Credits:
Evelyn Waters
United Airlines is implementing changes to its boarding process, starting from October 26th. The new procedure aims to expedite boarding by allowing passengers in window and middle seats to board earlier. Here's how the updated boarding process will work:
- Pre-boarding remains unchanged and includes customers with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, active-duty military, global service members, families with young children under 2, and United Premier 1K members.
- Following pre-boarding, customers in premium cabins like United Polaris business class and United first class, as well as status holders, will board.
- Passengers seated in window seats or exit rows will then be invited to board.
- In a significant change, passengers in middle seats will now board after window seat passengers.
- Aisle seat passengers will board next.
- Basic economy passengers, who do not have a carry-on bag included in their ticket price, will board after all other groups. This group also includes passengers without a specific boarding group listed on their boarding pass.
The goal of this new approach is to streamline the boarding process, making it more efficient for everyone. Airlines employ varying boarding methods, such as Southwest, which doesn't assign seats in advance and allows passengers to pay for early boarding. Boarding earlier can also increase the likelihood of finding overhead bin space for carry-on bags.
In addition to these changes, United has recently upgraded its mobile app to offer automatic rebooking for delayed or canceled flights. Passengers can also request meal, hotel, or ground transportation vouchers through the app, enhancing the overall travel experience.
