Boarding Groups Explained

Priority passengers board first - first class, business class, and top-tier elite frequent flyers. Then families with young children on many carriers. Then the paid or elite mid-tier groups. Then general boarding by group number, often by row from the back forward.

American Airlines has 9 groups. United has 6. Southwest famously doesn't have groups at all - it uses A, B, C boarding positions assigned at check-in.

Later boarding groups often lose overhead bin space. On a full 737, the bins fill by group 4 or 5, and gate agents will offer to check your carry-on for free - or in worse cases, at a fee.

Missing your group means boarding at the end regardless, and on some airlines like Ryanair, being sent to a separate line.

Airline credit cards often include priority boarding. The United Explorer Card gives Group 2. The American Airlines AAdvantage cards include preferred boarding.

Checking a bag with a US carrier and using the airline's credit card can also improve your group. On some airlines, elite status from another oneworld or Star Alliance carrier gets you into a priority group too.