Oct 6, 2019
In this experience we look at the world of gate assignments, and
why your plane is parked at a specific location.
What is happening when you arrive at the airport and you're told
that your gate is not available. We review the differences between
gates and jet bridges. What does an airport need to do to prevent
unnecessary mixing of passengers? What's a swing gate. What is the
ramp and how is it set up? What happens on the ramp and inside the
terminal when there's a last-minute gate change? What happens when
you're parked out at a remote location or stand? Geoff shares his
remote parking experience at DPS. Vinny has another really tight
connection adventure with a bus at FRA. Vinny had a really long bus
trip at IST.
Don't forget about the weather – thunderbolts and lightning on top
of snow and ice makes for gate backlogs and people needing to be
careful not to dent the plane. Speaking of denting, Vinny shares
stories of jet bridge training – and systems designed to prevent
accidental dents.
News Items:
- Business Traveller article "United CEO puts getting late passengers on planes before on-time departures"
- ch-aviation article "Scramble for Thomas Cook UK slots as Condor seeks new owner"
If you have a story of gate changes and jet bridges, a question or
other experience that you would like to share, please email us at
stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/