How to Get the Best Boarding Group for Your Flight
To board an American Airlines flight before any other passenger, you will have to spend at least $ 45,000 – at least that’s the rumor surrounding the airline’s highest elite status – Concierge Key members, who are brought in by secret invitation. only base. (Status also gives passengers privileges such as lounge access and expedited security checks, in addition to escorting the Cadillac from the runway.)
But if you’re in a rush to board – and worry about overhead space for your carry-on baggage – you don’t need to spend $ 45,000 or even have a first class ticket for early boarding. If you’re willing to pay a little more and avoid basic economy seats, you can easily find the best boarding group.
Buy Priority Boarding Pass or Premium Access
The easiest way to get on the plane early is to buy a road to the front line; Most airlines sell priority boarding passes for this very reason. Some airlines also sell larger premium packages that include faster boarding in addition to perks such as expedited security or lounge access. Below are the tickets of several airlines and the cost of purchasing them. You can usually buy these options on the airline’s website or at check-in:
american airlines
Priority boarding passes start at US $ 9 and offer access to priority lines at check-in. You will fall into the fourth group, ahead of five other hostels.
Delta
Priority boarding pass costs $ 15. You will be seated in First Main Class in front of the other three main seating groups.
Southwest
EarlyBird Check-In costs between $ 15 and $ 25. You will get the best group to live in, although it is not guaranteed that you will be in the “A” group. The airline alsooffers upgraded the drop-off to somewhere between $ 30 and $ 50, which makes the boarding guarantee a Group “A”. Unlike most other airlines, Southwest Airlines is accommodated on a first come, first served basis, which means that improved seating will also allow you to select your seat first.
Combined
Priority boarding passes start at US $ 9 (not available for Basic Economy passengers). Premier Access starts at $ 15 and includes Fast Track Security Lines. Both passes will place you in the second boarding group, in front of the other three general boarding groups.
Be elite member or airline co-branded credit card
By purchasing a priority boarding pass, you will get closer to the front of the queue, but not quite to it. Except for those requiring extra assistance, such as parents with children, these early boarding groups are generally reserved for Elite Status passengers. If you fly regularly, it might be worth looking into the airline’s loyalty program to see what benefits you can get.
For example, Delta has a tiered loyalty program. To qualify, Delta takes into account your distance and your fare class or the number of flights you fly, in addition to your annual costs with that airline (or any partner airline) in that year. If you achieve Delta status, you also get the benefits of priority access to partner airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, and vice versa.
Alternatively, the next best option is to consider using a joint airline credit card, as we wrote earlier . You can get other benefits as well, such as checking in your first bag for free or getting a discount on in-flight food and drinks. This is worth considering if you travel regularly or prefer to fly with one particular airline, as you can only use the miles earned with that airline (or partner airlines).
Or, simply find a travel benefit credit card that can be used to pay for benefits such as priority boarding passes. Chase Sapphire, for example, offers a $ 300 travel credit that you can use at your disposal; they also offer a priority pass that gives you free access to airport lounges.
Book an extra seat in the main cabin and do not fly in Economy Class
If you want to board a little earlier, your next option is to book an extra seat in the main cabin, the name of which depends on the airline. You can buy these seats online or at the front desk. For example, an extra seat in the American Airlines main cabin starts at $ 20, but it includes early boarding (in the fifth group), as well as free checked baggage, Wi-Fi and snacks. If you value the extra legroom it is well worth it. JetBlue sells “More Seat” seats, which put you in Group A and give you access to Fast Track Safety Lines; the cost depends on your exact flight.
Another important thing to look out for if you prefer quick boarding: don’t buy a basic economy class seat. On United and American flights, you are automatically placed in the most recent boarding group (unless you have an airline status), which means you have what’s left of your hold to fit your carry-on. And of course, if you have n’t booked a Basic Economy Seat, you’re guaranteed a seating group ahead of those who did.
Here’s another factor that sets Southwest Airlines apart from most other airlines. The low cost airline also determines the boarding order based on how early you check in. “The sooner you check in, 24 hours before departure, the lower your landing group and position will be, ” says Southwest’s website . In this particular case, you should definitely check if you have the option.
And if you just want your flight to have space for your bag at no extra charge, try asking the front desk staff or your gate agent if your flight is full (or contact the airline by phone). At the very least, you will know what to expect by the time you board your flight and if checking your bag is the best solution.