V-Flyer

Folks

Here's a modern day conundrum.

On Thursday I travelled to ATL on BA. I was in F, and a mate of mine was in Y. As he was under his own steam to the airport, I suggested that we meet in the LGW F lounge where I'd guest him in. When we went to the gate, I waited with him until his row was called rather than take advantage of premium boarding, nice chap that I am.

Then on Sunday on the return from ATL I was with two buddies. I was in F, one of my cohorts was in J and the other in W.

My J mate and I checked in straight away at our respective check ins, but on our way over to security we bumped into W chap in a long line at the Y check in (BA do not have a separate W check in). The good news was that W chap says 'Go ahead without me' so I reply with thanks, and that I'll guest him into the lounge.

So the good news was that Mr J and I were able to use the Fast Track security, after which we wondered off to the lounge. Mr W appears at the lounge half an hour later, stressed out after a long check in wait and security line delays.

Then at the gate the flight is called. F & J are asked to board 'at their leisure', so Mr J and I do so, leaving poor Mr W to say 'well you've paid for it'.

So, my question is this:

If travelling with buddies in cabins further back, should you board with the general malaise or is it acceptable to take advantage of what you've paid for?

H

Take advantage of the perks of your cabin or FF status I say with no apologies, help your associates where it does not impinge on that. So, for example, guesting into the lounge won't delay you but why board an hour early when you can do so as late as possible, by all means check in together (if you can, don't BA allow this, VS does) but don't spend an extra 30 minutes going through the slow security.

I know Howard that you fly a similar amount to me, that usually implies a heavy schedule and inordinate amount of time travelling and being hassled by the airport experience. I don't think you should apologise for taking advantage of all the benefits that you can.

I agree with Slinky. You have guested your fellow traveller into the lounge, giving them a benefit that they would not otherwise have had the opportunity to experience, therefore I personally would have no issue in that person leaving me in the queue while they pre-board.

Thanks,
Sarah