Airplane boarding can be quite confusing, even for the most seasoned travelers. It's a mystery that even scientists have tried to unravel – why does it take so long to board a plane? As airlines experiment with different methods, the boarding process has become increasingly complex. Some airlines now have as many as 10 different boarding groups, and even those in the first group might find themselves boarding after others. If you've ever wondered about this often-frustrating part of air travel, take a closer look at how airlines decide on their boarding procedures. Let's get to it!
The science of airline boarding: does it really matter?
The mechanics of airplane boarding
Source: Fujiphilm/Unsplash
Boarding a plane used to be much easier in the past. Airlines would typically start with first-class passengers and then call the rest of the plane. However, as the industry has changed, the boarding process has become more complex, especially after airlines started charging for checked bags in 2008.
As a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University explained, airlines realized they could make money from bag fees. This made the boarding process less efficient. Passengers now try to avoid the fees by bringing more carry-on bags, which crowd the gate area as everyone tries to board quickly to find space in the overhead bins. This causes the bins to fill up fast, and more bags need to be checked at the gate, further slowing down the process.
Researchers and travel experts have tried to find solutions to the slow boarding issue. For example, an astrophysicist from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, found in 2008 that boarding passengers in groups sorted by every other row, starting from the back of the plane, could be 4 to 10 times more efficient than the standard process. This could help reduce the logjams in the aisle as people store their luggage.
Airlines focus on loyalty and earnings
Source: benzoix/Freepik
Airlines have a clear incentive to board planes faster, as less time on the ground means more time flying paying passengers. Over the years, they have tried many different boarding methods. However, no major airline has adopted the most efficient boarding process, such as Steffen's method or random boarding, even though studies have shown these to be quicker.
The reason for this is that airlines prioritize maximizing profits over efficiency. As travel expert Alex Miller explains, airlines use different boarding groups to segment their customers. They may simplify their boarding processes occasionally, but they ultimately want to recognize and reward their most loyal and high-spending customers by allowing them to board first.
This means that those flying in first- or business- class, as well as members of the airline's loyalty program who have earned elite status, get to board sooner. On the other hand, passengers who book the basic economy fares are usually the last to board despite where they are sitting on the plane. The airlines are more interested in generating additional revenue than adopting the most efficient boarding process.
Airlines have realized that some economy passengers would happily pay to board earlier. This gives them a better shot at securing space for their carry-on bags. While this provides airlines with another revenue source, it also adds complexity to the boarding process. In addition, some people hold airline credit cards, and many of these cards offer priority boarding as a special benefit.
Every airline has its own approach
Source: Raditya Putra Mahardika/Unsplash
Experienced travelers know that airlines have different boarding policies. In the United States, airlines must let any "passenger with a disability who says they need extra time or help to board, store their equipment, or sit down, board before everyone else," according to the Department of Transportation (DOT). Airlines also have special zones for military members and families with young kids, but they don't always board before the rest of the plane – the exact order varies by airline.
As for the other passengers, here's how the major US airlines board their planes (as of 2024):
- Alaska Airlines. Alaska Airlines has a boarding process that's divided into lettered groups. Customers in first-class and those with the highest elite status get to board in the "Priority Boarding" zone. After that, Groups A to F are called to board. Group D includes economy class passengers sitting in the back half of the plane, Group E is for those in the front of economy class, and Group F is for passengers who booked the airline's basic economy fares.
- American Airlines. American Airlines, the world's largest airline, has a 9-group boarding system. There's also a dedicated early boarding zone for their top-tier ConciergeKey members. Group 1 includes first-class passengers, active-duty military, and the next status level. Group 9 is for basic economy passengers.
- Delta Air Lines. Delta Air Lines has 8 boarding zones, and their highest status holders (Delta360) can board before the zones start. Delta's extra-legroom Comfort+ section boards with Zone 3, while the rest of economy class is split between Zones 6 to 8.
