Priority boarding is a convenient perk often included with higher-fare tickets or elite frequent flyer status. It simplifies the boarding process significantly.
Identifying Priority Boarding: Look for the word “Priority” clearly marked on your boarding pass. Sometimes it’s a separate section, other times it’s integrated with your boarding information.
Late Arrival Strategy: Even if you’re delayed, priority boarding provides a major advantage. While others queue in the general boarding line, you can bypass it entirely. Head straight to the designated Priority lane—often clearly signed—and board whenever you arrive at the gate. This avoids the rush and allows you to secure overhead bin space for your larger bags, a valuable asset, especially on busy flights.
Beyond the Basics:
- Different Airline Implementations: Airlines vary in their priority boarding procedures. Some use zones (Priority 1, Priority 2 etc.), while others simply have a single priority lane. Familiarize yourself with your specific airline’s process before arriving at the airport.
- Family Boarding: Many airlines offer a separate boarding time for families with young children, often before general priority boarding. Check your boarding pass for details.
- Disabled Passengers: Passengers with disabilities are always boarded first, regardless of their boarding pass type. This preempts standard priority boarding.
Pro Tip: While priority boarding is a benefit, it’s always advisable to arrive at the gate with ample time. Unforeseen circumstances at the airport can still impact your journey, and allowing a buffer ensures a smoother experience even with priority access.
Does priority boarding get you through security faster?
No, priority boarding itself doesn’t get you through security faster. Security lines are independent of boarding passes. However, Sky Priority, and similar programs, often bundle accelerated security with priority boarding. This means you’re likely to use a dedicated, potentially shorter, security line.
Think of it this way: Priority boarding gets you onto the plane faster, while accelerated security helps you get to the gate faster. They’re two separate but often interconnected services. My experience shows that the time saved at security with Sky Priority can be substantial, especially during peak travel times.
Here’s what really makes the difference:
- Dedicated Security Lanes: This is the key. These lines are usually shorter and less congested.
- TSA PreCheck/Global Entry: Combine Sky Priority with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for maximum efficiency. You’ll breeze through security, regardless of boarding group.
Ultimately, the value of Sky Priority hinges on the airport and the time of day. While it doesn’t guarantee faster security, it significantly improves your odds of a quicker experience. I always recommend considering the total travel time saved—from check-in to boarding—when evaluating the cost of such programs.
- Strategic Packing: Properly packing your carry-on can further minimize delays at security. Keep liquids, electronics, and other items easily accessible.
- Check-in Time: Arrive early, even with priority boarding, to account for unexpected delays.
Is it worth paying for priority boarding?
Is priority boarding worth it? Airlines market it aggressively, but the truth is, it’s largely a cash grab. The plane leaves when it leaves; paying extra won’t magically speed up your journey. You’ll arrive at your destination at the same time as everyone else.
However, there’s one key exception: overhead bin space. If you have a larger carry-on that definitely won’t fit under the seat, priority boarding becomes a worthwhile investment. The peace of mind of knowing your bag will be safely stowed overhead, avoiding the potential gate-agent induced anxiety of a crammed bin and the possibility of your bag being gate-checked (with the associated delays on baggage claim at your destination), is invaluable to many travelers. Experienced travelers know this stress is often worth more than the cost of priority boarding.
Consider this: The time saved by avoiding the chaotic boarding scrum might be less than you think, but the avoidance of potentially having your bag checked into the hold, thus adding significant time to your arrival at your destination, may outweigh the cost. Weigh the cost against your personal tolerance for stress and the size of your luggage.
Pro-tip: If you have a smaller carry-on that *might* fit under the seat, but you’re not entirely sure, err on the side of caution and pay for priority boarding. You’ll avoid the potential hassle and stress of potentially having to gate-check it.
What is the point of priority boarding?
Priority boarding’s main advantage is bypassing the cattle call. You avoid lengthy queues, ensuring you’re not stuck behind families with overflowing luggage or perpetually indecisive passengers. This translates to guaranteed overhead bin space – a crucial time-saver, preventing that frantic last-minute scramble for storage. Furthermore, you get a head start on settling in, allowing you to stow your carry-on, organize your belongings, and even snag a window seat if you haven’t pre-selected one. This extra time is invaluable, especially on long flights, allowing for a more comfortable start to your journey.
A less obvious benefit is that you can assess the available seats more thoroughly and choose one that better suits your needs (e.g., extra legroom, proximity to lavatories, quieter area). This is particularly beneficial if you’re traveling with a companion and want to sit together without the worry of separated seats.
However, it’s worth noting that priority boarding isn’t a magic bullet. On heavily booked flights, even with priority, overhead bin space can be limited. Also, the time saved might be negligible on short hops.
