American announces a new boarding process
American announces a new boarding process
American has announced it’s new boarding process which takes effect on March 1, 2017. The boarding group consists of 9 (nine) different groups based on your frequent flyer status, AAdvantage card membership, or your purchased fare.
This change comes ahead of American’s implementation of it’s basic economy fares which also begin on March 1st, which are discounted fares offering flyers less benefits regardless of their elite status or credit card membership.
| Boarding order | Current | New – starting March 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Preboarding | ConciergeKeySM members | |
| Priority boarding lane | First Class Active duty U.S. military with military I.D. (Business Class on a 2-class international aircraft) |
Group 1 First Class Active duty U.S. military with military I.D. (Business Class on a 2-class international aircraft) |
| Priority boarding lane | Business Class Executive Platinum oneworld® EmeraldSM |
Group 2 Executive Platinum oneworld® EmeraldSM (Business Class on a 3-class aircraft) |
| Priority boarding lane | Platinum Pro Platinum oneworld® SapphireSM |
Group 3 Platinum Pro Platinum oneworld® SapphireSM |
| Priority boarding lane | Gold oneworld® RubySM |
Group 4 Gold oneworld® RubySM |
| Priority boarding lane | Alaska Airlines MVP® members AirPass Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive cardmembers Customers who bought Priority boarding |
Group 4 Alaska Airlines MVP® members AirPass Premium Economy Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive cardmembers Customers who bought Priority boarding |
| Main boarding lane | Group 1 Main Cabin Extra Eligible AAdvantage® credit cardmembers* |
Group 5 (Preferred boarding) Main Cabin Extra Eligible AAdvantage® credit cardmembers* Eligible corporate travelers** |
| Main boarding lane | Group 2 | Group 6 |
| Main boarding lane | Group 3 | Group 7 |
| Main boarding lane | Group 4 | Group 8 |
| Main boarding lane | Group 9 Basic Economy |
As always, American reminds you that the aircraft door closes 10 minutes prior to departure and boarding begins 30-50 minutes prior to the departure of the flight.
Pretty much useless. The last two times I flew AA in F, they boarded well before the time printed on my boarding pass so no overhead space in F even thought I was sitting in my seat before boarding theoretically should have started. Yes, the flights left on time and then we had to wait for a gate upon arriving in LAX and DCA so early boarding all for naught.
I’ve found this more and more as well. I have arrived at flights and they are half boarded already even though the designated boarding time hasn’t been met. In none of those circumstances did the earlier boarding lead to me actually arriving at the gate at the destination earlier. It’s puzzling to me why some gate agents continue to do it.