United's Current Boarding Process (with Wiki) [2016-forward]{Archive}
 

So I emailed United a couple times,but they do not seem to understand my question, or they DO and just do not want to answer- so thought I would check with you all. Basically- if you are in boarding group 1, and arrive late (connecting flight) and your group is already boarded when you get to the gate- can you still use lane 1 and bypass the other groups- similar to security lines or are you forced to the very end? I asked because I am paranoid about overheard bin storage on an international flight- I have searched all over and can't seem to find a recent/current reply. Thanks in advance

Absolutely, yes!

I'll usually wait at the head of the BG1 (or BG1/2 line) until the GA acknowledges me ("Group 1?") -- usually after 1-2 other pax who have moved forward are scanned. In DEN I've been told "there's no need to wait"

The only exception is when there's only a single boarding lane or BG1/BG2 are combined into a single "Premier Access" lane and BG2 is still being processed -- then I file on to the end of whatever line is moving.

You can board through the priority/Group 1 line at any time during the boarding process.

Now that UA has started to board early (IME), they are boarding Group 3 by the time I arrive.

Same as lincolnjkc, normally let a couple or so PAX board, then GA will scan my BP (sometimes to horror of whichever group is boarding), but still end up waiting halfway down jetteway :td:

Still beats sitting down on a CRJ200 :D

Appreciate everyone's reply- thanks! That is what I was hoping for- Im the type that likes to over-prepare for all my trips so that will be one less thing for me to worry about - moved to United from Delta SkyMiles so still making the adjustment.

Had a frustrating experience yesterday. IAH -> SAN, last flight out (boarding around 10PM).

Groups 1 and 2 are in the same lane. Standard line starts to form. GA calls for Group 1, and the line does not move at all. After about half a minute of confusion, everybody begins moving around all the lanes and just lining up on the side to board (GS style). As I walked past the front of the G1/G2 line, most people at the front of that line were just standing there with their boarding passes. Nobody seemed to be making any attempt to move.

Seems like the front of the line was all G2's and they simply refused to move. Poor management from the GA in setting that up.

Those combined lines at smaller stations are like that. I'm virtually always in Group 2. I tend to arrive early but don't go all the way to the front of the line but wait at the entrance to the roped off area, waiting until Group 1 completes boarding. If someone stands behind me I'll ask if they're Group 1 and, if so, I'll wave them around me. But, because I'm there early, and first, I do want to be among the first to board in Group 2.

The Gate agent needs to be somewhat engaged in getting things moving.

Completely fair - I'm not knocking the G2 people who line up early. But there was no effort on their part or acknowledgement that others may need to move past them.

That's on the GA, IMO. (And some common courtesy, mabye) I didn't hear a single announcement.

I had that happen at IAH(!) The line for G1/G2 stretched well down the concourse (across the front of the podium and to an adjoining gate) and I gave up on it after asking the 3rd person "Group 1 or Group 2?" and the response "Oh, it's only one line -- they're both together" -- I wedged myself in near the front of the line and the look of utter confusion from...everyone.. when the GA called for Group 1 only and scolded those from G2 who tried moving forward (followed by an exasperated "We are boarding Group 1 ONLY at this time. If you're in Group 2 get out of the line." PA)

Reference point on how it should be done... boarding an AA flight the other day... they called for First Class (as always). Man pushes his way to front. Gate agent sees boarding card - tells him to wait. He argues he is priority boarding from credit card. She holds her ground and tells him to go all the way to the back. Excellent.

And even better - a bunch of people tried to jump the queue and go in the regular lane... they try to hand their boarding passes to gate agent... she simply ignores them. Double Excellent.

If all the GA's for UA handled the boarding - follow the book no matter what - like this gate agent for AA did, people would eventually get it and stop crowding the gate... or be shamed to the back of the line.

UA - you listening?

I have seen that many times with UA. So it is not just AA that enforces it.

I am glad you have seen it... gives us hope. Admittedly I am flying UA a lot less now, but, I have not seen boarding strictly enforced. Even with the automated readers, I have seen GA's just override the system and let people board out of order.

I have seen them enforce it, but they then let the person stand right next to the boarding agent thereby jumping the queue rather than being sent to the back. That is not enforcement in my opinion.

Late First Class Pax Boarding
 

Hi everyone!

I'm flying on UA1570 tomorrow it's the 747 on SFO-ORD.

I'm in GlobalFirst but my connection doesn't get in to SFO until 755a and thats when boarding starts for the 747. By the time I trudge over from concourse E to gate 86 boarding will be well underway.

My question is will I have to get in line and wait behind all the business class pax or even eco pax, or because I'm in F do I get to bypass everyone?

Thanks in advance!

You can board through the group one line. Global first doesn't really exist on domestic routes. Also, global first boards with business class and 1Ks and platinum