When it's time to board, airline staff will open the gate for passengers to get on the plane. However, you can't just board whenever you want—staff will call passengers to board based on their assigned group.
So, what exactly is a boarding group, how is it organized, and how do you find out which group you’re in? Many passengers wonder about these things, and this article will answer those questions.
A boarding group or boarding zone is a system airlines use to manage the boarding process. This system splits passengers into different groups to make boarding quicker and smoother.
By speeding up the boarding process, the aircraft can depart on time. This is crucial for passengers catching connecting flights, as timely departures help avoid delays.
Dividing passengers into smaller groups also helps reduce crowds at the boarding gate and in the aisle leading to the aircraft. This makes boarding more comfortable since passengers won’t have to squeeze past each other in a cramped aisle.
Boarding groups are important because many passengers try to get on the plane as early as possible, often to secure extra cabin baggage space.
The number of boarding groups can vary depending on the size of the aircraft. Larger planes have more passengers, so there will be more boarding groups to manage them efficiently.
Airlines divide boarding groups based on a few common factors. Here’s how it usually works:
The most common way to divide boarding groups is by ticket class. Passengers in first and business class usually board first. After them, premium economy class passengers get priority.
Regular economy class passengers generally board last. Since there are often many of them, they might be split into several groups based on their seat numbers.
Special boarding groups are designated for passengers requiring extra assistance, such as those with disabilities, parents traveling with young children, or others needing additional help.
These passengers are prioritized to board either before or after the premium classes, ensuring they have easier access to the aircraft.
Many airlines offer frequent flyer programs, like Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer, which have various status levels determined by the number of flights taken.
Members with elite status in these programs usually get priority boarding, right after first and business class passengers.
As mentioned earlier, economy class passengers are often grouped for boarding based on the number of passengers and their seat locations.
Typically, passengers seated at the back of the aircraft board first to minimize disruptions and enhance the flow of boarding. Those in the middle and front sections are called later.
The specific arrangement of boarding groups can differ from one airline to another, but the overarching goal is to keep the boarding process organized, prevent crowding, and ensure passenger comfort.
Some airlines also offer a paid option for early boarding. This means even economy class passengers can choose to board earlier if they pay for the service.
Does early check-In help? Checking in early won't necessarily get you into an earlier boarding group, as check-in order doesn't affect where you sit on the plane. It's entirely possible to check in first and still end up in the last boarding group.
Knowing your boarding group helps you prepare and get to the right area when boarding starts. So, how can you find out your boarding group?
The easiest way is to check your boarding pass. Look for the section labeled ‘Boarding Group,’ ‘Boarding Zone,’ ‘Group,’ or ‘Zone’—this will show your boarding group number.
If you check in online via the airline’s app or website, you’ll also find your boarding group information there. Some airline apps even send notifications if there’s a gate change.
You can also ask the airline staff at the airport for your boarding group. They can be found at the check-in counter or the boarding gate.
That’s all you need to know about boarding groups. Make sure to listen for the boarding group announcements to board the plane smoothly and on time.
If you miss your boarding group, you can still board as long as the gate is open. However, you might face some inconvenience as the aisle could already be crowded with other passengers.
