How do you get Group 1 boarding on American?

Executive Platinum members can board in Group 1, while Platinum Pro (and Oneworld Emerald) members may board in Group 2. Mid-tier elites (American Airlines Platinum and Oneworld Sapphire) get at least Group 3. And the lowest-tier elites (American Airlines Gold and Oneworld Ruby) are assigned to Group 4.



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Group 1. First. Active duty U.S. military with military I.D.

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You can add Priority Boarding to your trip to get an earlier boarding group. If you add Premier Access to your trip you get Priority Boarding automatically and you get access to faster check-in and security lines.

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Groups 1 and 2 are made up of passengers with elite status in MileagePlus and partner programs, as well as those passengers seated in premium cabins. Group 2 also includes United co-branded credit card members and passengers who have purchased Priority Boarding.

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Group 2. Group 2 on United boards after pre-boarding and Group 1. This group includes passengers who hold United Premier Silver or Star Alliance Silver status, those who've purchased Premier Access or priority boarding and most United credit cardholders.

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Bottom Line: Your best bets to get a higher boarding position without having to earn elite status are EarlyBird Check-In and upgraded boarding at the gate. However, both options will cost you. EarlyBird Check-In costs $15 to $25 one-way per person and doesn't guarantee you'll get an A boarding number.

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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.

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Then, you're assigned a number within the boarding group that determines your place in line. This means that A1 will be the first to board, followed by A2 and so on. Without paying for early check-in, it's usually the case that the earlier you check in for a Southwest flight, the better your boarding spot will be.

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We offer early boarding to customers who need special assistance or more time to board, along with families with children under 2 years who ask to board early. Strollers should be checked at the gate before boarding and picked up after your flight at the gate, free of charge.

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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.

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One of these benefits is often priority (or preferred) boarding. It exists so you can board the plane before most passengers, and you'll have plenty of time to find bin space for your carry-on and settle into your seat before the frenzied reprobates stampede aboard. This is a great benefit! Most of the time.

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You might only board one group earlier?Priority Boarding is United's Group 2, while general Economy is 3 to 5, with Basic Economy waiting to the bitter end. Yes, you could pony up the extra cash for peace of mind (and in JetBlue's case, doing so comes with more seat space for your knees, which counts for something).

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Who should do it? A ticket upgrade may make sense if any of the following are true: You like the idea of boarding the plane quickly so you can choose your preferred seat and are guaranteed an A1 through A15 boarding position. You want to maximize the Rapid Rewards points that you earn.

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If the seat is available, the passenger pays for the upgrade on the flight. So while you shouldn't expect a free upgrade on a flight, you can still ask for upgrades from booking till boarding — and you may be able to pay your way to a much more comfortable seat.

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If you expect a full flight, try to board earlier – this will improve your chances to get cabin space for your luggage over your designated seat. Having to place your cabin luggage behind your seat or checking it in leads to a significant time loss.

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Check-in times To check bags or check in at the airport, you must be there a certain amount of time before scheduled departure: Within the U.S. – 45 minutes. To or from destinations outside the U.S. – 60 minutes.

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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.

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How early should you arrive at the airport? Airlines generally recommend arriving at the airport at least three hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic flight. There are a few considerations, though, and I usually treat each trip to the airport on a case-by-case basis.

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