A few weeks ago American Airlines announced an upcoming change to simplify the boarding process. Well that change finally takes effect today. At first I did not fully understand the reason for the change. I have never had a problem with the boarding process. I have heard several friends who typically fly United complain about though. The complaint was that American had too many boarding groups. In actuality the number of boarding groups is similar, but the names are more complex.
Current American Airlines Boarding Process
I won’t go into too much detail, but the old boarding process prioritized elites by calling each elite level to board individually. After all elites boarded, gate agents invited AAdvantage co-branded credit card holders to board. Then, eventually the gate agents called Group 1 to board. I see how this could cause confusion. You show up to the gate with a huge “Group 1” printed on your boarding pass, but are actually the 6th group to board. If you had never flown American before I understand why this could be difficult to comprehend. Clearly the old process caused enough confusion for American to implement an updated boarding process.
New American Airlines Boarding Process
Beginning March 1, 2017 American will utilize a completely numeric boarding process. First class, business class, AAdvantage and OneWorld elites, and eligible credit card holders are included in Groups 1-6. Following groups 1-6, group 7 (the old Group 1) is called to board. Lastly, group 10 is eventually called for passengers who purchased American’s new Basic Economy fares.
My Thoughts
At first I didn’t really understand the need for a change, but recently have seen more and more confusion as other carriers switch to completely numeric boarding groups. The new boarding groups should also help simplify the jobs of the gate agents who can focus on closing the flight rather than trying to remember which elite status has already been called to board. I look forward to the implementation of the new boarding process and hope it ends up simplifying and speeding up the entire boarding process. Hopefully under the new system there will be less confusion as passengers funnel through the boarding door.
