American Airlines Updates Boarding Process With New Priority Structure and Earlier Start Times
Kameraworld | Dreamstime.com
American Airlines has introduced a revised boarding process as of May 1, 2025, affecting boarding group assignments and timing for domestic narrow-body flights. The changes are intended to streamline the passenger experience and better manage overhead bin space—though they also reflect a strategic shift in how the airline segments priority travelers and monetizes boarding privileges.
New Boarding Group Structure Rolls Out
American has retained its nine-group boarding system and pre-boarding, but redefined who qualifies for each group. The updated structure includes the following:
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Pre-Board:
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Concierge Key members
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First and business class passengers
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Families with children under age 2
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Group 1:
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AAdvantage Executive Platinum members
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Active duty U.S. military with ID
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Group 2:
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AAdvantage Platinum Pro
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oneworld Emerald
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Group 3:
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AAdvantage Platinum
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oneworld Sapphire
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Group 4:
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AAdvantage Gold
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oneworld Ruby
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Premium Economy
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Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Cardmembers
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Group 5:
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Main Cabin Extra (excluding Basic Economy)
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AAdvantage members with 15,000+ Loyalty Points
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Eligible AAdvantage credit cardholders
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Group 6:
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Other AAdvantage members
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Groups 7–8:
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Non-Basic Economy passengers not otherwise prioritized
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Group 9:
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Basic Economy passengers
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One of the key updates is that Executive Platinum members and military personnel no longer board with first or business class, but instead follow immediately in Group 1. Meanwhile, Concierge Key, first, and business class passengers are granted pre-boarding privileges, although it remains unclear whether these sub-groups are individually announced or called together.
Boarding Begins 5 Minutes Earlier on Domestic Flights
As of May 1, boarding for domestic narrow-body aircraft also begins five minutes earlier:
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35 minutes before departure for Airbus A319s and A320s
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40 minutes before departure for Boeing 737s and Airbus A321s
The airline says the move is aimed at reducing gate-checked bags, improving flow, and enhancing the premium cabin experience. American believes earlier boarding will allow for a less rushed process and more opportunity for passengers to settle in comfortably.
Industry Context and Customer Considerations
American’s revised process follows a broader industry trend where boarding procedures are heavily influenced by loyalty programs and ancillary revenue opportunities, rather than speed or operational efficiency.
While the airline touts the process as being more “straightforward,” the layered structure—with pre-boarding followed by nine groups—may still appear complex to casual flyers. Notably, American’s decision to let first and business class board ahead of elite frequent flyers diverges from policies at competitors like United, which boards top-tier elite members before premium cabins.
The decision to begin boarding earlier—without adjusting minimum connection times at hubs like DFW or CLT—may also create pressure for passengers arriving on tight connections.
Bottom Line
American Airlines has implemented a new boarding priority structure and earlier boarding times for domestic narrow-body aircraft as of May 1, 2025. With revised group assignments and a five-minute head start on boarding, the carrier aims to enhance operational flow and premium experience. These changes reflect American’s ongoing efforts to align loyalty benefits and customer experience, while better monetizing the boarding process.
