and LX and 'we no longer do this nonsense.' Actual quote, I kid you not.

I take about 30-35 LH/LX flights each year and her explanation is backed by the total lack of interest in BPs on boarding.

Austrian didn't check them when I did 4 sectors this year, but I don't know if this is SOP, the same for SN Brussels.

Then again the following airlines do check from recent experience: all UK airlines, EK, GF, AF, MS.

For what should be a simple thing (retain pass and show it at the door when required), the fuss and aggro resulting is amazing.

I've tried to explain some of the reasons in an earlier post, but that habitual villain, human communications is pretty much at the centre.

I do sympathise with the CC, as I travel enough to be quite frequently stuck behind someone who cannot find the BP and is frantically looking through pockets or handbag, or arguing the toss. It just adds to the frustration of travelling.

The sensible action is to retain the BP close to had, unless you are certain it won't be checked at the door.

Will this happen anytime soon? No chance :ugh:

[PAXboy]

Here is a related problem (not thread drift, I promise!)

Standing in the queue at my local Post Office last week. The lady in front of me asks for a single First Class stamp and pays for it. She places the till receipt in her purse and places her purse back in her handbag. I prepare to move forward.

She then asks for another, different kind of stamp, takes out her purse and opens it so that she can pay for it and receive the receipt and put it all away again. Fortunately, she does not repeat the process a third time ... :ugh:

[Hunter58]

F3G

you must be flying a different Lufthansa than I do in this case.

[ReadyToGo]

At some airports, without the CC check, there would be chaos.

When I was working at NCL, it used to amaze me the way people react when they see an aircraft. If there is no airbridge, Pax love to wander, and the most obvious aircraft isnt always the one they try and board.

Its not stupidity, its usually distraction. One minute they are following everyone else, next they are posing for a photo, or showing their kids something, and then they're a few feet out of line, and the first thing they see is another plane on the next stand (which is also boarding), and to most passengers planes look the same.

Suddenly the Thomas Cook Dalaman passengers are wandering towards the Thomson Heraklion on the next stand. A quick check by the crew, and the mistake is corrected, which saves a hell of a lot of time waiting for head counts, and baggage ID's.

I dont see why this irritates people. It takes a few seconds!

RTG!

[BUGS/BEARINGS/BOXES]

It would seem that final 3 greens has a lot of Part E's from different airlines to read. especially as he can comment on LH/Swiss SOP's.

I wonder if he/she could fill in the SEP locator diagram for, say, a Lufty A319? :rolleyes:

only this week at work a passenger tried to board the aircraft bound for same destination......but wrong airline!!! Only stopped at the door by guess who.........nope not the dispatcher........not me,too busy writing down the Atis.......not the loaders either..........yes folks it was the CC! suprised? not I. it still happens, thats one of the reasons for the check.

[Final 3 Greens]

BUGS/BEARING/BOXES

especially as he can comment on LH/Swiss SOP's.

He passes on what LH/LX CC tell him and observes how the crew behave.

Why so defensive?

Of course, if you can produce the LH SOP that says 'check boarding passes at the aircraft door', I will take a different view. So rather than snide comments, how about putting up or shutting up?

Hunter 58

I fly DLH, which Lufthansa do you fly?

Segments this year, LH 22, LX 12.

If they should inspect boarding passes at the door, then the process broke 34 times.

I don't believe it did.

Maybe you look like a security risk or a nutjob and they make a point of checking you out? :}

Ready to Go

I dont see why this irritates people. It takes a few seconds!


I don't believe it irritates most people, only a minority, but a lot of infrequent travellers do not realise they need to keep the pass to hand or are just not organised - see Paxboy's recent post for a perspective on that.

[One Outsider]

Jesus H Christ and his underpants!

How important is it to prove that you are a frequent flyer? It seems that status is all important for some. They must show their status to all.*

Did you catch it? I am this and that tier and this and that card holder! Did you notice?

I did so and so many flights on this and that airline in this and that seat! I am as a consequence most important. You must all listen to me!

STICK IT UP YOU most covetet retreat for your frequent flyer card.

[strake]

Jesus H Christ and his underpants!

How important is it to prove that you are a frequent flyer? It seems that status is all important for some. They must show their status to all.*

Did you catch it? I am this and that tier and this and that card holder! Did you notice?

I did so and so many flights on this and that airline in this and that seat! I am as a consequence most important. You must all listen to me!

STICK IT UP YOU most covetet retreat for your frequent flyer card.

A singularly erudite post that thrusts straight to what most of us are thinking.
Bravo!

[PAXboy]

Well, if I see someone saying that they took n number of flights with x carrier - it tells me that they have relevant experience. I don't think it's arrogant to state your bona fides in a debate when some people are calling others into question.

