Have you ever been one of the last passengers to board a plane? It’s a bleak situation. Everyone sits and stares as you walk up and down the aisle, looking for a little bit of overhead bin space.
If you’re traveling on American Airlines, you can avoid this embarrassment by understanding how the boarding process works. Let’s take a look at which passengers are boarding when and how you can effortlessly boost your place in line.
American Airlines boarding groups
Officially, American Airlines has 10 boarding groups. Here’s a quick look at the boarding process as it stands at the time of publishing (note that this can change at any time at the airline’s discretion).
| Boarding group | Eligible travelers |
| Concierge key | ConciergeKey status members |
| Group 1 | US Army active duty (with military ID) First class tickets Business class tickets on a two-class international flight AAdvantage Executive Platinum status |
| Group 2 | Business class tickets on a three-class flight AAdvantage Platinum Pro case Oneworld Emerald case |
| Group 3 | AAdvantage Platinum status Oneworld sapphire case |
| Group 4 (priority boarding) | Special economy tickets Passengers who purchase priority boarding AAdvantage Gold Status Ruby Oneworld case Air corridor Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Cardmembers Eligible corporate travelers |
| Group 5 (preferred climb) | Main cabin extra (except basic economy) AAdvantage members who have earned 15,000 loyalty points Eligible AAdvantage credit card members |
| Group 6 | AAdvantage American Airlines members |
| Group 7 | Main compartment |
| Group 8 | Main compartment |
| Group 9 | Basic economics |
You’ll notice that American Airlines allows ConciergeKey members (invite-only elite status for American Airlines’ biggest spenders) to board before anyone else. However, even first-class passengers may not be the first to board, as American Airlines is inviting those who need special assistance and families with children under the age of 2 to board in advance. After that, there are nine official boarding groups.
How are American Airlines boarding groups determined?
Many American Airlines passengers meet the criteria for more than one boarding group. For example, you can reserve a Main Cabin Extra ticket (Set 5) but you can also hold a Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (Set 4). In this case, you will always be promoted to the first group you qualify for.
These are important details, especially when it comes to booking the cheapest possible rate — basic economy. This fare class requires that you enter the plane dead last. Additionally, you will be charged if you bring a hand luggage with you (only personal items are allowed). This is unfortunate because basic economy tickets can cost more than $50 less than a regular main cabin seat.
But get this: Having a qualifying American Airlines credit card gets you preferred boarding, which is Group 5. Even if you buy a basic economy ticket, you’ll be able to board in Group 5 before most other passengers — and you’ll also have access to bringing a carry-on bag. For free.
What is the difference between preferred boarding and priority boarding?
“Preferred” boarding and “priority” boarding seem almost indistinguishable to most travelers. But they are no Same thing. While waiting to board, you will see a sign indicating that these are two separate boarding lanes.
Groups 1-4 (plus ConciergeKey) are priority boarding. These tend to be people with elite status on American Airlines, those with premium economy or higher, and some corporate travelers. Group 5 is considered the preferred climb. This is for certain American Airlines credit card holders, main cabin extra passengers, and members who have earned at least 15,000 loyalty points.
While a preferred boarding set can certainly be an effective way to board first and secure overhead bin space, travel writer Sarah Hostetler says it’s not always as easy to use as you might think. “AA gate agents have a bad habit of congregating in preferred boarding group 5 with the main cabin. I find that they will often welcome groups 5 and 6 at the same time. Sarah recommends that you start making your way toward the line in advance. “Pack your bags and be Ready and willing to stand in line before you expect the fifth group to be announced.”
How to upgrade your American Airlines boarding group
There are several ways to upgrade your boarding set, as shown in the chart above. Here’s a closer look at exactly how to do that.
Hold an eligible American Airlines credit card
The easiest way to instantly improve your boarding pool is to get a qualifying American Airlines credit card. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® will give you Group 4 preferred boarding. The following cards will give you Group 5 preferred boarding:
Some other credit cards come with this feature as well, but it may not be available to new applicants.
Pay for it
If you really want it, you can pay for priority boarding for Group 4. The exact price depends on the route, but data points suggest you’ll pay up to $74. It’s probably not worth the money for Group 5 boarding, which you’ll automatically receive by holding an American Airlines credit card, like the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select — which charges a $99 annual fee (waived the first year).
Sarah points out that early boarding for a boarding group can sometimes be detrimental. “This is completely anecdotal, but there is actually a time no “To use your early boarding privileges,” she says. “I was one of the first people through the gate just to board the bus that dropped off passengers on the plane. As you can imagine, the first people on the bus are the last ones on the plane!”
Fly in a premium seat
The type of seat you travel in can determine how early you get to the plane. For example, traveling in a premium cabin will give you priority boarding for the second group in the worst case. Premium Economy will put you in Group 4. If you’re flying Main Cabin Extra, you’ll get preferred boarding in Group 5.
You’ll get the same boarding pool if you book with cash or American Airlines miles.
Gain elite status
American Airlines elite status and elite status with Oneworld (the airline alliance of which American Airlines is a member) can also help you get on a plane sooner. You can achieve AAdvantage status by earning Loyalty Points. You can earn this money by flying on American Airlines and its partner airlines, spending with your American Airlines credit card, and through various AAdvantage spending portals (online shopping, dining, and more).
Gold status, the lowest elite tier on American Airlines, requires 40,000 loyalty points to achieve and will entitle you to upgrade to fourth class, no matter which fare class you purchase. The highest elite tier in America is Executive Platinum and requires 200,000 loyalty points. This level will put you in Group 1 for all flights.
Ready meals
American Airlines has ten official boarding groups. By reserving a premium seat, purchasing priority boarding, or simply holding an eligible American Airlines credit card, you can jump almost to the front of the line — ensuring you plenty of space in the overhead bins.