What group boards a plane first?

What group boards a plane first? With airlines like American, flights may have up to 9 boarding groups, with the first boarding group only applying to Platinum-status members, and/or passengers in First or Business class (and active military members). Every airline is different, though.

In what order do people board a plane?

If you're a seasoned traveler, then you know that most airlines have a similar boarding process, generally starting with first class, business class and passengers with status, followed by zone- or group-based boarding from back to front.

Do families board planes first?

Depending on their ages and which airline you have chosen, some airlines invite families to board in front of everybody else, while others allow those with kids to slide in somewhere between elite passengers and regular coach-flying folk.

Is boarding Group B good?

Checking in 24 hours before your flight will usually land you somewhere in the B boarding group — which is generally adequate to find either a window or aisle seat or 2 seats together if you are flying with a companion.

Who boards a plane first?

Passengers board the aircraft by group, based on their seat number, beginning at the plane's rear toward the front until everyone is seated. Rear-to-front block boarding seems logical at first blush. Ideally, passengers get seated quickly without impeding the progress of those in the preceding rows.

Does first class always board first?

Boarding. First class passengers are always the first to board, plus the first to deplane once they reach their destination. They also get expedited check-in and express security screening at select airports.

Which airline has the best boarding process?

Southwest Airlines has the most efficient, fastest boarding process in the business. The airline has an open seating policy, which allows them to board passengers faster. Southwest may begin boarding 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time, and asks that passengers be in the boarding area no later than this.

What does boarding Group 5 mean?

Group 5 (Preferred boarding) Main Cabin Extra (excluding Basic Economy) AAdvantage^® members who earn 15,000 Loyalty Points. Eligible AAdvantage^® credit cardmembers*

Is Group 2 priority boarding?

Priority (Groups 1 to 4): Group 1: Passengers in domestic first class and international business class, AAdvantage Executive Platinum status holders, and active duty US military personnel. Group 2: AAdvantage Platinum Pro and oneworld Emerald status holders.

Do families get to sit together on a plane?

A parent who purchases airline tickets for a family should receive a guarantee from the airline that it will seat the parent and child together without fees or a last-minute scramble at the gate or having to ask other passengers to give up their seat to allow the parent and child to sit together.

How do airlines decide who boards first?

For one thing, most airlines determine boarding groups based on ticketing class (first, business, economy or basic economy). Most airlines also base boarding class on passengers with disabilities, families with children under a certain age, active military members or other similar situations.

Is Group 3 priority boarding?

What does boarding group 4 mean?

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.

Why do families get priority boarding?

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.