How to Secure Your Spot in the Best Boarding Group

It’s a scene many travelers know well: 40 minutes before takeoff, a crowd of eager passengers gathers at the gate. An airline representative tries to manage the crowd as they wait to enter the aircraft, group by group, ready to embark on their journey around the world.

Although researchers have examined boarding processes over the years, it can seem like airlines employ a highly structured (and sometimes awkward) system. "The reason airlines create numerous boarding groups is to differentiate between customers," explains Alex Miller, a travel expert and founder of Upgraded Points. "Occasionally, airlines will simplify their boarding methods, but ultimately, having multiple boarding options acknowledges customer loyalty and creates opportunities for extra revenue."

Each airline has its own specific procedures for boarding, but in the U.S., there’s one group that consistently receives priority. The Air Carrier Access Act mandates that airlines allow passengers with disabilities to board “before all other passengers, including first-class travelers, elite members, military personnel, and those with young children.” However, this is where government regulations regarding boarding start and finish.

Demonstrate loyalty

Airlines typically allocate the earliest boarding groups to their most loyal customers. In the past, this was based on the number of miles flown, but today it often reflects how much a passenger spends on tickets. For major carriers—such as American, Delta, and United—further distinctions may include elite members from partner programs, airline credit card holders, business-class travelers, premium economy passengers, and economy class fliers. Currently, American and Delta have 10 different boarding groups (or zones as Delta refers to them), while United has streamlined this to five. Some airlines, like Southwest, focus their boarding order primarily on one factor: check-in time.

Spend wisely

Of course, the airlines’ tiered boarding system isn’t designed for efficiency. As Miller explains, in addition to rewarding frequent fliers, this segmentation helps enhance an airline’s profitability, whether directly or indirectly. "Most airlines provide an option to pay for priority boarding on a per-flight basis, so if travelers aren’t already eligible, they can typically purchase their way to a better position," he states.

For example, on American Airlines, an extra-legroom economy seat known as “Main Cabin Extra” offers not just a few additional inches of legroom but also an earlier boarding group and a complimentary alcoholic beverage. The extra fee can be as low as $30, significantly cheaper than buying a business-class ticket or becoming a frequent flyer with the airline. Delta and United have similar offerings.

Choose the right credit card

Ultimately, there’s a way to secure a better boarding position without paying extra for your ticket or holding any status. "If you’re seeking priority boarding options, co-brand cards associated with the airline are often overlooked opportunities," says Miller. However, while this type of credit card may keep you from scrambling for space in the overhead bin, don’t expect to be among the first to board the aircraft. American Airlines only grants Group 4 boarding to select credit cardholders, which is quite different from the Group 1 passengers who have purchased business-class tickets.