Priority boarding and board first lets you avoid the lines and get to your seat sooner. This applies to: Passengers who purchase a carry-on bag. Passengers who purchase the WORKS or the PERKS bundle.

Excellent question! “Priority” when boarding a plane refers to a system that allows specific passengers to board the aircraft before the general boarding call. It’s designed to make the process more efficient and to reward certain travelers.

Here’s a breakdown of what it means, who gets it, and why it exists:

Who Typically Gets Priority Boarding?

Priority boarding is granted to several groups, usually in this order:

1. First & Business Class Passengers: A core perk of their premium ticket.
2. Top-Tier Elite Status Members: Airlines reward their most frequent flyers (e.g., Delta Diamond, United 1K, American Executive Platinum).
3. Active Military Personnel: Often in uniform.
4. Passengers Needing Extra Assistance: Those with disabilities, small children, or people who need extra time.
5. Premium Economy Passengers & Lower-Tier Elites: The next tier of paid upgrades and frequent flyers.
6. Co-branded Credit Card Holders: Many airline credit cards offer priority boarding as a key benefit, even without elite status.
7. Passengers Who Paid for It: Some airlines sell “Priority Boarding” as an add-on during booking or at check-in.

Why Do Airlines Use Priority Boarding?

• Operational Efficiency: Getting premium passengers and those with special needs settled first can speed up the overall process.
• Revenue Generation: It’s a sellable perk (for tickets, credit cards, or as an add-on).
• Customer Loyalty: It’s a tangible benefit to reward frequent flyers and premium customers.
• Overhead Bin Space: This is