How To Get Priority Boarding On American Airlines?

How To Get Priority Boarding On American Airlines

Are you tired of waiting in long lines at the airport and want to board your American Airlines flight first? If you want to avoid the chaos of boarding and get on your American Airlines flight quickly, you need to know how to get priority boarding on American Airlines. 

In this article, we will guide you through the various ways to get priority boarding on American Airlines, so you can enjoy a stress-free boarding experience and start your trip on the right foot.

How To Get Priority Boarding On American Airlines?

To get priority boarding on American Airlines, you can either purchase a higher fare class ticket or obtain elite status through their Aadvantage program. You can even use American Airlines’ co-branded credit cards to get priority boarding. You may also get priority boarding on AA if you’re military.

  • Fly in a Premium Cabin 

One way to get priority boarding on an American Airlines flight is to fly in one of their premium cabins. 

This includes Business Class and First Class, as well as international flights in Economy Class. When you book your ticket in one of these cabins, you will be given priority boarding and a separate line to get on the plane.

  • Hold AAdvantage, Oneworld, or JetBlue Elite Status 

Another way to get priority boarding is to hold elite status with American Airlines, Oneworld Airlines, or JetBlue. 

Elite members with AAdvantage will receive priority boarding when they check in for their flight. 

Oneworld elites will be eligible for priority boarding when they check in at the gate. JetBlue elites will be eligible for priority boarding when they check in via the app.

  • Board As Military

American Airlines offers priority boarding to active duty military members and their families. When you’re at the airport, show your military ID to the gate agent and you will be given priority boarding status.

  • Carry the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

If you have the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, you will be eligible for priority boarding when you check-in at the airport.

  • Join AirPass or Fly for Qualifying Business Trips

American Airlines offers a program called AirPass, which gives members priority boarding privileges on any American Airlines flight. 

You can also be eligible for priority boarding if you’re flying for a qualifying business trip.

  • Pay For It

Finally, you can pay for priority boarding on an American Airlines flight. This will cost you $19 per person and is available when you book your ticket online or at the airport.

How Can Passengers Become Eligible For American Airlines Priority Boarding Service?

How Can Passengers Become Eligible For American Airlines Priority Boarding Service?
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In general, passengers can become eligible for American Airlines Priority Boarding service by meeting certain criteria. The basic criteria are having elite status with American Airlines, purchasing a First or Business class ticket, or being a member of the airline’s loyalty program, AAdvantage. 

Elite status is earned through frequent flying and comes in different tiers – Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum – each with its own set of benefits, including priority boarding. 

First and Business class ticket holders are also eligible for priority boarding, as are AAdvantage members with certain credit cards or who have accumulated a certain number of miles. 

Passengers can also purchase priority boarding as an add-on service at the time of booking or check-in.

What Are The Benefits Of AA Priority Boarding?

The most obvious benefit of Priority Boarding is the extra time it gives travelers for boarding. It can help you avoid queues and overcrowding during the process. Additionally, Priority Boarding ensures that travelers will find adequate space in the overhead bins for their carry-on luggage. 

This is especially beneficial for travelers who are carrying a lot of items, such as those traveling with small children or large amounts of business documents. 

With Priority Boarding, you can easily store your belongings and take your seat before the general boarding process begins.

In addition to allowing extra time for boarding and ensuring ample space in the overhead bins for carry-on luggage, Priority Boarding also offers other benefits. 

For instance, travelers who purchase Priority Boarding can choose their preferred seat on the plane before the general boarding process begins. 

This allows travelers to select seats that are closer to their destination or that provide additional legroom for a more comfortable flight. 

Also, Priority Boarding provides travelers with access to premium check-in services and airport lounges, allowing them to spend less time waiting in lines and more time enjoying their travels.

Method Likelihood of success
AAdvantage Elite Status High
Boarding Pass Group Medium
Credit Card Holders Medium
Military Personnel Medium
Premium Cabin Fare Low
Basic Economy Fare Low
Upgraded Ticket Not Applicable
Standby Travel Not Applicable

What Are The Benefits Of American Airlines Military Boarding?

American Airlines military boarding allows priority boarding for active servicemen and helps them find space for their carry-on luggage and travel with their families or companions. Moreover, AA offers special military fares and waives certain fees such as baggage fees, pet fees, and rebooking fees.

By offering military boarding and other benefits, American Airlines shows its appreciation for the service of military personnel. 

The priority boarding program also helps make travel easier for active duty military members who may be juggling a hectic schedule due to their commitments to the country. 

