GATWICK Airport are trialling new ways to get passengers on the plane faster to reduce delays – including letting window seat travellers on first.
The airport is working with easyJet to try out new boarding methods, with one test taking just 14 minute to board all passengers.
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According to the Times, Gatwick claim that the window-to-aisle boarding works best for solo travellers.
This means passengers holding tickets for a window seat will board first, followed by the middle seat, and then the aisle seat.
Groups of people such as friends or family would be boarded by row, starting from the back of the plane.
The two-month trial has found it can reduce boarding time by 10 per cent, with a 158-passenger plane boarded in 14 minutes – three minutes quicker than usual.
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It is hoped to reduce delays – with 42 per cent of Gatwick airport flights departing at least 15 minutes late last month, according to Flightstats.
A study by AirHelp found flights across the UK are more delayed than ever – with one in four being delayed or cancelled.
Other new boarding changes include a digital screen showing which seats are boarding, instead of which rows, to reduce confusion.
This will allow passengers to stay seated until their number is called, with travellers calling it “bingo-boarding”.
While tests are currently being conducted at just gate 101, Gatwick claims other airlines are likely to join the trials soon.
A spokesperson told the BBC: “This is about improving the experience for passengers – not just in terms of making the boarding process more relaxing – but also helping to reduce delays.”
The worst airlines to be delayed are easyJet and TUI according to a Which? study.
Delays are more likely in the summer, according to experts, due to increased demand.
We previously revealed the tight turnaround planes have between landing and take-off – with some flights having just 45 minutes.
