Since airlines began charging for checked baggage, more travelers have opted for carry-on luggage. On fully booked flights, overhead compartments fill up fast, and no one wants to face the hassle of gate-checking their bags, which means waiting at the baggage claim upon arrival. In these situations, boarding early can be a game-changer. Curious about how to secure early boarding on your next trip? Below, we'll explore the various ways to achieve priority boarding.
First on the plane: what's your ticket to early boarding?
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Join a qualifying group
Anyone who's been stuck behind a slow-moving family or witnessed the time it takes to settle a young child into a seat understands why airlines allow families with small children to board early. Eligibility varies by carrier. For example, American Airlines requires passengers with children under 2 to request assistance for early boarding. United Airlines invites families with toddlers under 2 to pre-board, which is especially helpful if you need to gate-check a stroller. Southwest Airlines, which uses a 3-group boarding system (A, B, and C), allows families with children under 6 to board after Group A.
Passengers needing special assistance, such as those with disabilities or limited mobility, also receive priority boarding. Elderly travelers can inform gate agents if they need early boarding. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) advises notifying the airline at least 48 hours in advance if you require assistance, including pre-boarding.
In addition, many U.S. airlines offer priority boarding to active military personnel. Policies differ by airline: Alaska Airlines, Delta, and United allow military members with ID to board first, while American Airlines places them in Group 1, after pre-boarding groups. Southwest prioritizes military personnel ahead of Groups B and C, and JetBlue assigns them to Group 4, but provides additional benefits like discounted fares and free baggage for active personnel and veterans enrolled in their Veterans Advantage program.
Opt for first or business class
In the world of air travel, spending more often means better perks. If you've invested in a premium seat at the front of the plane, you'll be among the first to board. Alternatively, you can enjoy extra time in the lounge (if access is included) and join the boarding queue at your convenience. Passengers in first or business class are often greeted with a welcome drink while others are still boarding.
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Achieve elite airline status
Another way to secure early boarding is by earning elite status with your preferred airline. Frequent flyers who accumulate tens of thousands of miles annually enjoy a range of benefits, including priority boarding. The criteria for elite status – and the exact boarding group you're assigned – vary by airline and status level. Some airlines also offer status match promotions, allowing you to extend your elite status to partner carriers, usually for a limited time.
Use a credit card with early boarding benefits
If you don't fly or spend enough to earn elite status, certain airline credit cards can still grant you early boarding privileges. For example, the Gold Delta SkyMiles credit card includes Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding as part of its $150 annual fee (as of 2024). The United Explorer Card ($95 annual fee, waived the first year) and the AAdvantage Executive World Elite Card ($595 annual fee, with unlimited lounge access) offer similar perks. In addition, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card ($149 annual fee) provides holders with the best available A1-A15 boarding position on 4 flights annually, ensuring early access to the plane.
Buy priority boarding directly from the airline
If none of the above options work, many airlines allow passengers to purchase priority boarding, either as a standalone service or as part of a bundle with extra perks like extra legroom. For instance, JetBlue's Even More Space option starts at $10 each way for priority boarding. Southwest Airlines offers Upgraded Boarding for $30 or more per segment, available up to 24 hours before departure (subject to availability). Frontier Airlines doesn't sell priority boarding separately, but includes it in The Works bundle, starting at $19 per flight, which offers additional benefits at the time of booking.
More time for travel, less time for parking: find your spot with ParkingNearAirports.io!
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In addition to our comprehensive travel guide, we would also like to provide you with some more useful information on traveling, which will be handy for those who prefer doing this by air.
If you use your own car to reach the airport, you know it's critical to park it safely for the duration of your trip. Almost every airport has special on-site parking for this purpose. However, travelers aren't ready to spend a lot of money at the beginning of their trip, as this option is pretty costly. So what should we do then?
Our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, offers travelers online reservations for parking just outside airports that are affordable and convenient. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing travelers parking options at over 100 airports in the United States 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.
What is actually off-site parking, and which advantages has this parking type, you may ask? So let's take a closer look at this question.
First of all, off-site parking is much cheaper. So you can save money and then spend the most considerable amount on the things you really want to try or see while traveling.
Secondly, off-site parking services are faster. It might seem that it's faster to park your car at the airport, but that's not always the case. Off-site parking offers you the following convenience: when you drive directly up to the entrance, a staff member pulls your luggage out of your vehicle and loads it into the shuttle. Then they 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.
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Thirdly, it's much more convenient. People are always stressed before the trip, as there are many things you should keep in mind. Not to be late when taking off, fighting traffic, finding a parking place, wondering how long the shuttle service will take, and more can leave you annoyed before you step foot inside the airport. If you choose off-site parking, you are using the assistance of a private company that caters to travelers' needs. Such services can make your trip much more comfortable when you arrive at the airport and return home.
With ParkingNearAirports.io, it takes just a few clicks within the application to reserve a parking spot. Upon arrival at off-airport parking, customers receive a booking confirmation and a guaranteed parking spot. The app helps customers find the most convenient airport parking lots. If plans change, cancellations are hassle-free and refundable.
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Let's look at an example. Imagine that you live in Dallas, Texas, United States. If you're planning a trip to Europe, you can choose cheap parking near Dallas Love Field Airport. If you're coming from Ottawa, Canada, the situation is the same – you can use affordable Ottawa Airport long-term parking. So it depends just on where you are flying from.
On our official website, you can find the best deals, airport parking rates, and other information connected with parking near U.S. and Canadian airports.
