What are United groups?

United Groups lets you rest easy with guaranteed group airfare for your family, friends, sports teams and business associates when traveling together.



United Airlines boarding groups are a structured sequence used to organize the flow of passengers onto the aircraft to minimize gate congestion and speed up departures. In 2026, United uses six primary groups. Pre-boarding is reserved for unaccompanied minors, customers with disabilities, active-duty military, and United Global Services members. Group 1 includes Premier Platinum and Gold members, as well as Star Alliance Gold. Group 2 is for Premier Silver members, those with certain United credit cards (like the Quest or Explorer), and those who purchased "Premier Access." Groups 3 through 5 are based on seat location; United recently reintroduced the "WILMA" (Window-Middle-Aisle) method, where Group 3 consists of window seats, Group 4 is middle seats, and Group 5 is aisle seats. This method is statistically proven to be the fastest way to board. Finally, Group 6 (if applicable) is typically reserved for Basic Economy passengers on certain aircraft. Understanding your group is essential, as United agents are generally strict about enforcing the order to ensure that overhead bin space is distributed fairly according to ticket class and loyalty status.

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A boarding group is a way for airlines to organize how passengers enter a flight at the gate. Boarding groups are usually assigned to passengers at check-in, or can be predetermined based on airline status or special classifications like passengers with disabilities or families.

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When booking an itinerary for a large party, you may be able to take advantage of reduced group rates. This is often true for airfare; many airlines offer tickets at a reduced cost when flying with 10 or more people.

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Group and meeting rates are available for: Groups of 10 or more. 1 or more departure airport. Any cabin, including premium cabins.

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However, even in general boarding, there are clear queues: Group 5 (Preferred Boarding): Passengers in Main Cabin Extra seats (not on Basic Economy tickets), AAdvantage members who accrue 15,000 Loyalty Points (milestone benefit), and select AAdvantage co-brand card holders.

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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. How many boarding groups on American Airlines?

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Economy Plus is an excellent option for travelers looking for a higher level of comfort but do not want all of the features of a full business-class seat. The economy plus cabin debuted on United in 1999 and is now offered on all mainline aircraft and almost all United Express regional jets.

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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.

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Beginning with Group 4, passengers with window seats will board first, followed by those with middle seats and then aisle seats. People on the same reservation, such as families, can board together, United said. The new boarding process will be implemented on all domestic flights and some international flights.

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Final thoughts on the different United economy fare classes Standard economy allows carry-on bags and complimentary seat selection, while basic economy, as the cheapest of the bunch, carries the most restrictions.

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