Why does boarding group matter?

The airlines want to keep their best customers happy. Their best customers don't care as much about total boarding time as much as they care about being first to board. Group numbers are assigned based on Frequent Flyer status so the best customers board first.



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You're more likely to be caught if you try to board with the first group or two. Unless the gate agent is a real jerk, or you are, the worst that can happen is that you'll be told to wait for your own group.

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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.

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Boarding group 7 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Group 5 (Preferred boarding) Main Cabin Extra (excluding Basic Economy)

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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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Boarding groups are usually assigned to passengers at check-in, or can be predetermined based on airline status or special classifications like passengers with disabilities or families. Boarding groups might also be a perk of having status on an airline.

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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. Group 3 includes passengers in window seats.

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Boarding group 5 on American Airlines includes Main Cabin Extra passengers (excluding Basic Economy tickets) and eligible AAdvantage credit card members. Group 5 is also known as preferred boarding.

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After preboarding is complete, first-class ticketed passengers are the first boarding group. Then the process continues, in alphabetical order, beginning with Group A and ending with Group E.

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If you end up with A1, then it's your lucky day — you'll likely get to be the first passenger on the plane. There may be some exceptions for people with certain disabilities, pre-boarders or people on an earlier connecting flight. If you like to be the first on the plane, aiming for boarding group A is a good idea.

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You won't know for sure when your group will be called until it is, but once it's your turn you'll have an hour to get to the ride entrance and sign in.

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Priority check-in at a hotel is an arrangement which allows a guest to check in without waiting in a line. Priority check-in and late check-out can be arranged for a small extra charge. Check in at our designated priority check-in desk for only $15. If you have priority check-in, you don't have to wait in line.

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