Jan 19, 2017, 11:05 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Source: United Boarding Process
We encourage you to make yourself comfortable while you wait for your group to be called, and well let you know when were ready for you to board. Late arriving customers in Groups 1 and 2 are welcome to continue boarding through the blue lane at any time.
* Customers who have purchased a Basic Economy ticket will be in the last boarding group, except for Premier members, Chase Cardmembers of qualifying cards and Star Alliance Gold members, who will still receive their priority boarding.
================================================== ==============================
Pre Sept 2018 process
Pre-Boarding
General boarding (Window Seats, then Middle Seats, then Aisle)
Customers who have purchased a Basic Economy ticket will be in the last boarding group, with the exception of Premier members, Chase Cardmembers of qualifying cards and Star Alliance Gold members, who will still receive their priority boarding.
Note: If youre traveling with a companion and one of you has a higher boarding status, you both may board with the earlier group.
Note: Self Boarding Gates are being tested at the following gates...
sUA Boarding Times by Aircraft (AFA)
Previous thread: United's Current Boarding Process (with Wiki) [Revised, May 2013]
New changes (effective 18 Sept 2018)
You will see some new boarding lane signs in the gate area that will guide you through the boarding process. There will now be two lanes that are color coded : to begin, Group 1 will board through the blue lane and Group 2 will board through the green lane. The remaining Groups 3-5 will then board through the green lane when called, and Groups 1 and 2 can continue to board through the blue lane .We encourage you to make yourself comfortable while you wait for your group to be called, and well let you know when were ready for you to board. Late arriving customers in Groups 1 and 2 are welcome to continue boarding through the blue lane at any time.
Boarding groups
Pre-boarding
- Unaccompanied minors
- Customers with disabilities
- Active members of the military
- United Global Services members
- Families traveling with children age 2 and younger
- Premier 1K members
Group 1
- Premier Platinum members
- Premier Gold members
- Star Alliance Gold members
- Customers seated in premium cabins: United Polaris, United First and United Business
Group 2
- Premier Silver members
- Star Alliance Silver members
- Customers who have purchased Premier Access or Priority Boarding
- United℠ Explorer, Club, Presidential Plus℠ and Awards Cardmembers
Groups 3 5
- Economy Plus
- United Economy
- Basic Economy*
* Customers who have purchased a Basic Economy ticket will be in the last boarding group, except for Premier members, Chase Cardmembers of qualifying cards and Star Alliance Gold members, who will still receive their priority boarding.
Pre Sept 2018 process
Pre-Boarding
- Unaccompanied minors
- Customers with disabilities
- Uniformed members of the U.S. military
- Families traveling with children age two and younger
- United Global Services members
- Group 1: Premier 1K, Premier Platinum, Business/Polaris Business, and First/Polaris First.
- Group 2: Premier Gold, Star Gold, Premier Silver, Star Silver, MileagePlus Presidential Plus, Club, Explorer and Awards, purchased Premier Access
General boarding (Window Seats, then Middle Seats, then Aisle)
- Group 3 - Window Seats
- Group 4 - Middle & Aisle Seats (Aisle Seats on UA Express)
- Group 5 - Basic Economy
Customers who have purchased a Basic Economy ticket will be in the last boarding group, with the exception of Premier members, Chase Cardmembers of qualifying cards and Star Alliance Gold members, who will still receive their priority boarding.
Note: If youre traveling with a companion and one of you has a higher boarding status, you both may board with the earlier group.
Note: Self Boarding Gates are being tested at the following gates...
- IAH - Gate C25/C26 - See Post 2960, Includes YouTube video from CO777DAL
- IAH - Gate E4 - Old test from pmCO days, See Thread Here
- BOS - Self boarding gates are now back in *LIMITED* use at least at gates B25 and B26
sUA Boarding Times by Aircraft (AFA)
Previous thread: United's Current Boarding Process (with Wiki) [Revised, May 2013]
United's Current Boarding Process (with Wiki) [2016-forward]{Archive}
Mar 5, 2023 | 9:33 am
#3571
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
Programs: HH LTDiamond, Marriott LTPP/Platinum Premier, Hyatt Lame-ist, UA MM LT1P
Posts: 20,953
t.
