FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) is refining its boarding process by introducing a nine-group system starting May 1, 2025, aimed at creating a more efficient and stress-free airport experience for summer travelers. The Fort Worth-based carrier will also add five additional minutes of boarding time to domestic mainline flights.
The updated boarding procedure will allow American to preboard First and Business class customers along with families with children under age 2, while maintaining the same boarding groups for AAdvantage status members traveling in Main Cabin.
Photo: JFK SpottingAmerican Airlines New Boarding Process
American Airlines’ refined nine-group boarding system represents a significant enhancement to its customer service approach. The new process maintains priority boarding for premium cabin passengers and high-tier loyalty members while creating clearer delineations between boarding groups. This structured approach aims to reduce congestion at gates and provide a more orderly experience for all passengers.
The additional five minutes of boarding time will vary by aircraft type:
- Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft: 35 minutes
- Boeing 737, Airbus A321, and all widebody aircraft: 40 minutes
This extended boarding window offers several advantages for travelers:
- Reduced gate-checking of carry-on bags
- More time for passengers to settle into their seats
- Enhanced opportunity for personalized service in premium cabins
- Better management of overhead bin space
Photo: American AirlinesBoarding Group Structure
American’s new nine-group boarding structure clearly defines the boarding order:
Preboarding:
- ConciergeKey members
- First/Business class passengers
- Families with children ages 2 and under
Group 1:
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum members
- Active duty U.S. military with military ID
Group 2:
- AAdvantage Platinum Pro members
- Oneworld Emerald members
Group 3:
- AAdvantage Platinum members
- Oneworld Sapphire members
Group 4:
- AAdvantage Gold members
- Oneworld Ruby members
- AirPass customers
- Citi/AAdvantage Executive cardmembers
Group 5:
- Main Cabin Extra passengers (excluding Basic Economy)
- AAdvantage members with 15,000 Loyalty Points
- Eligible AAdvantage credit card members
Group 6:
- AAdvantage members
Groups 7-8:
- Main Cabin passengers
Group 9:
- Basic Economy passengers
Photo: American AirlinesTechnology Enhancements
The boarding group refinements follow American’s introduction of new boarding technology last fall. This system provides team members with real-time visibility into the number of passengers in each boarding group, enabling them to manage the flow more effectively.
Currently available at 90% of American’s boarding gates, including most major hubs, the technology will reach complete implementation across the network by the end of 2025.
Passenger feedback regarding these technological improvements has been overwhelmingly positive, as customers can now fully benefit from their assigned boarding groups with increased clarity and consistency.
The new boarding process particularly rewards AAdvantage program members, offering earlier boarding groups as travelers progress through the loyalty tiers. Members who fly frequently and accumulate Loyalty Points unlock premium perks, including priority boarding in Groups 1 through 4.
This tiered approach incentivizes program participation while acknowledging the value of American’s most loyal customers. Even basic AAdvantage membership carries boarding advantages, with these travelers boarding in Group 6 ahead of regular Main Cabin passengers in Groups 7-8 and Basic Economy in Group 9.
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