How do I get a better boarding group on United?

The easiest way to unlock priority boarding, including if you're in basic economy, is with an eligible co-branded United credit card. For example, with the United? Explorer Card, you and any companions on the same reservation will be invited to board in Group 2.



To secure an earlier boarding group on United Airlines, your best strategies involve elite status, ticket type, or specific credit cards. Passengers in the "Pre-boarding" group include Global Services and Premier 1K members, followed by Group 1, which is reserved for Premier Platinum and Gold members, and those in Polaris, First, or Business class. If you don't have high-tier status, the easiest way to reach Group 2 is by holding an eligible United Credit Card (such as the Explorer or Quest cards) or by purchasing Premier Access. Group 2 also includes Premier Silver members and those in the Premium Plus cabin. If you are a general member, your group (usually 3, 4, or 5) is determined by your seat location—window seats board before middle and aisle seats. To avoid the final Group 6, you must avoid booking a Basic Economy fare, as these passengers board last and are often restricted from using overhead bin space. In 2026, checking in exactly 24 hours in advance is still good practice, but it will not override the boarding group assigned by your status or fare class.

People Also Ask

Fly in a premium cabin All passengers flying in a premium cabin get priority boarding. But the group you'll be assigned to depends on which class of service you're flying. Passengers in the front cabin board with Group 1.

MORE DETAILS

If you need your carry-on bag during a long layover or prefer not to wait at a late-night baggage claim after a long day of flying, then purchasing a priority boarding upgrade may be well worth it. In essence, purchasing priority boarding is staking claim to readily accessible overhead bin space.

MORE DETAILS

Economy passengers, including those with basic economy fares, can purchase a priority boarding add-on to enter the plane with Group 4. You can't purchase this upgrade during the initial booking process, so you'll need to add it during check-in, online or at the airport.

MORE DETAILS

Economy passengers, including those with basic economy fares, can purchase a priority boarding add-on to enter the plane with Group 4. You can't purchase this upgrade during the initial booking process, so you'll need to add it during check-in, online or at the airport.

MORE DETAILS

The new process will go into effect on most United flights on October 26. Here's how it will work: When economy boarding starts, passengers with a window seat will board in Group 3, along with fliers in exit row seats. Next up will be economy fliers with middle seats, who will be in boarding in Group 4.

MORE DETAILS

With the United Explorer card, you will receive priority boarding access to help ensure there is overhead space for your carry-on bag.

MORE DETAILS

If you need your carry-on bag during a long layover or prefer not to wait at a late-night baggage claim after a long day of flying, then purchasing a priority boarding upgrade may be well worth it. In essence, purchasing priority boarding is staking claim to readily accessible overhead bin space.

MORE DETAILS

When you are assessing the value of United Premier Access, it really depends on which perks you'll utilize and how much you have to spend in order to get it. Similarly, you won't find a lot of value in Premier Access if you already have expedited security privileges such as TSA Precheck, Clear or Global Entry.

MORE DETAILS

How much does Upgraded Boarding cost? Upgraded Boarding pricing starts at $30 per segment, per Customer, based on the popularity and length of each flight segment. A credit card must be used for the purchase of Upgraded Boarding.

MORE DETAILS

How are boarding groups determined. For one thing, most airlines determine boarding groups based on ticketing class (first, business, economy or basic economy).

MORE DETAILS

We do allow pre-boarding for families traveling with children less than two years old. A gate agent will announce when it's time for you to board. If you're flying with children under 12, we have new tools that make it easier for them to sit next to an adult in your party for free.

MORE DETAILS

The groups of Priority Boarding are identified by the following codes: Group 1 - First Class, Group 2 - Premier 1K and MileagePlus Gold Members, Group 3 - Premier Platinum, Premier Gold and Silver, MileagePlus Platinum, and Star Alliance Gold Members, and.

MORE DETAILS

The new process will go into effect on most United flights on October 26. Here's how it will work: When economy boarding starts, passengers with a window seat will board in Group 3, along with fliers in exit row seats. Next up will be economy fliers with middle seats, who will be in boarding in Group 4.

MORE DETAILS

Often, airlines will invite active duty military to board early as well. But, what if they've already called your zone and you missed it? Schoenthal says it's then OK to go up to the front of the line. “But never do so before your boarding group is called,” she says.

MORE DETAILS

How to get (and pay for) TSA PreCheck. To get PreCheck, you'll start by submitting an online application before moving on to an in-person appointment at a Transportation Security Administration Enrollment Center. If approved, you'll get a Known Traveler Number, which you'll then enter whenever you book a flight.

MORE DETAILS

Does Southwest EarlyBird Check-in guarantee you Zone A boarding? Those assigned Zone A (listed on your boarding pass) are the first group of passengers to board the plane, but EarlyBird DOES NOT guarantee you Zone A boarding.

MORE DETAILS

Get extra legroom and a seat in front of the Economy sections with Economy Plus®. Economy Plus is available on all United flights and most United Express® flights. You can upgrade to an Economy Plus seat at any time from booking to check-in.

MORE DETAILS

A Premier Access purchase includes priority check-in, security lane access (where available) and boarding, but it does not include priority baggage handling. Complimentary Economy Plus and preferred seating access is determined by the highest Premier status of the travelers on the reservation.

MORE DETAILS