The letter B on a boarding pass refers to your boarding group or zone. It indicates when you will be allowed to board the plane in relation to other passengers.
Why do boarding passes have letters?
Airlines use boarding groups as a way to control the order that passengers board the plane. By boarding in an organized manner, it helps reduce congestion in the gate area and allows a faster boarding process overall.
Passengers are assigned a boarding group letter based on their ticket fare class, elite status level in the airline’s frequent flyer program, and other factors. In general, passengers in higher fare classes or with elite status get to board earlier. Families traveling with small children and passengers requiring special assistance are also often allowed to board early.
What do the different boarding group letters mean?
While boarding groups vary slightly between airlines, a typical ordering is:
| Boarding Group | Passengers |
| A | First class, business class |
| B | Elite status holders |
| C | Standard coach class |
| D | Basic economy |
| E | Standby passengers |
On some airlines, groups A and B are further broken down into subgroups. For example, A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, etc. This allows the airline to create more granular boarding zones.
Group A
Group A boards first and consists of passengers seated in first class and business class. Airlines invite first and business class passengers to board first as a perk of their high-priced tickets. First class boards before business class in most cases.
Group B
This group is made up of frequent flyer program elites and members who have status with the airline. For example, United’s Premier elites, American’s AAdvantage elite members, and Delta’s SkyMiles Medallion members. Elite flyers receive priority boarding as one of the key benefits of having status.
Group C
Group C boards after the priority groups and is generally made up of standard economy class passengers without elite status. This is usually the largest boarding group on the plane.
Group D
Group D boards last and is usually for basic economy fare passengers who purchased the cheapest tickets. Some airlines also have Group E for standby fliers only allowed to board if seats are still available.
Why is it good to have an early boarding group?
There are several advantages of boarding early with a group A or B boarding pass:
- You can find space in the overhead bins to store your carry-on luggage before they fill up.
- You have more time to get settled into your seat without feeling rushed.
- You can choose your preferred seat if seats are still open.
- You’ll have a short wait on the plane before takeoff rather than standing in the jet bridge.
- If you have a connection, you can deplane quicker and give yourself more time to get to your next gate.
In addition to these practical advantages, boarding early allows you to feel like a VIP with privileged boarding access. This can make the travel experience more enjoyable.
How can you get an early boarding group?
Here are some ways to improve your chances of boarding in Group A or B:
- Book a first class or business class fare – this immediately gives you access to Group A.
- Attain frequent flyer elite status with an airline through flying or credit card spend.
- Get an airline-branded credit card – some come with Group 1/2 boarding benefits.
- Join the airline’s fee-based extra legroom economy seating for early boarding access.
- Pay an upcharge for early boarding when checking in online.
- Check in as early as possible – some airlines assign remaining A/B spots on a first come basis.
Can you bring a companion with you for early boarding?
Most airlines allow customers with early boarding groups to bring along a companion in the same boarding group. So if you have a Group B pass, you can generally board together with one travel companion who would otherwise be in a later group.
However, there are a couple caveats:
- Some airlines only allow this perk for elite status holders and not passengers upgraded for other reasons like a first class ticket.
- The companion must be booked on the same itinerary as you. You can’t bring a companion flying separately.
- Any additional companions beyond one have to board in their assigned group.
If boarding with a companion in an early group, be sure to check in together and inform the gate agent when boarding.
Can you switch boarding group passes with another passenger?
No, boarding passes are non-transferable. While you may be able to get away with swapping boarding passes with a companion or family member on the same reservation, airlines prohibit transferring them between unrelated passengers.
Reasons boarding passes cannot be transferred include:
- Security – the boarding pass is matched to passenger ID/security screening.
- Overbooking prevention – prevents selling too many early boarding slots.
- Fairness to others – honors boarding priorities set by airline.
- Ancillary fee avoidance – prohibits avoiding fees by transferring.
Bottom line – do not exchange boarding passes with strangers or acquaintances on different bookings in an attempt to get into an earlier boarding group. You will risk denied boarding or other issues if caught by airline staff.
What if you lose your boarding pass or it doesn’t show a group?
If you lose your boarding pass or it fails to show a boarding group for some reason, simply get a new one printed at the airport. You can print at airport kiosks, the ticket counter, or through the airline’s mobile app.
Your new boarding pass will have your correct assigned boarding group on it. The group is attached to your ticket in the airline’s reservation system rather than printed individually on each paper or digital boarding pass.
Conclusion
The letter B on boarding passes indicates a higher priority boarding group, usually reserved for frequent flyer elites and passengers in premium cabins. It allows early access to overhead bin space, more time to settle in, and a shorter wait for takeoff. Travelers can get a B boarding group through elite status, purchasing premium fares, or airline credit cards. While desirable, boarding passes cannot be transferred between passengers on different bookings.
Understanding boarding groups can help travelers better navigate the airport boarding process, manage expectations of when they will board, and identify areas for improvement if they want early boarding access. The boarding group letters provide an orderly system for airlines to board planes efficiently and provide service based on fare class and loyalty. Next time you look at your boarding pass, you’ll know exactly what that prominent letter means.
Related questions
What does the C boarding group mean on a boarding pass?
The C boarding group is usually designated for economy class passengers without elite airline status. It boards after first class, business class passengers, and frequent flyer elites in groups A and B. The C group often boards in two or three sub-groups if the airline has assigned C1, C2, C3.
Can you pay to get an earlier boarding group?
Some airlines allow you to pay a fee (usually around $30-$40) to upgrade your boarding group during online check-in. You can get bumped up a few groups earlier, though usually not as early as Group A. It’s a good option if you’re in a late group and willing to pay for slightly earlier access.
If your boarding pass says 0, does that mean you board first?
Yes, a 0 on your boarding pass typically means you will board in the very first group before anyone else. This is reserved for special situations like passengers in luxury first class suites, those needing extra time boarding, or active duty military personnel.
Can children board early?
Children under 2 years old can usually board early with their parents, even if in a later group. Families with infants or car seats that require overhead bin space are often invited to board in Group 1/2. Older children board in their assigned group.
In summary:
- B stands for a higher priority boarding group, between economy and first class groups.
- Elite flyers and passengers in premium seats get early boarding access.
- Boarding early provides several advantages like overhead bin space.
- Travelers can get into Group B through airline status, book premium fares, or get co-branded credit cards.
- You can’t switch boarding passes between unrelated passengers.