A319
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Total 17000
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
We were completing checks and briefings; about to depart ZZZ with a full aircraft. There were 2 cockpit jumpseat riders. I; as Captain; heard the verbal request for clearance to close the entry door. I was unable to turn my head around to see; but I heard the request; and we were ready to close the entry door; so I stated that it was okay to close the door. The door subsequently closed; and we went on our way to ZZZ1. After the entry door was closed; but prior to closing the cockpit door; the Number 1 Flight Attendant advised me that the door had been closed by the agent without her permission. I told her what had happened; and we noted that there had been a miscommunication. After the flight; in ZZZ1 during the debrief; we noted that the agent should not have closed the door without talking to the Number 1 Flight Attendant. Also noted was the fact that due to the busy and crowded flight deck; and the difficulty for me to turn around; and see if the person asking if it was clear to close; I apparently had given clearance to close to the agent and not the Flight Attendant. We agreed that agent was in the wrong to have closed the door without coordinating with the Number 1 Flight Attendant.Agent closed the door without the consent of the Number 1 Flight Attendant. This occurred because the agent failed to follow the correct procedure. The Flight Attendant is supposed to close the door; not the agent.Agents need to be trained that they must have the Number 1 Flight Attendant there to close the entry door. Pilots should make every effort to see that the person they are giving clearance to close is the Number 1 Flight Attendant and not the agent; although; as I stated this can be difficult to do at times with a busy crowded cockpit and doorway. The most important thing is that the agents not close the door without the Flight Attendant.
A319-100 Captain reported the gate CSR did not follow company policy during the final passenger boarding procedures.