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Airlines with priority boarding
Board your plane early and settle your bags in the overhead bin.
Priority boarding is a cool airline perk designed to reward frequent flyers and those who fly in premium cabins and higher seat class. For these groups, priority boarding is complimentary. Others may either purchase priority boarding or purchase the airfare with eligible airline credit cards and get priority boarding as a reward.
What's in this guide?
What is priority boarding?
Priority boarding is the process at which certain customers can board the plane before others. This can give you enough time to settle your bags in the overhead bin and relax before takeoff.
How can I get priority boarding?
- Earn elite status.
Frequent flyers who have earned elite status with an airline often have the benefit to board early. Some airlines let elite status members of partner airlines use this perk.
- Purchase higher class ticket.
Passengers in the premium cabins and on first or business class usually get to board first.
- Get an eligible credit card.
Some airline cobranded credit cards come with priority boarding for the main cardholder and passengers traveling on their reservation. If you travel often, this perk can save you time and money.
- Purchase priority boarding.
Most airlines let you buy priority boarding. However, this is typically tied to a single flight and if you change it, you lose this perk. Also, the price varies depending on your itinerary.
Our pick for a card with priority boarding
Compare credit cards that offer priority boarding
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Learn how to get priority boarding on your favorite airline.
Who’s eligible for priority boarding?
Most airlines offer priority boarding to specific customers without paying a fee, including:
- US military personnel with an ID.
- Passengers who need assistance to board.
- Families with children of age two or younger.
- Customers traveling with strollers or car seats.
- Unaccompanied minors.
How to use priority boarding
Some airlines will include priority check-in and security along with priority boarding. This can help you reach the gate faster.
Once there, check your boarding pass to see which boarding group you’re in. Wait until the announcer calls your group to board. Some airline mobile apps offer push notifications to let you know when boarding starts.
Bottom line
Elite status members and passengers traveling in premium cabins enjoy priority boarding. Eligible airline credit card owners also get this perk while everyone else has to purchase it.
If you like to get priority boarding without paying for it, consider an airline credit card.
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