Physicist Streamlines Airline Boarding Process

Frustrated with how long it takes to board a plane, and how frustrating it is to stow carry ons before taking a seat, Dr. Jason Steffen, a physicist at Fermilab, used computer modeling to device a better, faster, more streamlined method … the question is, will airlines adopt his revolutionary boarding procedure?

How it works is really a marvel of choreography. Passengers board first by the left side of the plane, every other row, window seat only. Then, once they’ve stowed their gear and taken a seat, the right side of the plane, alternating row would board – again, window seat only. Then the alternating rows repeating the process.

Once all Window seats have boarded, then comes the middle seat passengers in the same order, and then finally the aisle seats. The method takes advantage that passengers are putting away their carry ons, adjusting their seats and settling in tandem.

Check out the video of the method below:

The result is passenger boarding times can cut in HALF. Course, it requires a bit of choreography and willing passengers. But if properly explained, it could do wonders for getting everyone on board. Unless you’re one of the last aisle seats to sit and you have no carry on space! But hey, that’s the trade off for a little better leg room and quick access to the head!

Hat Tip – DVice