- Frontier Airlines. Frontier Airlines is a budget carrier that has a boarding process that starts with a zone called "Board First." This zone is available to top-tier elite members and those who purchase a carry-on bag. After that, they board Zone 1, followed by family boarding and Zone 2, which anyone can purchase. Zones 3 to 5 are boarded from the back of the aircraft forward.
- JetBlue Airways. JetBlue Airways, which is based in New York City, boards by lettered groups. However, passengers in its premium cabin, called "Mint," and elite members are allowed to board first, followed by Groups A to F.
- Spirit Airlines. Similar to Frontier, Spirit Airlines, another low-cost rival, uses a numbered zone system. If you purchase a carry-on bag, you can board in Zone 1. After that, they board those who purchased priority boarding and elite members in Zone 2, followed by families and general boarding in Zones 3 and 4.
- Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines has been known for its open-seating policy since 1967. Passengers are assigned a number in 3 boarding groups (A, B, and C) based on their check-in time. If you check in later, you might end up with a position like C37. Elite members and those who pay for upgraded boarding can get better boarding numbers. Once on the plane, passengers can choose any open seat. However, Southwest announced in 2024 that they'll be switching to assigned seating.
- United Airlines. United Airlines has 6 boarding groups. Their top-tier frequent flyers, families, and active military members can preboard. For economy class, the airline introduced a new process in 2024 where window seats board in Group 3, middle seats in Group 4, and aisle seats in Group 5. (Basic economy boards last in Group 6.) United claims this "WILMA" (window, middle, aisle) process saves them about 2 minutes per flight.
The secret to a smooth takeoff: book affordable parking with ParkingNearAirports.io!
Source: Man Wong/Unsplash
Along with our ultimate travel guide, we would like to share an additional valuable suggestion. This advice will prove beneficial for individuals who opt for air travel.
If you get to the airport by car, you always need to find a good parking space for your vehicle to leave for the period of a trip. In most cases, airports have special on-site parking for that purpose. However, such a parking lot is pretty costly most of the time, and people aren't ready to spend a lot of money at the beginning of a trip. So is there any solution?
The best way to solve this problem is to choose off-site parking. Why, you may ask? We will explain.
There are many reasons which can prove the benefit of this parking type. Here are some of them:
- Affordable Rates. Depending on the duration of your trip, you can choose between short-term and long-term airport parking. Anyway, an off-site airport parking is much cheaper, so you can save your money and spend the most considerable amount on things you really want to see or try while traveling.
- Fast Service. In contrast with on-site airport parking, which can take quite a long time, off-site parking offers you the convenience of driving directly to the entrance and having a staff member pull your luggage out of your vehicle and load it into the shuttle. Then they will park your car for you. After your baggage is loaded, you can take your seat in the shuttle, which will bring you and your bags to the airport. It's a hassle-free option that is usually faster.
- Convenience. When people travel, they may be stressed about making it to the airport on time. If you use off-site parking, you will definitely make your travel experience more convenient, as you use the service of a private company. Even though you may be able to park on-site at the airport in a short-term or long-term airport parking lot, consider using an off-site parking lot service.
Source: Andrew/Unsplash
We are glad to say that our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, offers travelers online reservations for parking just outside airports that are convenient and affordable. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing travelers parking options at over 100 airports in the US and Canada. The app allows customers to search and compare parking rates at up to 70 percent savings compared to the cost of on-site parking at all major airports.
With our platform, it only takes a few clicks in the app to reserve a parking spot. Guests receive a booking confirmation and a guaranteed parking space upon arrival at the off-airport parking. In addition, the app helps customers locate the most convenient lots to the airport. Cancellations are easy if plans change with hassle-free, refundable cancellations.
Besides this, we also offer services for top cruise ports in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas.
Now, let's imagine you're planning a trip to a popular destination. No matter your departure point, you can always find the best deals on our official website. With ParkingNearAirports.io, you can find affordable and convenient off-airport parking solutions for all your needs. Explore a wide range of airport parking deals, compare domestic airport parking charges, and learn more about parking options near US and Canadian airports. Have a nice trip!
