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. Boarding groups might also be a perk of having status on an airline.
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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. Group 3 includes passengers in window seats.
Group 5 is not priority boarding on American Airlines, but Preferred boarding. This group includes passengers that pay for Main Cabin Extra perks, as well as those who hold co-branded AAdvantage airline credit cards.
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.
Group 4: Passengers in Premium economy and paying for priority access, AAdvantage Gold, oneworld Ruby status holders, Citi/AAdvantage Executive cardholders, and select corporate travelers.
Group 2 also includes United co-branded credit card members and passengers who have purchased 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.
If you check in exactly 24 hours ahead of time, you'll usually end up somewhere in the B group. If you have a B group boarding position, the chances are good that you'll still be able to get a window or aisle seat or find 2 seats together if you're traveling with a companion.
Unless the gate agent is a real jerk, or you are, the worst that can happen is that you'll be told to wait for your own group. Sometimes you may slil through and be allowed to board while on other occasions the gate agent may ask you to wait until your boarding group is called.
You won't know for sure when your group will be called until it is, but once it's your turn you'll have an hour to get to the ride entrance and sign in.
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.
Group 1: Passengers in domestic first class and international business class, AAdvantage Executive Platinum status holders, and active duty US military personnel.
Group 5 (Preferred boarding) Main Cabin Extra (excluding Basic Economy)AAdvantage® members who earn 15,000 Loyalty Points. Eligible AAdvantage® credit cardmembers*
Priority check-in at a hotel is an arrangement which allows a guest to check in without waiting in a line. Priority check-in and late check-out can be arranged for a small extra charge. Check in at our designated priority check-in desk for only $15. If you have priority check-in, you don't have to wait in line.