What Are The Group Numbers On American Airlines?

The group numbers on American Airlines are used to designate boarding groups for passengers. There are typically nine groups, numbered 1-9. The group numbers are assigned based on factors such as seat class, frequent flyer status, and whether the passenger has purchased priority boarding. 

Passengers in higher groups may have to wait longer to board and may have less overhead bin space available for their bags. 

How Are Group Numbers Assigned On American Airlines?

Group numbers are assigned on American Airlines based on the passenger’s boarding priority. American Airlines uses a boarding process known as “Group Boarding,” which assigns passengers to one of nine groups based on factors such as frequent flyer status, ticket type, and seat location. 

Passengers with higher priority will be assigned to earlier groups, which means they will have earlier access to board the plane and choose their seats. 

American Airlines also allows passengers to purchase priority boarding, which guarantees them an earlier group number and faster access to the plane. 

Can You Purchase Early Boarding On American Airlines?

Can You Purchase Early Boarding On American Airlines?
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In general, the answer is yes, American Airlines offers early boarding options for passengers. Travelers who wish to board early can purchase priority boarding for an additional fee when booking their flight, or at the airport on the day of their flight

American Airlines also offers priority boarding as a benefit for certain elite-status members of their AAdvantage loyalty program. 

By purchasing early boarding, passengers can ensure that they have ample time to stow their carry-on luggage and settle into their seats before the rest of the passengers board the plane. 

This can be particularly helpful for those who have larger carry-on bags or prefer to have extra time to get situated before takeoff.

FAQs

How To Get Priority Boarding On American Airlines?

To get priority boarding on American Airlines, you can either purchase a priority boarding pass or become a member of the airline’s frequent flyer program. If you are a member of AAdvantage, the airline’s frequent flyer program, you may be eligible for priority boarding based on your status level

Additionally, if you hold an American Airlines co-branded credit card, you may also be eligible for priority boarding. 

Finally, if you are traveling in first or business class, or are an active-duty military member, you will receive priority boarding automatically.

What Does American Airlines Priority Get You?

American Airlines Priority is a program that offers a range of privileges to its active members. Priority members are able to speed through check-in, security, and boarding at the airport, saving them valuable time and reducing the stress of travel

Additionally, priority members receive the benefit of having their checked bags delivered to them first when they land, allowing them to exit the airport quickly and efficiently. 

Is Priority Boarding Worth It?

Whether or not priority boarding is worth it largely depends on personal preference and the specific airline’s policies. While it may seem like a luxury to board the plane first and secure overhead bin space, it doesn’t necessarily improve the overall flying experience. 

In fact, it can often lead to longer wait times in the jetway and cramped seating arrangements

Additionally, some airlines prioritize certain types of passengers, such as frequent flyers, over others, making the investment even less valuable. 

Ultimately, it’s up to each individual traveler to weigh the cost and potential benefits of priority boarding and decide if it’s worth it for them.

Do You Get Priority Boarding With American Airlines Card?

Yes, American Airlines cardholders with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive credit card will receive priority boarding privileges. You get additional benefits like priority check-in and airport screening where available. The priority boarding benefit will be displayed on the cardholder’s American Airlines boarding pass as Group 4. 

Is Priority Boarding The Same As Pre-Check?

No, priority boarding is a perk offered by airlines to certain passengers, especially those with elite status or those who have purchased add-on priority boarding. Pre-Check, on the other hand, is a program offered by TSA that allows eligible passengers to go through an expedited airport security screening.

This program requires a separate application and approval process and is not related to boarding privileges.

How Much Extra Does Priority Boarding Cost?

The cost of priority boarding varies depending on the airline and the type of ticket purchased. Typically, the price starts at around $10 and can go up to $30 for domestic flights. However, for international flights, the cost can be significantly higher

Priority boarding is designed for those who want early access to the overhead bins and hassle-free boarding. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several ways to get priority boarding on American Airlines. The easiest and most straightforward way is to purchase a ticket in First Class or Business Class. 

However, if you don’t want to spend the extra money, you can also earn priority boarding by becoming a member of American Airlines’ loyalty program, AAdvantage. 

By taking advantage of the options listed in the article above, you can ensure that you board your American Airlines flight with ease and without the stress of rushing for a good seat.

Swati Jaiswal

Swati Jaiswal is a dedicated traveler and an even dedicated individual who specializes in travel, digital marketing, & health and fitness niches. Passport stamps and coffee stains are her badges of honor.

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