United changes boarding process

Flight boarding time has increased by two minutes since 2019. Taking note, starting October 26, United Airlines will allow economy passengers with window seats to board first to speed up the boarding process.

As opposed to boarding by section, the airline will follow the “WILMA”—aka window-middle-aisle—boarding process on its domestic and international flights. The changes won’t affect first and business-class passengers, active-duty military personnel, unaccompanied minors and disabled from boarding first.

Two minutes is a lot
Even though two minutes sound meager, multiplying it with the 920-plus fleet United owns and operates daily will save the airline time and money.

All to save money
Companies are constantly trying new ways to save money and gain more passengers. On the latter part, Delta has been receiving customer criticism ever since it announced changes to its SkyMiles Loyalty Program last month.

The new rules favored high-spending flyers over frequent flyers, which angered Delta loyalists. Hundreds threatened to jump ship to other airlines. CEO Ed Bastian acknowledged that they “probably went too far” and cut down on some of the changes set to take effect next year.

Flights and miles still won’t count toward elite status, but spending requirements have come down.