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 we’ll let you know when we’re 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 you’re 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 we’ll let you know when we’re 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 you’re 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}
Jun 27, 2018, 12:05 pm
#976
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: UA 1K MM, HH Gold, Marriott Gold Elite
Posts: 1,478
New Boarding Process
Don't know if this has been discussed. Just received this e-mail on new boarding process:
Update about your upcoming flight from EWR
United® will be introducing a new boarding method at select gates at New York/Newark (EWR). Our customers have told us they want a better experience when boarding, so we’re working to improve the process.Here are some of the changes you may see if your gate is demonstrating a new process:
■ No need to line up before your group is called: Simplified lanes with new signs will allow you to relax at the gate or within the airport longer.
■ More efficient boarding: Following priority boarding groups, we’ll board customers sitting in window seats first and then middle and aisle seats.
■ Less crowding: Fewer lines will create more space and easier access to the boarding door for customers exiting the plane from the previous flight and during pre-boarding.
■ Improved digital displays: Monitors around the gate will display clear and relevant information about boarding and your flight.
There’s nothing you need to do right now. We value your feedback and you may receive a survey about your boarding experience after your flight.
Thank you for choosing to fly United. We look forward to seeing you on your upcoming flight.
* Learn more ›
Update about your upcoming flight from EWR
United® will be introducing a new boarding method at select gates at New York/Newark (EWR). Our customers have told us they want a better experience when boarding, so we’re working to improve the process.Here are some of the changes you may see if your gate is demonstrating a new process:■ No need to line up before your group is called: Simplified lanes with new signs will allow you to relax at the gate or within the airport longer.
■ More efficient boarding: Following priority boarding groups, we’ll board customers sitting in window seats first and then middle and aisle seats.
■ Less crowding: Fewer lines will create more space and easier access to the boarding door for customers exiting the plane from the previous flight and during pre-boarding. ■ Improved digital displays: Monitors around the gate will display clear and relevant information about boarding and your flight.
There’s nothing you need to do right now. We value your feedback and you may receive a survey about your boarding experience after your flight.
Thank you for choosing to fly United. We look forward to seeing you on your upcoming flight.
*
Learn more › 
Jun 28, 2018, 5:14 am
#977
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 129
I received the same email for my flight yesterday from ORD-FLL. To me, it was a more confusing overall to the travelers in the gate area. With no where specific to line up for 3-5, lanes 1-2 just because a crowded mess.
Jun 28, 2018, 6:23 am
#978
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: UA 1K; *G, AA Plat
Posts: 1,700
Pretty sure the GA and the monitors state (or should) "If you are in Groups 3-5, please stay seated until your group number is called".
Jun 28, 2018, 8:47 am
#979
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,617
This though, I think could more effectively be resolved onboard. I've seen (on both mainline, and UAEX) flight attendants 'protect' the first bin -- particularly in F, occasionally in Y -- until the bulkhead pax are onboard and seated. The level of protection ranges from just closing the bin to closing the bin and politely scolding anyone trying to usurp the space (along the lines of "I need to save this bin for the customers in 1x/y because there's nowhere else for their personal belongings") to physically moving any non-bulkhead bags aft if they still don't listen.
If this was a more formalized policy/procedure, I can see how that would take some of the stress/urgency out of it for bulkhead pax.
If this was a more formalized policy/procedure, I can see how that would take some of the stress/urgency out of it for bulkhead pax.
Jun 30, 2018, 6:31 pm
#980
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Menlo Park, CA, USA
Programs: UA 1MM 0P, AA, DL, *wood, Lifetime FPC Plat., IHG, HHD
Posts: 6,912
I thought this was mostly ORD and IAH, with some EWR added. Just got this notice for my flight tomorrow from SFO. I didn't think they would try and introduce new processes during what TSA says is going to be their biggest weekend EVER.
Jun 30, 2018, 6:36 pm
#981
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,424
I got one for IAD yesterday, but they were not using the new process.
Jul 1, 2018, 4:00 am
#982
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: South Coast NSW, Australia
Programs: UA and SQ; Hilton, Fairmont, Marriott, Rydges Priority
Posts: 290
Just had the pleasure of flying a domestic Virgin Australia in a 737-800 with a full load of pax.
From the first ‘elites’ boarding call to doors closed just over 10 minutes.
One half the plane boarded from the front, the other via the rear stairs.
Carryon limited to one piece, maximum 7kg and policed. Plenty of room in the overheads for everyone.
Compared to the boarding chaos I experience with United virtually 100% of the time this showed how it can be done.
From the first ‘elites’ boarding call to doors closed just over 10 minutes.
One half the plane boarded from the front, the other via the rear stairs.
Carryon limited to one piece, maximum 7kg and policed. Plenty of room in the overheads for everyone.
Compared to the boarding chaos I experience with United virtually 100% of the time this showed how it can be done.
Jul 1, 2018, 6:28 am
#983
Join Date: May 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: UA Mileage Plus
Posts: 160
I cant ever remember boarding a UA flight where boarding was thru both the front and the back. Perhaps someone can ID when this has been done. Been on a number of foreign carriers where the carryon weight limit strictly enforced. Planes seem to empty faster upon arrival. When we flew on Icleandair a few years ago the carryon was one pound over. I had to check it.
Jul 1, 2018, 7:37 am
#984
Moderator: Smoking Lounge; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: SFO
Programs: Lifetime (for now) Gold MM, HH Gold, Giving Tootsie Pops to UA employees, & a retired hockey goalie
Posts: 28,878
I cant ever remember boarding a UA flight where boarding was thru both the front and the back. Perhaps someone can ID when this has been done. Been on a number of foreign carriers where the carryon weight limit strictly enforced. Planes seem to empty faster upon arrival. When we flew on Icleandair a few years ago the carryon was one pound over. I had to check it.
