How Do You Get Priority Boarding On American Airlines?

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Chief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

Are you tired of standing in long lines at the airport waiting to board your American Airlines flight? Do you want to skip the hustle and bustle of boarding and be the first to settle in and relax on your journey?

Well, good news! American Airlines offers priority boarding to its customers, and it’s easier to obtain than you might think. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways you can qualify for priority boarding on American Airlines and make your travel experience even more enjoyable.

How Do You Get Priority Boarding on American Airlines?

How Do You Get Priority Boarding on American Airlines?

American Airlines offers priority boarding to certain passengers, giving them the opportunity to board the plane before other passengers and secure their seat and overhead bin space. Here’s how you can get priority boarding on American Airlines.

1. American Airlines Elite Status

If you are an American Airlines elite status member, you will automatically receive priority boarding on all American Airlines flights. Elite status is earned by flying a certain number of miles or segments in a calendar year, and comes with a range of other benefits such as free checked bags, upgrades, and lounge access.

To become an elite status member, you need to sign up for the American Airlines AAdvantage program. There are four elite status tiers, each with its own requirements and benefits. The lowest tier is Gold, followed by Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum.

2. Business or First Class Ticket

Passengers who have purchased a business or first class ticket on American Airlines are also eligible for priority boarding. This allows them to board the plane before other passengers and settle into their seat, enjoy a pre-flight drink, and get ready for takeoff.

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Business and first class passengers also receive a range of other benefits, such as extra legroom, premium meals, and access to airport lounges.

3. AAdvantage Credit Card Holders

If you hold an AAdvantage credit card, you may be eligible for priority boarding on American Airlines flights. The exact benefits will depend on the type of card you have, but many cards offer priority boarding as a perk.

In addition to priority boarding, AAdvantage credit card holders may also enjoy benefits such as bonus miles, free checked bags, and discounts on in-flight purchases.

4. Military Personnel

Active duty military personnel are also eligible for priority boarding on American Airlines flights. To take advantage of this benefit, military personnel should present their military ID at the gate and request priority boarding.

In addition to priority boarding, American Airlines offers a range of other benefits to military personnel, such as waived fees for baggage and ticket changes.

5. Group 1 Boarding

Passengers who are not eligible for priority boarding through one of the above methods can still get on the plane early by purchasing Group 1 boarding. This allows passengers to board after priority boarding groups, but before the general boarding group.

Group 1 boarding can be added to your ticket during the booking process, or at any time before your flight through the American Airlines website or mobile app.

6. Benefits of Priority Boarding

Priority boarding offers several benefits to passengers. Firstly, it allows you to board the plane early and secure your seat and overhead bin space before other passengers. This can be particularly important if you have a tight connection or need to store a large carry-on bag.

In addition, priority boarding can make the boarding process less stressful and more efficient. By boarding early, you can avoid the crowds and lines that can form during the general boarding process.

7. Priority Boarding vs. Early Bird Check-In

Some passengers may confuse priority boarding with early bird check-in, which is offered by several airlines including Southwest and Alaska Airlines. Early bird check-in allows passengers to check in for their flight up to 24 hours before departure and get a better boarding position.

While early bird check-in can be a good option for some passengers, it does not offer the same benefits as priority boarding. With early bird check-in, you will still need to wait in the general boarding line and may not be able to secure overhead bin space near your seat.

8. Priority Boarding Tips

To make the most of priority boarding on American Airlines, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Firstly, be sure to arrive at the gate early so that you can take advantage of priority boarding as soon as it starts.

Secondly, be prepared by having your boarding pass and ID ready to present at the gate. This will help to speed up the boarding process and ensure that you don’t hold up the line.

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Finally, be courteous to other passengers and follow the instructions of the gate agent. Priority boarding is a privilege, not a right, so it’s important to respect the rules and procedures that are in place.

9. Conclusion

Overall, there are several ways to get priority boarding on American Airlines. Whether you are an elite status member, a business or first class passenger, an AAdvantage credit card holder, or a military member, you can enjoy the benefits of early boarding and a more comfortable travel experience.

If none of these options apply to you, consider purchasing Group 1 boarding to gain access to early boarding. By following these tips and being prepared, you can make the most of priority boarding on your next American Airlines flight.

10. References

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you wondering how to get priority boarding on American Airlines? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you understand the process.

What are the benefits of priority boarding on American Airlines?

Priority boarding on American Airlines allows you to board the plane before general boarding. This can give you extra time to get settled, stow your carry-on baggage, and get comfortable in your seat. It can also help ensure that you have space for your belongings in the overhead bins. Additionally, priority boarding may come with other perks, such as early access to the plane’s amenities.

To get priority boarding, you will need to meet certain qualifications, such as having elite status with American Airlines or holding a certain type of credit card. You can also purchase priority boarding as an add-on to your ticket.

How do you earn elite status with American Airlines?

To earn elite status with American Airlines, you will need to fly a certain number of miles or segments with the airline in a calendar year. The amount required varies depending on the level of elite status you are seeking. You can also earn elite status through qualifying spending on an American Airlines credit card. Once you have earned elite status, you will be eligible for priority boarding and other benefits.

Keep in mind that elite status must be earned each year, so you will need to continue flying with American Airlines to maintain your status and benefits.

What types of American Airlines credit cards offer priority boarding?

American Airlines offers several credit cards that come with priority boarding as a benefit. These include the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard®, the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®, and the AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard®. To receive priority boarding with these cards, you must present your card or provide your frequent flyer number at the time of boarding.

Note that some American Airlines credit cards may offer priority boarding only for the primary cardholder, while others may extend the benefit to authorized users on the account.

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How much does it cost to purchase priority boarding on American Airlines?

The cost of purchasing priority boarding on American Airlines varies depending on the route and the specific flight. In general, the fee ranges from $9 to $74 per person, per flight. You can purchase priority boarding at the time of booking your ticket or add it later through your reservation or on the day of your flight at the airport.

Keep in mind that purchasing priority boarding does not guarantee that you will be able to board the plane first. If there are multiple groups with priority boarding, they will be called in a specific order, and your group may still have to wait to board.

What should you do if you are eligible for priority boarding but it is not offered at the gate?

If you believe you are eligible for priority boarding but it is not offered at the gate, you should speak to a gate agent. They can confirm your eligibility and help ensure that you are able to board the plane early. It is important to note that if you are not eligible for priority boarding, you should not attempt to board with those who are, as this may delay the boarding process and cause confusion for the airline staff and other passengers.

By understanding the rules and requirements for priority boarding on American Airlines, you can increase your chances of getting on the plane early and enjoying a more comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

How to Get Priority Boarding on Flights | Upgrade Your Air Travel Experience!


In conclusion, getting priority boarding on American Airlines is an excellent way to make your travel experience more comfortable and streamlined. By following the tips we’ve outlined, you can increase your chances of being one of the first to board the plane and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.

Remember, if you have elite status with American Airlines or a qualifying credit card, you may already be eligible for priority boarding. However, if you don’t fall into either of these categories, don’t worry. You can still improve your chances by purchasing priority boarding as an add-on or arriving at the gate early.

Ultimately, the key to getting priority boarding on American Airlines is being proactive and knowing your options. By taking advantage of the different strategies available to you, you can make your travel experience more enjoyable and stress-free. So, next time you fly with American Airlines, give these tips a try and see how much of a difference they can make.

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