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Airlines with priority boarding

Board your plane early and settle your bags in the overhead bin.

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Kliment Dukovski
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Fact checked
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 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.

Compare credit cards that offer priority boarding

Name Product Welcome Offer Rewards Annual fee Filter values
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
40,000 miles after spending $1,000 in your first 3 months.
Plus, earn up to $50 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants and at US supermarkets and 1x miles on other eligible purchases
$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($99 thereafter)
Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 3 months. Terms apply, see rates & fees
View details
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
50,000 miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $2,000 in your first 3 months. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
3x miles on Delta and direct hotel purchases, 2x miles at restaurants and US supermarkets and 1x miles on other eligible purchases
$250
Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases in your first 3 months. Terms apply, see rates & fees
Apply now
View details
Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Credit Card
Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Credit Card
100,000 after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
5x Avios on Aer Lingus and partner airlines for the first 12 months (then 3x) and 3x on hotels for the first 12 months (then 2x)
$95
100,000 after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months, plus 75,000 miles after spending $20,000 total in the first 12 months
See offer
View details
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Compare up to 4 providers

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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