Delta Is Revamping Its Boarding Procedure

Among airline passengers, the boarding process often ignites lively discussions. Regardless of the system in place, the experience can feel challenging, leaving some travelers dissatisfied. Airlines face the tough task of efficiently loading planes while also accommodating those who pay premium fares or have frequent flyer status that grants early boarding privileges. With airlines continually raising checked baggage fees, the competition for early boarding to secure limited carry-on space is likely to intensify.

Introducing the latest initiative to improve the boarding experience: Delta has announced a new numbered boarding system, set to launch on May 1. This new approach replaces the previous eight-tiered Branded Boarding method with a similar eight-tiered Zone Boarding system. Delta’s Zone Boarding will align more closely with the systems used by other major airlines, like United and American, in contrast to Southwest Airlines’ unique three-tiered open seating approach. Last October, United adjusted its zoned boarding system to load window, middle, and aisle seats in sequence (only for standard-fare, non-elite passengers) to expedite the process.

What does this change mean for you, the traveler? Almost nothing. According to Delta’s conversion chart, the previous branded boarding zones seamlessly transition into the new numbered format. This means passengers with similar ticket prices or frequent flyer statuses will board in the same order in May as they did in April. For instance, first-class and Delta One passengers will continue to board first, now labeled as “Zone One” on their tickets, while basic economy travelers will still board last in Zone Eight.

Why is Delta taking the time to rebrand its boarding zones if the changes seem minimal?

Delta's new Zone Boarding process aims to “offer customers greater clarity regarding the boarding order and make the boarding experience more user-friendly—particularly for occasional travelers or those who may encounter language challenges at the gate,” the airline stated to Dinogo.

Essentially, Delta recognizes that it's much simpler for everyone to understand that Zone Four boards fourth, rather than trying to recall that Sky Priority boards between Delta Comfort and Main Cabin One. This marks a significant shift from Delta’s 2018 Branded Boarding introduction, which claimed that “Zone boarding, an industry standard for many years, will soon be a thing of the past.”

Delta’s reintroduced Zone Boarding system “will better align with our joint venture and international partners,” the airline stated, “offering international travelers a more straightforward, consistent experience,” especially when flying on different aircraft and code-share partners during multi-leg journeys.

The shift in the boarding system was even highlighted during Delta’s latest quarterly earnings call. CEO Ed Bastian praised the return of Zone Boarding, stating, “When you have a number and you’re in line, we are all conditioned to recognize when it’s our turn.”

While Delta’s naming system is more straightforward, don’t expect the same boarding challenges (or the perks for first-class travelers) to change anytime soon with Delta and most other airlines.

Though aviation enthusiasts and operational analysts might envision a future with groundbreaking new boarding methods, such as the strict WilMA (Window-Middle-Aisle) loading technique or the Steffen method of alternating row entry from back to front, progress may be gradual. Ultimately, airlines are unlikely to relinquish the billions in revenue from checked baggage fees, and passengers are reluctant to forfeit their priority boarding benefits for much-needed carry-on space. Therefore, anticipate a series of superficial updates, like Delta’s new numbering system, for the foreseeable future.