In my view, there are very, very few here that are flashy about travelling a lot. I know from my days of travelling regularly (and nothing like as much as others) that it is not glamorous. I never get the impression here that people are bragging. Yes some are outspoken but you can reply or not and one of the most outspoken here is usually accurate in my view.
.

[Load Toad]

Chuffing cuff.

It is not difficult, nor is it hard or inconvenient to show your boarding card if it is requested.

[Final 3 Greens]

Lufthansa Fact

There is no Federal German Regulation that requires the boarding pass to be checked at the aircraft door, so Lufthansa does not do this.

Source: Lufthansa captain and #1 CC member on flight this morning.

Shared for those who have questioned the veracity of my observations.

[PAXboy]

LoadToad It is not difficult, nor is it hard or inconvenient to show your boarding card if it is requested.
Indeed and I don't think that anyone here is saying otherwise. One of the key causes of the problem that has emerged here is the inconsistency of carrier/govt SOPs and within individual carriers. This confuses many pax.

[Load Toad]

Not really - the PAX aren't confused. Some PAX are just thick or ignorant. If they are asked politely & often enough then they'll show the boarding card without questioning why - it isn't high up the list of 'Important Things in My Life I Worry About' and so if someone wants to see the boarding card they'll show it and if they aren't asked then mostly they won't.
Getting confused about showing it is irrelevant - no more confused and going to use a different bus company and finding out say they have a fancy prepaid card to use as a ticket.
The confusion level would be 'Oh well fancy that'.

[Nicholas49]

In response to the original question on this thread, how about this for an answer:

A relative of mine was queuing to board a Johannesburg - London Heathrow flight on Saturday. When the boarding card of the Swedish woman in front of her was checked, it transpired that she was booked on the BA / Virgin flight to London, not the South African Airways flight that she was about to board. She was at the wrong gate. Much hysteria ensued and she was helped on her way to the right flight.

Situations like this one are the reason for additional checks. Hope that answers your question.

[Pax Vobiscum]

It's obvious - the purpose of boarding card 'check' at aircraft door is to generate lengthy threads on PPRuNe :ok:

[Seat 59A]

I managed to get on the wrong EasyJet flight from Paris to Rome one time (the flight I got on was going to Nice).

That was DESPITE multiple boarding card checks, including at the gate, and the error wasn't spotted until I went on board.

AND I fly hundreds of thousands of miles a year. So, yes, mistakes can and do happen.

[flyblue]

Yes, mistakes can and do happen, and it is not advertised in the front page of the Times when it happens. Which means that even the most experienced pax might not be aware of the entity of the problem.
Not all airports have the same degree of security (otherwise we wouldn't find now and then some poor guy frozen in the landing gear compartment). But even in the best and biggest airports mistakes happen. A few years ago at my airline the topic of the Security annual course was exactly the BP check at the door, with numbers and percentages. And boy, do we (aviation industry) still need that check, and for various reasons, which it would be too long to enumerate here.
The head count alone is not enough. Think of a station in some third world country, where one pax who should board gets to not board, and another one that shouldn't does. The head count would be right, still the situation would not. We have some stations where the head count is not mandatory any more (stations that have been labeled "secure" by a Quality check) but still the BP check is mandatory. You have to multiply the checks at each stage to make sure you have closed all the holes in the Swiss cheese (sorry TightSlot, I know this one will make you wince :E ), because it's not only one hole you're covering with one check, but many (as many as the things that could go wrong at each stage).
I know that from the outside it is quite difficult to understand all the reasons for a rule, because without knowing the procedures and all of its stages (where something could potentially go wrong) you wouldn't see the reasons behind it.
Without the BP check, a few months ago on one of my flights mother and son going to YUL would have ended up in CDG instead :ooh: And don't think that "they would have found out eventually". One of the examples we analysed on that Security course was of a pax that having boarded the wrong plane and heard the announcement that the flight was to XXX, thought it was a joke and didn't say anything until it was too late. Remember: at each stage something can go wrong. An incident/accident happens when a string of things go wrong. Try to reduce the number of things that can go wrong ( = multiply the checks) and your chain of events is broken.

[Shack37]

Flyblue,
Excellent and clear explanation and I believe preaching mostly to the converted. I fear though, that there will soon be a reply from someone who thinks they know better:ok:

s37

[Final 3 Greens]

I fear though, that there will soon be a reply from someone who thinks they know better

Do you mean Swiss and Lufthansa? ;)

[Shack37]

Do you mean Swiss and Lufthansa? http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/wink2.gif


Exactly, some who think they know better:ok:, gnomes and ...........oops, nearly got racist.