Airline Boarding Turned Into Chaotic Revenue Strategy

Boarding has become chaotic by design so airlines can sell priority boarding for more revenue. Planes are more crowded and passengers bring more carry-ons to avoid bag fees.

In 2008, airlines began charging for checked bags, leading passengers to cram overhead bins. Airlines capitalized by selling early boarding.

More boarding groups and basic economy fares were introduced, complicating boarding. Planes got bigger with denser seating, also slowing boarding.

Airlines have tried different boarding methods like back-to-front or window-middle-aisle, but none are optimal. A physics professor created a faster method, but airlines don't use it.

Airlines could streamline boarding by allowing free checked bags, reducing boarding zones, and doing open seating like Southwest. But they want the revenue from fees and assigned seats.