Groups 3-5
Keep in mind that basic economy passengers board last, unless they are able to board in an earlier group due to holding elite status, a United credit card or otherwise qualifying for priority boarding.
Group 3 includes passengers in window seats. Group 4 includes passengers in middle seats. Group 5 includes passengers in aisle seats and all Basic Economy passengers.
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Priority boarding for passengers with disabilities, assistive devices or emotional support animals. Passengers with “status” like Executive Platinum, Gold, Silver, Premier Access, Club, etc. Passengers behind exist rows (some airlines only, like Alaska) Passengers with upgraded seating like “More space” fares.
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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.
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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.
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If you pay for priority boarding, you'll board with Group 2.
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Group 4 is considered priority boarding on American Airlines. Eligible passengers include elite flyers holder AA Gold or Oneworld Ruby status, as well as AirPass travelers, premium economy ticket holders, travelers who bought priority boarding and eligible corporate travelers.
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Group 2 is mostly reserved for elite members. However, Flagship Business class passengers board during Group 2 if they're flying on a three-class aircraft. This is the case on American's Airbus A321T and its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Premium economy passengers also get priority boarding.
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Southwest® Boarding Process. How does the boarding process work? You will be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) upon check in. Your unique group and position combination (for example: A35) will be displayed on your boarding pass and represents a reserved spot in the boarding group at the gate.
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To keep flights orderly and boarding smooth, airlines calculate that it makes sense for small children to board early with a parent and get settled before the anxious masses wanting an on-time or early departure.
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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.
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United Airlines
Like American, United arranges passengers into six groups (Pre-Boarding and Groups 1-5). Pre-Boarding passengers include Premier 1K passengers, those who require assistance, and active military personnel.
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How are American Airlines boarding groups assigned? American passengers are put in the highest group for which they qualify. For example, basic economy passengers are typically assigned to Group 9. However, if a passenger with AAdvantage Gold elite status books a basic economy ticket, they will get upgraded to Group 4.
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Boarding group 1 on American Airlines includes first class passengers, Executive Platinum members, active-duty U.S. military members with military I.D., and business class passengers when the flight is on a 2-class international plane.
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Priority privileges Speed through check-in, security and boarding at the airport and get your checked bags first when you land.
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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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