What is a zone? You are assigned a zone number depending on your cabin and Flying Blue status. You will find the zone number on your boarding pass. Our crew will let you know when it is time for you to board the flight, starting with zone 1 and going up to zone 5.

The "Zone" (or sometimes "Group") listed on your plane ticket in 2026 refers to your designated boarding priority and is used by the airline to manage the flow of passengers onto the aircraft efficiently. Boarding zones are typically numbered 1 through 8 or lettered A through C. Zone 1 and 2 are usually reserved for "Pre-boarding" (passengers needing assistance), first-class passengers, and those with the highest levels of airline elite status. Zones 3 through 5 often encompass premium economy, credit card holders, and "preferred" seating rows, while Zones 6 through 8 are for general boarding, usually starting from the back of the plane and moving toward the front to prevent "bottlenecks" in the aisle. In 2026, many airlines have refined this "Zone" system to include "Digital Boarding Notifications," where your phone will alert you precisely when your zone is called. Respecting your assigned zone is critical for maintaining the flight's scheduled departure time; if you attempt to board before your zone is called, the gate agent's scanner will often flag the error, and you will be asked to wait until your group's turn, ensuring a smoother and more organized experience for all passengers.