American Airlines to Start Boarding Passengers Earlier

American Airlines continues to tweak its boarding process. This time around, the airline will start boarding passengers earlier. The airline’s goal is to make things more efficient for passengers to get on the plane and avoid the likelihood of checking their bags. 

On May 1st,  American Airlines will add 5 minutes to their usual boarding time. While this doesn’t seem like much, the airline’s spokesperson Rachel Warner says, “This extra time will deliver a smoother boarding experience for customers by allowing for pauses between boarding groups, relieving congestion on the jet bridge, and allowing customers to stow their bags and get settled before departure.

She added, “In addition, American’s gate agents and flight attendants will have more time to complete their pre-departure work and deliver personalized service to our customers.” “Flight attendants and gate agents will have more time to monitor and confirm when overhead bins are full, helping to reduce the number of involuntary gate-checked bags when bin space is still available.”

35 Minute Boarding Process

By the time the airline introduces this new boarding procedure, passengers will start boarding 35 minutes before departure on flights operated by Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. That’s up from 30 minutes. In addition to this, passengers get to board 40 minutes before departure on Boeing 737, Airbus 321, and all widebody aircraft.

Passengers can also expect more changes to the airline’s boarding procedures. Warner said that there will be more changes as the airline introduces new technology that will make the boarding process smoother for passengers. Expected to launch this fall, this new technology will ensure that passengers board with their assigned group. 

As of November, more than 100 airports where American Airlines operates used technology that can spot passengers who are trying to cut the line and board early. American Airlines tested the new technology last Thanksgiving. The software chimes if a passenger tries to board early. According to the airline, the feedback has been generally positive.