Airline's plane boarding rules mean that family and friends can get split up
Boarding a flight can be stressful as you navigate long queues, the mad rush to get bags into overhead lockers, and try to settle in within the short timeframe so the plane can leave on time.
Those precious few minutes can make all the difference for airlines, so it's no surprise that companies are always trying to find ways of making the process more efficient. One such firm is United Airlines which has an unusual boarding process; splitting up family and friends booked in economy.
That's because the airline boards passengers based on their seats; window seats and exit row seats get on first, then those with middle seats, and finally those with aisle seats. (First Class and premium passengers will already have boarded, of course).
There is some flexibility for those who need it (Getty Images)So don't worry; you get reunited with your travel companions, you'll just be split up for a few minutes. Then of course there are some exceptions - for example if you have a young child booked on a window seat, just board with them when you get your middle seat.
Do you think other airlines should adopt a similar policy? Let us know in the comments below.
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One travel expert reckons it does actually help make the experience a little smoother for all involved. Jason Steffen, an associate professor of physics at the University of Nevada, told EuroNews: "It spreads people out along the aisle of the airplane so that more people can put their luggage away at the same time. That's the main thing that speeds up the boarding process."
Meanwhile in Spain, authorities are calling for UK airlines to change a controversial aspect of boarding; their seat reservation policies. Currently a number of airlines including Ryanair, easyjet, TUI and Jet2 allocate seats for free, but charge extra fees if you want to select your seat and ensure you're sat with the rest of your party.
Alfonso Rodriguez, who is the president of the consumers association in the Balearic Islands, has complained that passengers need to pay these fees and as a result the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament has agreed to examine his complaint against random seat allocation.
Unsurprisingly the policy isn't popular with holidaymakers, but it doesn't break any current laws. The only rules are that children under 12 years old should be seated with their grown-ups or at least in the same row - but that doesn't mean all the grown-ups need to be on the same row. For those travelling without kids, there's no guarantee you'll be sat near each other on the plane.
As well as seats, passengers also have to navigate airlines' different hand luggage rules including what bags you can bring in with you for free. Recently Jet2 passengers have been warned to double check the rules or risk an extra fee at the airport if their personal bag or cabin bag doesn't meet the requirements.
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