Why is my boarding group so low?

People, otherwise without elite status, who paid for early boarding. Everyone else, sometimes sorted by their row of the aircraft. If you don't fit one of these, you're likely to be towards the bottom of this list. Check your bag and it doesn't matter so much, assuming the airline has assigned seats.



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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Group 2. Group 2 on United boards after pre-boarding and Group 1. This group includes passengers who hold United Premier Silver or Star Alliance Silver status, those who've purchased Premier Access or priority boarding and most United credit cardholders.

MORE DETAILS

If you check in exactly 24 hours ahead of time, you'll usually end up somewhere in the B group. If you have a B group boarding position, the chances are good that you'll still be able to get a window or aisle seat or find 2 seats together if you're traveling with a companion.

MORE DETAILS

Group 2: MileagePlus and Star Alliance Silver members, paid Premier Access of Priority Boarding customers, select United co-branded cardholders (Explorer, Club, and Presidential Plus) Groups 3-5: Economy plus, economy, and Basic Economy passengers (board last)

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

How much does Upgraded Boarding cost? Upgraded Boarding pricing starts at $30 per segment, per Customer, based on the popularity and length of each flight segment. A credit card must be used for the purchase of Upgraded Boarding.

MORE DETAILS

Group 1: Passengers in domestic first class and international business class, AAdvantage Executive Platinum status holders, and active duty US military personnel. Group 2: AAdvantage Platinum Pro and oneworld Emerald status holders. Group 3: AAdvantage Platinum and oneworld Sapphire status holders.

MORE DETAILS

Group 5 is not priority boarding on American Airlines, but Preferred boarding. This group includes passengers that pay for Main Cabin Extra perks, as well as those who hold co-branded AAdvantage airline credit cards.

MORE DETAILS

Group A boards first, then group B, and afterwards group C. If you end up with A1, then it's your lucky day — you'll likely get to be the first passenger on the plane.

MORE DETAILS

If you don't have a mobile or printed boarding pass, you can't get through security, and you get to watch the plane fly away without you. If you go to the ticket counter, and present valid ID, they can print you a boarding pass. It's called “checking in for a flight”.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Passengers in the front cabin board with Group 1. This includes any cabin labeled first class — from first class on domestic flights to Flagship First Class on long-haul international flights. Group 1 also includes business class on international flights that don't have a first-class cabin.

MORE DETAILS