United’s got a crazy new boarding process—here’s how to hack it (2024)

In late 2023, United revamped some of its boarding processes with a strategy that hasn’t been tried in a while. We’ll cover this new procedure and outline some simple tricks to get you to the front of the line.

United Boarding Groups

United Airlines roll-calls its travelers by seven distinct boarding groups. Below is an overview of the order in which specific passengers will board—though it’s worth mentioning that United Airlines can change this at any time.

As you can see, United’s Pre-boarding group serves several demographics. Those needing assistance boarding and stowing equipment, families with small children, and top-tier elite status holders will plant their flag in the fuselage before anyone else.

You’ll also notice that United Airlines now boards Economy passengers according to their seat location: First are window seat passengers, then middle seats, and finally the aisle seats. According to United, this is meant to expedite the boarding procedure, shaving two minutes off a rather cumbersome process.

And before you ask, United Airlines still allows families and groups on the same itinerary to board together. In other words, just because you’re sitting in the middle and your child is sitting by the window doesn’t mean you’ll be separated while boarding.

How are United boarding groups determined?

United travelers will often find themselves eligible for more than one boarding group. For example:

• You booked an aisle seat in the main cabin (Group 5) but you’ve got United Premier Silver status (Group 2)
• You booked a United First class seat (Group 2) but you’re an active military member (Group 1)

In most cases, you’ll board in the highest group for which you qualify. For example, someone with United Premier Gold status can book Basic Economy and still board in group 1.

How do you qualify for United Priority Boarding?

Boarding Group 2 is United’s Priority Boarding group. You can qualify for Priority Boarding in a couple of different ways.

Purchase it

If boarding the plane ahead of most other flyers means a lot to you, United allows you to buy Priority Boarding starting at $15 per person, per flight. If you’ve got a connection during your travels, you’ll have to purchase Priority Boarding for each flight.

For the record, it’s perfectly justifiable to spring for this perk at times—particularly if you anticipate being one of the last folks on the plane. “[Upgrading your boarding spot] is worth it if you need overhead space for one of your bags,” Says Heather Markel, full-time travel and business coach. “These days, with full flights, and people placing their bag up in the first available overhead compartment they see, priority boarding is the only way of knowing you’ll get your bag on the plane with you, instead of being forced to check it. Especially if you’re in a hurry, or need to make a connecting flight, making sure your bag is on the plane with you can help avoid potential luggage delays or loss.”

Hold an eligible United Airlines credit card

Another way to achieve United Priority Boarding is by holding a qualifying United credit card, such as:

• United℠ Explorer Card
• United Quest℠ Card
• United Club℠ Infinite Card
• UnitedSM Business Card

These cards offer boarding in Group 2. It’s also worth noting that the Priority Boarding offered by these United Airlines credit cards will trump the restrictions of United’s lowest-priced fare, Basic Economy.

Basic Economy can be enticing due to its rock-bottom price, but it restricts you from bringing a carry-on bag and places you at the end of the boarding line. But with a credit card like the United℠ Explorer Card, you can buy Basic Economy tickets without all the red tape. You’ll board the plane in Group 2, and you’ll even get a carry-on.

Earn Silver Elite status

Those with United or Star Alliance Silver Elite status will be the first to board in Group 2. You can earn United Premier Silver status by completing one of the following:

• 12 Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) and 4,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs)
• 5,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs)

Put simply, PQFs are the number of United and United Express segments you complete. PQPs are the amount of money you spend on United (award flights earn 1 PQP per 100 United miles, as well).

You can also earn PQPs for spending on eligible United Airlines cards, making them excellent tools for non-frequent flyers to earn status. For example, the United Club℠ Infinite Card earns 25 PQPs for every $500 spent. You can earn up to 10,000 PQPs per calendar year, meaning you could earn United Silver status from spending alone.

Alternatively, you can procure United Airlines Silver status by achieving Marriott Titanium status, which requires earning 75 elite night credits in a calendar year. Perhaps more difficult than directly obtaining United status for most, but it’s still a valid option. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant®American Express® Card will get you a fair amount of the way there with its 25 elite night credits.

Other ways to upgrade your United boarding group

Priority Boarding isn’t your only ticket to an improved boarding position. You can use the following tips to ensure you’ve got a respectable place in line.

Book a window seat

Again, United has recently updated their boarding process to load window seats before middle and aisle seats. The next best way to purchase Priority Boarding is to lock down Group 3 by simply booking a window seat. Keep in mind that depending on your ticket level, there may be an extra fee for selecting your seat rather than letting the airline select it for you.

Get Premier Access

Premier Access is a collection of United benefits you can purchase starting at $24 per segment. You’ll get perks like Priority Check-In, Priority Bag Handling, and Priority Boarding.

Instead of purchasing Premier Access, you can hold one of the following cards that offer the perk for free:

• United Club℠ Infinite Card
• United Club℠ Business Card

These cards come with above-average annual fees but have excellent benefits that make them well worth the price tag—such as United Club airport lounge membership. If you think you’ll pay for Premier Access regularly, one of these cards could save you a bundle.

Fly in a premium cabin

Those flying in premium cabins (United Polaris, United First, or United Business) will board in Group 1. These seats can be costly, but they’re a simple way to catapult your spot in line.

You’ll get the same privileges for award flights, as well. All to say, you can use United Airlines miles to get a virtually free boarding upgrade.

United and Star Alliance elite status

The higher your elite status, the sooner you can board. United Global Services (an invite-only status for United’s best customers) and Premier 1K status are invited to pre-board. Premier Platinum, Premier Gold, and Star Alliance Gold members board with Group 1.

You can use the same tactics to achieve United’s top-tier elite status as we’ve covered with Premier Silver elite status above, namely, Flying United and earning Premier Qualifying Points.

The takeaway

United Airlines publishes seven boarding groups, including pre-boarding. Most travelers board between Group 3 and Group 6, with window seats boarding first, followed by middle seats, and then aisle seats.

You can improve your boarding spot by holding certain United Airlines credit cards, purchasing Priority Boarding, flying in a first-class seat, or earning elite status. And with overhead bin space being such a hot commodity, it could be worth pursuing one of these methods to make sure you’re on board before everyone else.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.