Mar 5, 2023 | 10:32 am
#3572
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Francisco, California
Programs: Amex Centurion, United Global Services, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 919
I am out of SFO and do the flight to EWR every month. I thought I was special with GS status, but sometimes there are 15+ GS people at pre-board, and I've taken screenshots of the upgrade list 120+ long.
Several times, even using points, I won't make it into the top 8 of the upgrade list.
Several times, even using points, I won't make it into the top 8 of the upgrade list.
Mar 10, 2023 | 12:09 am
#3573
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 71,791
I'm against adding MM to preboard. You get guaranteed annual *A Gold access, guaranteed access to E+ at time of booking, luggage allowance, CPU qualification (albeit hard to clear). I don't think 1MM is worth nothing. I would happily trade lifetime *A Gold access and guaranteed UA E+ at booking over a drink and snack or preboarding.
The last thing UA needs is another pre boarding group. As it stands now its ridiculous
Mar 10, 2023 | 12:46 am
#3574
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: PHX
Programs: AA ExPlat, United Plat, IHG Amb Plat, HHonors Diamond(Aspire), Bonvoy LT Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 473
Let's let EVERYONE board before the people who spend thousands of dollars for F/J...
How about a special group for folks that have UA tattoos?
I'm an AA EP but have been working in some UA flights recently when it makes sense. Gotta say UA's boarding process is a real head scratcher for me.
Mar 10, 2023 | 3:43 am
#3575
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: CO
Programs: UA OG-1K, Marriott Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,475
If anyone should pre-board it is United Club Members. THat way you could actually use the Club right up until time of boarding. Otherwise you end up at the end of BG1- not awful, but not great depending on the flight. And also, if there are delays, it's nice to be able to go back to the Club to chill or work on alternatives. I'd rather see UC members get pre-boarh than 1Ks. And I am both.
Mar 10, 2023 | 4:20 am
#3576
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Spring, TX
Programs: UA Amex
Posts: 59
I think an even better idea would be for United to let me be the first person to board every flight I book.
Mar 10, 2023 | 6:48 am
#3577
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 21,003
Mar 10, 2023 | 6:58 am
#3578
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Somewhere in EWR
Programs: UA GS, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,243
Just do what I do: put on a military uniform, hop in your stroller and hand your wife a pair of crutches while she struggles to push you around. You get on so early they practically let you fly the plane.
Mar 10, 2023 | 11:18 am
#3579
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 47,021
I think it's time to eliminate the G1 and G2 lanes and follow the DL/AS/AA model with two lines, one for priority and one for general, and place the signs and straps near the actual boarding location. Having observed a few Delta boarding procedures lately, it seems to work better, at least in my experience, with few people piling up into different lanes, but rather standing away from the desk until they are called up.
Here is how I would reduce the people-clutter at the gate and speed up boarding by moving the fastest passengers on board first plus those who need some extra time or assistance.
1. Pre-board - wheelchairs and disabled, families with strollers/car seats - no stroller or car seat? Tough, you board with your group number
2. Global Services and First Class/Polaris through the "Premier Access" line (Premier Access Priority 1 on their boarding pass)
3. 1K, Platinum, Gold, Star Gold, through the Premier Access line (Premier Access Priority 2 on their boarding pass)
4. Premium Plus seated customers where applicable through the Premier Access line (Premier Access Priority 3 on their boarding pass)
5. Silver, Credit Cards with Priority Access, Paid UC members through the Premier Access line (Premier Access Priority 4 on their boarding pass)
6. General Boarding G1 - behind the wing - instructed to board along the general boarding line
7. General Boarding G2 - in front of the wing - instructed to board along the general boarding line
8. General Boarding G3 - Basic Economy - instructed to board along the general boarding line
Late arriving Premier Access customers can use the Premier Access line to cut in front of those in general boarding
Systems need to be reprogrammed to deny boarding to anyone outside the boarding number currently being called - customers without status will automatically receive the boarding priority of the highest ranking passengers on the same PNR
Here is how I would reduce the people-clutter at the gate and speed up boarding by moving the fastest passengers on board first plus those who need some extra time or assistance.
