Qantas aims to make boarding planes faster and more efficient by changing the way passengers get on flights.
The national carrier previously used a class-based system where premium cabins and high-status frequent flyers could board first, followed by everyone else.
The new system divides passengers into six groups based on their seating position on the plane, frequent flyer status and cabin class.
Once your group number is called, you can board. Signs and announcements will help make it clear which of the six groups will board at what times.
Anyone trying to bypass the queue will be stopped at the gate. The boarding pass scanner will only authorize passengers to proceed once their assigned group number has been announced.
Qantas said recent tests of the system across the country have cut gate queues and seated passengers more quickly.
The new system divides passengers into six groups based on the class they are in, their frequent flyer status and seat location
Qantas’ new system comes into effect today in Brisbane, next week in Perth, and later in the month in Melbourne and Sydney
Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson said staggering economy boarding according to seating zones would ensure more planes depart on time.
“We continue to look for ways to respond to pain points and improve the travel experience for our customers,” said Mr Svensson.
“We know how important an on-time departure is to our customers, so this process is also about doing everything we can to ensure we leave on time.”
Qantas’ new system comes into effect today in Brisbane, Perth on June 10, Melbourne from June 17 and Sydney on June 25.
