Group 9: Basic economy passengers on domestic, North American, Central American, and Caribbean flights.
People Also Ask
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.
There are nine boarding groups on American Airlines. These range from Group 1 — reserved for premium class passengers and elite flyers — to Group 9 — reserved for basic economy passengers within the U.S., Canada, Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Who is in Groups 4-9 on British Airways? For short-haul flights, Groups 4 through 9 on British Airways includes economy (Euro Traveller) passengers. For long-haul flights, Groups 4 through 9 include economy (World Traveller) class passengers.
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.
Boarding group 8 on American Airlines includes general boarding for passengers who do not hold any elite status with AAdvantage or Oneworld and do not carry any of the eligible co-branded American Airlines credit cards. Group 8 also includes Basic Economy class passengers traveling to and from Europe and South America.
Preferred seats don't receive any extra legroom, but they are in better locations of the Main Cabin that are closer to the front of the plane, allowing you to access your seat quicker when boarding and exit more quickly when getting off.
Hold AAdvantage, Oneworld or JetBlue elite statusNo matter what tier of elite status you have, you'll get to board the flight during priority boarding — even if you're flying in economy. Executive Platinum members can board in Group 1, while Platinum Pro (and Oneworld Emerald) members may board in Group 2.
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 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.
Often, airlines will invite active duty military to board early as well. But, what if they've already called your zone and you missed it? Schoenthal says it's then OK to go up to the front of the line. “But never do so before your boarding group is called,” she says.
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.
Check-in timesTo check bags or check in at the airport, you must be there a certain amount of time before scheduled departure: Within the U.S. – 45 minutes. To or from destinations outside the U.S. – 60 minutes.