1. Pre-board - wheelchairs and disabled, families with strollers/car seats - no stroller or car seat? Tough, you board with your group number
2. Global Services and First Class/Polaris through the "Premier Access" line (Premier Access Priority 1 on their boarding pass)
3. 1K, Platinum, Gold, Star Gold, through the Premier Access line (Premier Access Priority 2 on their boarding pass)
4. Premium Plus seated customers where applicable through the Premier Access line (Premier Access Priority 3 on their boarding pass)
5. Silver, Credit Cards with Priority Access, Paid UC members through the Premier Access line (Premier Access Priority 4 on their boarding pass)
6. General Boarding G1 - behind the wing - instructed to board along the general boarding line
7. General Boarding G2 - in front of the wing - instructed to board along the general boarding line
8. General Boarding G3 - Basic Economy - instructed to board along the general boarding line
Late arriving Premier Access customers can use the Premier Access line to cut in front of those in general boarding
Systems need to be reprogrammed to deny boarding to anyone outside the boarding number currently being called - customers without status will automatically receive the boarding priority of the highest ranking passengers on the same PNR
Mar 10, 2023 | 12:34 pm
#3580
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Marriott Titanium, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,524
1. Pre-board - wheelchairs and disabled, families with strollers/car seats - no stroller or car seat? Tough, you board with your group number
2. Global Services and First Class/Polaris through the "Premier Access" line (Premier Access Priority 1 on their boarding pass)
3. 1K, Platinum, Gold, Star Gold, through the Premier Access line (Premier Access Priority 2 on their boarding pass)
2. Global Services and First Class/Polaris through the "Premier Access" line (Premier Access Priority 1 on their boarding pass)
3. 1K, Platinum, Gold, Star Gold, through the Premier Access line (Premier Access Priority 2 on their boarding pass)
Mar 10, 2023 | 1:56 pm
#3581
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,609
I pre-board for the overhead space. I was in 1F last week and the first 1K to board and there was no overhead space until row 3. I think if UA did a better job of ensuring the overhead space was used by the people in those rows - think LH, there would be less angst for pre-boarding.
If not in row 1 I am in row 7 and the number of pax boarding early who put their carryon above rows 7-9 and them continue walking further back to whereever their seats are astounds me. It is not my role to police this and apparently it is no one's role.
This is why frequent travelers want to pre-board so their carry on goes above them on the plane and they can keep an eye on their belongings. The few times i do not have a carryon I am one of the last to board.
If not in row 1 I am in row 7 and the number of pax boarding early who put their carryon above rows 7-9 and them continue walking further back to whereever their seats are astounds me. It is not my role to police this and apparently it is no one's role.
This is why frequent travelers want to pre-board so their carry on goes above them on the plane and they can keep an eye on their belongings. The few times i do not have a carryon I am one of the last to board.
Last edited by Aussienarelle; Mar 10, 2023 at 2:02 pm
Mar 10, 2023 | 2:07 pm
#3582
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: PHX
Programs: AA ExPlat, United Plat, IHG Amb Plat, HHonors Diamond(Aspire), Bonvoy LT Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 473
I pre-board for the overhead space. I was in 1F last week and the first 1K to board and there was no overhead space until row 3. I think if UA did a better job of ensuring the overhead space was used by the people in those rows - think LH, there would be less angst for pre-boarding.
If not in row 1 I am in row 7 and the number of pax boarding early who put their carryon above rows 7-9 and them continue walking further back to whereever their seats are astounds me. It is not my role to police this and apparently it is no one's role.
This is why frequent travelers want to pre-board so their carry on goes above them on the plane and they can keep an eye on their belongings. The few times i do not have a carryon I am one of the last to board.
