Who goes first when boarding a plane?

Wait for the announcement to board. First class always boards the plane first, followed by business class and people with disabilities or infants. Although it is not always the case, it may be beneficial to try to snag a place in line early on so that there is still room in the overhead bins for your luggage.



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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.

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Airlines will typically assign the earliest boarding groups to passengers who are the most loyal. Previously, this was dictated by how many miles one flew, but nowadays, it's usually how much one spends on tickets.

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How does the boarding process work? You will be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) upon check in. Your unique group and position combination (for example: A35) will be displayed on your boarding pass and represents a reserved spot in the boarding group at the gate.

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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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Front row if first class. Airplanes empty from the seats nearest the doors. In many planes that's the location. Some larger long distance planes board between first class and the next lowest class.

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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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Groups 1 and 2 are made up of passengers with elite status in MileagePlus and partner programs, as well as those passengers seated in premium cabins. Group 2 also includes United co-branded credit card members and passengers who have purchased Priority Boarding.

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This method is designed to streamline the boarding process, reduce congestion in the boarding area, and improve overall efficiency. In zone boarding, each passenger is assigned a zone or group based on various factors such as ticket class, frequent flyer status, or seat location.

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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.

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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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If you pay for priority boarding, you'll board with Group 2.

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Group 2 is mostly reserved for elite members. However, Flagship Business class passengers board during Group 2 if they're flying on a three-class aircraft. This is the case on American's Airbus A321T and its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Premium economy passengers also get priority boarding.

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A boarding pass is a document provided by an airline during check-in giving a passenger permission to board the airplane for a particular flight. At a minimum, it identifies the passenger, the flight number, and the date and scheduled time for departure. Boarding passes are always required to board a flight.

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When you're traveling within the United States, we make the suggestion to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time (airports requiring additional time are listed below, Go to footer note).

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COZY UP TO YOUR FLIGHT ATTENDANT But alert them of your situation anyway. “If you're transferring to another airline, the flight attendants may not know it,” she says. A flight attendant who's aware of your scenario may let you deplane first, which can prove crucial if you're stuck at the back of the plane.

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