United Launches a New Boarding Procedure Aimed at Faster Processes

United Airlines is bringing back a boarding process for economy passengers that it previously used years ago, which, if successful, should help speed up a frequently disliked experience. Starting later this month, United plans to assign most economy boarding groups based on the specific seat locations of passengers: window seat occupants will board first, followed by those in middle seats, and then aisle seat passengers.

This approach—known as the WilMA boarding system for window, middle, and aisle (don’t inquire about the “il”)—was in place at United until 2017. It was discontinued when the airline introduced the basic economy fare, which automatically assigns seats. Since then, boarding times have lengthened, with the Chicago-based airline reporting an average increase of two minutes since 2019.

United isn’t the only carrier looking to shorten airplane turnaround times. Economically speaking, those extra seconds equate to lost revenue that could be generated while in the air. While it’s not exactly the Steffens method (where passengers board back-to-front, window-to-aisle, and staggered by row), this updated procedure aims to ease some of the congestion passengers face. The airline has indicated that recent trials at five airports led to shorter boarding times.

Currently, United operates five distinct boarding groups; on October 26, a sixth group will be added. The first three groups—which consist of elite travelers, premium cabin passengers, select credit card holders, and others with preboarding privileges (including families with children under two and active military personnel)—will remain unchanged. These passengers retain their priority boarding privileges. Additionally, families and groups booked together on the same economy reservation will continue to board together, with the highest applicable boarding group within the reservation being honored.

United’s Updated Boarding Groups

• Preboarding: Passengers with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, active military personnel, Global Services members, families with infants under two, and Premier 1K members
• Group 1: United Polaris business, United first class, United business class, Premier Platinum, Premier Gold, and Star Alliance Gold
• Group 2: Premier Silver, Star Alliance Silver, select credit card holders, and those who have purchased Premier Access
• Group 3: Passengers in window seats, exit row seats, and non-revenue travelers
• Group 4: Passengers in middle seats
• Group 5: Passengers in aisle seats
• Group 6: Basic economy travelers

Although the WilMA boarding system helps organize passenger boarding, previous studies indicate it isn’t the fastest method available. The Steffens method, which involves boarding from back to front and window to aisle while staggering by every other row, has been shown to be one of the quickest. Another effective approach is a variant of the Steffens method that prioritizes boarding based on the amount of luggage each passenger carries.

Despite this, most airlines, including American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, still implement a form of "block boarding," assigning economy passengers to a boarding block, zone, or group based on general location rather than specific seats. Southwest Airlines stands out by offering randomized seating—passengers receive a group number at check-in but can select any available seat. While debated, in 2014, Mythbusters declared this method to be the fastest for boarding.

Boarding a flight is often viewed as one of the more frustrating aspects of traveling. From waiting at the gate to lining up on the jet bridge and navigating a crowded aisle with carry-on bags, it can be a hassle. However, United is optimistic that reintroducing the WilMA method will help streamline the process, potentially inspiring other airlines to rethink their boarding strategies as well.