How Many Boarding Groups Does United Have?

United Airlines has six boarding groups: Pre-boarding, followed by Groups 1 through 5, each based on ticket type and status.

What if you're assigned to one of the last United boarding groups? The good news is that you don't have to fly first class to board the plane sooner. Whether you're a loyal MileagePlus member, a United credit card holder, or just want to learn some tips to board earlier, we've got you covered. Here's everything you need to know about United Airlines boarding groups and how to improve your spot in line on your next flight.

What are United Airlines boarding groups?

The United boarding process consists of five official boarding groups plus preboarding. The United boarding groups you're assigned to depend on your ticket type, MileagePlus status, and credit card membership. Preboarding is designated for customers who need extra assistance and active-duty U.S. military members. After that, boarding proceeds by group number at the gate. Here's how United Airlines boarding order typically works:

FlyO Tip: If you have a Basic Economy ticket, you'll board last unless you're a Premier member, a Chase cardholder, or a Star Alliance Gold member.

How does United boarding groups work?

United boarding groups let passengers board the plane in an organized order. First, premium cabin passengers and elite members board, followed by other groups based on ticket type or upgrades. Boarding starts with Pre-boarding and goes up to Group 5.

Does United do family boarding?

United family boarding makes traveling with little ones easier by offering family boarding for passengers with children under 2 years old. Families get to board early, giving you extra time to get settled and comfy before takeoff. It's their way of helping families start the trip stress-free.

Read More: Does United Airlines Have Wifi?

Does United do military boarding?

Absolutely! United boarding groups offers priority boarding for active-duty military members. They can board early with the pre-boarding group by presenting their military ID at the gate, whether they are in uniform or not. This United military boarding makes travel more convenient for service members.

How does United assign boarding groups?

United assigns boarding groups to help passengers board in an organized and timely way. Your group is based on your ticket type, seat location, MileagePlus status, and special needs like traveling with children or a disability.

Here's how it works at the gate:

• United boarding group 1 & 2 boards first through the blue lane.
• Also, United priority boarding groups 3 to 6 board through the green lane when announced.

You'll see signs and screens at the gate showing which group is currently boarding. Just wait for your group to be called, then head to the right lane. Your United boarding groups will also be printed on your United Airlines online boarding pass.

Learn More: How to Hold Flights Using United Farelock?

How do you get a boarding pass for United Airlines?

You can easily obtain your United boarding pass online by checking in online up to 24 hours before departure. Simply visit the official United website or download the United mobile app. You can get your boarding pass by email, download it, or open it directly in the United app.

Do you prefer personal assistance? Call our reservations team at +1-571-378-7016 and let FlyOfinder help you pass through a smooth and secure check-in process.

How do I get priority boarding on United Airlines?

You can obtain priority boarding on United Airlines in several ways. These include purchasing it, using a United credit card, having MileagePlus elite status, or flying in a premium cabin, such as United First or Polaris Business.

• Buy Priority Boarding – Add priority boarding when booking your flight or during check-in.
• Use a United Credit Card – Most MileagePlus credit cards include priority boarding.
• Elite Status – Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K® members board early.
• Fly in Premium Cabins – Booking United Polaris®, First, or Business Class comes with United Airlines priority boarding.

Do you want to skip long lines? Call our travel experts at +1-571-378-7016 and let FlyOfinder help you upgrade your boarding experience!

FlyO Tip: Don't miss your flight! United Airlines boarding time closes boarding and shuts the plane doors just 15 minutes before departure.

How to upgrade the boarding group United?

You can move to a better boarding group on United by buying Priority Boarding. You'll also board earlier if you have a United credit card, Premier Elite status, or a premium ticket, such as United First or Polaris Business.

Here's how you can move up the United boarding groups explained with ease:

✅ Buy Premier Access

Get priority boarding (Group 2) by adding Premier Access when booking or through "My Trips" on United.com or the United app.

✅ Use a United Credit Card

Hold an eligible MileagePlus credit card to get Group 2 boarding automatically. Just link your card to your MileagePlus account.

✅ Earn Premier Status

Premier members board earlier based on tier:

• Silver: Group 2
• Gold: Group 1
• Platinum & 1K: Pre-boarding

Earn status by flying United and collecting PQPs and PQFs.

✅ Fly Premium Cabins

Booking Polaris®, First, or Business Class automatically puts you in early boarding groups or pre-boarding.

Need help upgrading?Call FlyOfinder at +1-571-378-7016 for easy assistance with United boarding upgrades.

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Final Thoughts

Understanding United boarding groups helps you prepare for a smoother, stress-free boarding experience. Whether you're flying economy or premium, a MileagePlus member, or traveling with family or military status, knowing the United boarding order and how to improve your group can save you time and hassle. Stay informed, plan ahead, and enjoy priority access whenever possible.

Ready for a hassle-free United boarding experience?Call FlyOfinder at +1-571-378-7016 for expert help with booking, upgrades, and priority boarding. Let us make your next United Airlines trip easy and comfortable.

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