Jul 1, 2018, 7:55 am
#985
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: DEN/OGG
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 1,482
I cant ever remember boarding a UA flight where boarding was thru both the front and the back. Perhaps someone can ID when this has been done. Been on a number of foreign carriers where the carryon weight limit strictly enforced. Planes seem to empty faster upon arrival. When we flew on Icleandair a few years ago the carryon was one pound over. I had to check it.
Jul 2, 2018, 12:55 pm
#986
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: 42,231
Just received my email about my flight from SFO tomorrow - has anyone experienced the new process at SFO departing on a widebody? I can only imagine the result is a massive mob of hundreds crowding the door area, with people from different zones pushing and shoving through as they are called forward, extensive line cutting and zone jumping, similar to what I've experienced boarding a widebody on AA - complete and utter chaos with none of the gate staff doing anything to control it.
Jul 2, 2018, 1:00 pm
#987
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: UA 1K; *G, AA Plat
Posts: 1,700
Just received my email about my flight from SFO tomorrow - has anyone experienced the new process at SFO departing on a widebody? I can only imagine the result is a massive mob of hundreds crowding the door area, with people from different zones pushing and shoving through as they are called forward, extensive line cutting and zone jumping, similar to what I've experienced boarding a widebody on AA - complete and utter chaos with none of the gate staff doing anything to control it.
BG1/2 are lined up to the left. BG 3/4/5 are lined up to the right.
1. After pre-boarding, BG1 is told to board. They utilize both doors. Then BG2. Then 3,4,5.
2. After pre-boarding, BG1 and BG3 board concurrently. BG1 through the door that is in the front, BG3 on the door to the back of the plane. Then BG2 and BG4. And Finally BG5.
#2 is what I normally experience 95% of the time.
I have never experienced a UA flight that is a massive mob. Only AA or UA express (and a very delayed UA express hence why they used the reason that everyone needs to board together). I would not fear for this new boarding process. Every time people "find" themselves in BG1 and they're holding a BG4/5 boarding pass, the GA very quickly tells them to sit down and wait till their group is called. Also, if you require a passport check, this also serves as a pre-emptive "you're in the wrong lane for boarding" reminder by a GA.
Jul 2, 2018, 6:30 pm
#988
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: SFO/SJC/OAK
Programs: OZ Diamond (*G), KQ Asante Gold (ST+), Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,511
In my experience, widebody boarding occurs one of two ways as there are two doors:
BG1/2 are lined up to the left. BG 3/4/5 are lined up to the right.
1. After pre-boarding, BG1 is told to board. They utilize both doors. Then BG2. Then 3,4,5.
2. After pre-boarding, BG1 and BG3 board concurrently. BG1 through the door that is in the front, BG3 on the door to the back of the plane. Then BG2 and BG4. And Finally BG5.
#2 is what I normally experience 95% of the time.
BG1/2 are lined up to the left. BG 3/4/5 are lined up to the right.
1. After pre-boarding, BG1 is told to board. They utilize both doors. Then BG2. Then 3,4,5.
2. After pre-boarding, BG1 and BG3 board concurrently. BG1 through the door that is in the front, BG3 on the door to the back of the plane. Then BG2 and BG4. And Finally BG5.
#2 is what I normally experience 95% of the time.
Jul 2, 2018, 8:34 pm
#989
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: UA 1K; *G, AA Plat
Posts: 1,700
So, only one side per scanner moves forward.
And again, it's only happened to me once or twice. hence the 5%.
Jul 2, 2018, 9:49 pm
#990
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,470
Just received my email about my flight from SFO tomorrow - has anyone experienced the new process at SFO departing on a widebody? I can only imagine the result is a massive mob of hundreds crowding the door area, with people from different zones pushing and shoving through as they are called forward, extensive line cutting and zone jumping, similar to what I've experienced boarding a widebody on AA - complete and utter chaos with none of the gate staff doing anything to control it.
In my experience, widebody boarding occurs one of two ways as there are two doors:
BG1/2 are lined up to the left. BG 3/4/5 are lined up to the right.
1. After pre-boarding, BG1 is told to board. They utilize both doors. Then BG2. Then 3,4,5.
2. After pre-boarding, BG1 and BG3 board concurrently. BG1 through the door that is in the front, BG3 on the door to the back of the plane. Then BG2 and BG4. And Finally BG5.
#2 is what I normally experience 95% of the time.
I have never experienced a UA flight that is a massive mob. Only AA or UA express (and a very delayed UA express hence why they used the reason that everyone needs to board together). I would not fear for this new boarding process. Every time people "find" themselves in BG1 and they're holding a BG4/5 boarding pass, the GA very quickly tells them to sit down and wait till their group is called. Also, if you require a passport check, this also serves as a pre-emptive "you're in the wrong lane for boarding" reminder by a GA.
BG1/2 are lined up to the left. BG 3/4/5 are lined up to the right.
1. After pre-boarding, BG1 is told to board. They utilize both doors. Then BG2. Then 3,4,5.
2. After pre-boarding, BG1 and BG3 board concurrently. BG1 through the door that is in the front, BG3 on the door to the back of the plane. Then BG2 and BG4. And Finally BG5.
#2 is what I normally experience 95% of the time.
I have never experienced a UA flight that is a massive mob. Only AA or UA express (and a very delayed UA express hence why they used the reason that everyone needs to board together). I would not fear for this new boarding process. Every time people "find" themselves in BG1 and they're holding a BG4/5 boarding pass, the GA very quickly tells them to sit down and wait till their group is called. Also, if you require a passport check, this also serves as a pre-emptive "you're in the wrong lane for boarding" reminder by a GA.