Which airline has the fastest boarding?

Southwest Airlines has the fastest boarding process of any major airline by simply allowing people to claim the first available seat. It works because passengers spend less time waiting in the aisle, and have more freedom to sit where it's least crowded.



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The random boarding method with no assigned seats was the fastest method tested, at 14 minutes and seven seconds.

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The key: start with the slowpokes first. Researchers used 4D math to determine that airplanes board fastest when the slowest passengers go first. Quality of life on planes already feels low, and slow boarding can even cause flight delays.

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In 2014, the Discovery Channel's “Mythbusters” show recruited almost 200 volunteers and used a replica airplane interior to test six methods of airplane boarding. Spoiler: The show found the traditional back-to-front boarding method to be the slowest method by far, with a time of 24.29 minutes.

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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.

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Getting the top levels of priority boarding is reserved for the most frequent flyers, active military members and higher fare class. You can also board early by being an AAdvantage card member. However, if you prefer other airlines, look for other travel cards that offer priority boarding and compare your options.

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Fly in a premium cabin
All passengers flying in a premium cabin get priority boarding. But the group you'll be assigned to depends on which class of service you're flying. Passengers in the front cabin board with Group 1.

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CT), for Wanna Get Away® or Wanna Get Away Plus™ reward travel reservations (booked with points): If you do not cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes before the flight's original scheduled departure time, any points used for booking will be forfeited, along with any taxes and fees associated with your reward ...

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Who should do it? A ticket upgrade may make sense if any of the following are true: You like the idea of boarding the plane quickly so you can choose your preferred seat and are guaranteed an A1 through A15 boarding position. You want to maximize the Rapid Rewards points that you earn.

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A-List and A-List Preferred members receive priority boarding for everyone booked on the same reservation as boarding positions get assigned to elite Rapid Rewards members 36 hours before departure — so you don't have to purchase EarlyBird Check-In separately.

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Preboarding is available for Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, need assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.

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If you'd rather have money in your pocket than landing the seat of your choice, it's probably worth it to skip EarlyBird Check-In. Budget-minded group travelers. While $15 to $25 may not seem like much to pay for early boarding, it can quickly add up if you're traveling with a group.

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Adding EarlyBird Check-In to your reservation will automatically check you in up to 36 hours ahead of your flight, giving you a higher boarding position. However, it doesn't guarantee an A group position. You could still get a B boarding position even if you pay for EarlyBird Check-In.

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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.

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If you expect a full flight, try to board earlier – this will improve your chances to get cabin space for your luggage over your designated seat. Having to place your cabin luggage behind your seat or checking it in leads to a significant time loss.” Krishnan isn't the only one on Quora praising boarding first.

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These days, one of the biggest reasons is to make sure you get access to the overhead bins or access near your seat. Some people dump their big suitcases in the bin ahead of where they are sitting to make exiting easier.

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An analysis, conducted by Time in 2015, found that the seats in the back-third of the aircraft had 32 per cent fatality rate, compared to 39 per cent in the middle-third and 38 per cent in the front-third. The worst-faring seats were on the aisle in the middle-third of the cabin with 44 per cent fatality rate.

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