United Airlines to Test New Boarding Process

Passengers preparing to board United Airlines’ final Boeing 747 flight.

United Airlines announced that it will implement a new boarding process at various airports as part of a trial program.

The new procedure will involve the use of two lanes at the gate. When boarding begins, Group 1 will board through Lane 1, while Group 2 will board through Lane 2.

Groups 3 through 5, which will be for passengers in window, middle, and aisle seats respectively, will be asked to remain seated during this time. When their group is called, passengers in these groups may begin boarding through Lane 2.

“Please make yourself comfortable, and we’ll let you know when we’re ready to board your group,” the airline said in announcing the new protocol.

Groups 1 and 2 will be allowed to continue boarding throughout the entire process, via Lane 1.

United said that the new process is meant to benefit passengers through the use of smaller boarding groups and by eliminating the need to line up before a group is called, thereby allowing travelers to stay seated at the gate. The process, the airline said, is also meant to be more efficient.

Change in boarding processes is not unusual. Recently, British Airways introduced a new boarding process, and within the past year, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Jet Blue Airways all changed their boarding processes.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)