If not in row 1 I am in row 7 and the number of pax boarding early who put their carryon above rows 7-9 and them continue walking further back to whereever their seats are astounds me. It is not my role to police this and apparently it is no one's role.
This is why frequent travelers want to pre-board so their carry on goes above them on the plane and they can keep an eye on their belongings. The few times i do not have a carryon I am one of the last to board.
Was on UA1646 DEN-PHX last night and one of the FA's was ruthless about people using the F overhead storage. She shamed several people making them come back upstream to retrieve their bags and bring them back to coach. Hope it's a trend.
Mar 10, 2023 | 3:24 pm
#3583
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 47,021
1. Pre-board - wheelchairs and disabled, families with strollers/car seats - no stroller or car seat? Tough, you board with your group number
2. Global Services and 1K through the "Premier Access" line (Premier Access Priority 1 on their boarding pass)
3. First Class and/or Polaris, Platinum, Gold, Star Gold, through the Premier Access line (Premier Access Priority 2 on their boarding pass)
4. Premium Plus seated customers where applicable through the Premier Access line (Premier Access Priority 3 on their boarding pass)
5. Silver, Credit Cards with Priority Access, Paid UC members through the Premier Access line (Premier Access Priority 4 on their boarding pass)
6. General Boarding G1 - behind the wing - instructed to board along the general boarding line
7. General Boarding G2 - in front of the wing - instructed to board along the general boarding line
8. General Boarding G3 - Basic Economy - instructed to board along the general boarding line
......
Mar 10, 2023 | 5:10 pm
#3584
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: FLL
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LTTE, BA Gold
Posts: 7,682
1. Pre-board - wheelchairs and disabled, families with strollers/car seats - no stroller or car seat? Tough, you board with your group number
2. Global Services and 1K through the "Premier Access" line (Premier Access Priority 1 on their boarding pass)
3. First Class and/or Polaris, Platinum, Gold, Star Gold, through the Premier Access line (Premier Access Priority 2 on their boarding pass)
4. Premium Plus seated customers where applicable through the Premier Access line (Premier Access Priority 3 on their boarding pass)
5. Silver, Credit Cards with Priority Access, Paid UC members through the Premier Access line (Premier Access Priority 4 on their boarding pass)
6. General Boarding G1 - behind the wing - instructed to board along the general boarding line
7. General Boarding G2 - in front of the wing - instructed to board along the general boarding line
8. General Boarding G3 - Basic Economy - instructed to board along the general boarding line
......
2. Global Services and 1K through the "Premier Access" line (Premier Access Priority 1 on their boarding pass)
3. First Class and/or Polaris, Platinum, Gold, Star Gold, through the Premier Access line (Premier Access Priority 2 on their boarding pass)
4. Premium Plus seated customers where applicable through the Premier Access line (Premier Access Priority 3 on their boarding pass)
5. Silver, Credit Cards with Priority Access, Paid UC members through the Premier Access line (Premier Access Priority 4 on their boarding pass)
6. General Boarding G1 - behind the wing - instructed to board along the general boarding line
7. General Boarding G2 - in front of the wing - instructed to board along the general boarding line
8. General Boarding G3 - Basic Economy - instructed to board along the general boarding line
......
Im ok with 2A/2B for GS then 1K too (before you GS Kings & Queens kick up a stink!!)
Mar 11, 2023 | 4:27 am
#3585
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 12,043
People needing additional time should only be allowed to preboard with +1.
Pax with F/J tickets should be allowed to board at the same time as 1K, if not earlier.
In other words, clear the preboarding area only for the following groups: pax needing additional time (+1 only), children under the age of 2 with stroller and m parents only (2 max), active military with ID, and GS.
Pax with F/J tickets should be allowed to board at the same time as 1K, if not earlier.
In other words, clear the preboarding area only for the following groups: pax needing additional time (+1 only), children under the age of 2 with stroller and m parents only (2 max), active military with ID, and GS.