What is a "spinner" in airline terminology?

In airline terminology, a "spinner" refers to a passenger who is up in the aisle during boarding without a seat assignment. This situation typically arises when a passenger arrives for their flight but has not confirmed or secured a specific seat, often due to overbooking, being part of a standby list, or other logistical reasons. A spinner may contribute to the boarding process being delayed as they seek assistance from airline staff or try to resolve their seating situation while blocking other passengers from boarding.

The understanding of this term is crucial in airline operations because it affects boarding efficiency and overall passenger management. Properly handling situations involving spinners can lead to smoother boarding processes and enhance customer satisfaction.