American Airlines to Introduce New Boarding Process Starting May 1
American Airlines will implement a series of changes to its boarding process beginning May 1, aiming to enhance the passenger experience ahead of the busy summer travel season in the United States. The updates include a new boarding group structure and extended boarding times for both domestic and international flights.
According to the airline, passengers traveling in First or Business Class, as well as those needing extra time to board — including families with children under two — will be the first to board. AAdvantage loyalty program members will maintain their boarding priority based on their status and fare class.
One of the key updates will be an additional five minutes of boarding time for domestic flights operated by mainline aircraft. This change, also effective May 1, is intended to better manage overhead bin space, reduce the need to gate-check carry-ons, and create a more relaxed boarding process.
New estimated boarding times are:
- 35 minutes for Airbus A319 and A320, and
- 40 minutes for Boeing 737, Airbus A321, and wide-body aircraft.
The changes are part of a broader strategy that began in 2024, when American Airlines launched a new boarding management system. According to the company, this system is already in use for 90% of customers at its major hubs, with full implementation expected by late 2025.
The new system provides ground teams with better visibility into the number of passengers per group, helping maintain a steady, orderly boarding flow. At the same time, passengers can more effectively take advantage of the benefits associated with their assigned group.
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American’s updated boarding structure includes nine numbered groups, in addition to preboarding for ConciergeKey members, premium passengers, and families with small children.
Basic Economy passengers will continue boarding in Group 9, the final group. Travelers can move up in boarding priority by earning more loyalty points through the AAdvantage program.
With these changes, American Airlines aims to reduce the stress of boarding, especially on high-demand flights — a key move in anticipation of increased travel volumes over the coming months.
New Boarding Priority Breakdown at American Airlines:
- Preboard: ConciergeKey members, First/Business Class, and families with children under 2
- Group 1: AAdvantage Executive Platinum members and active U.S. military personnel with ID
- Group 2: AAdvantage Platinum Pro members and Oneworld Emerald
- Group 3: AAdvantage Platinum members and Oneworld Sapphire
- Group 4: AAdvantage Gold, Oneworld Ruby, AirPass, and select Citi/AAdvantage cardholders
- Group 5: Main Cabin Extra passengers, AAdvantage members with 15,000 loyalty points, and select AAdvantage credit cardholders
- Group 6: AAdvantage members
- Groups 7–8: Main Cabin passengers
- Group 9: Basic Economy passengers
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