Boarding an airplane can feel chaotic if you’re unsure of the process, but Alaska Airlines has developed a structured system that keeps things running smoothly.
By organizing passengers into specific boarding groups, the airline ensures efficiency, comfort, and fair access to overhead bin space. While Alaska’s approach shares similarities with other U.S. carriers, it also has a few unique elements that frequent flyers should be aware of.
General Boarding Process at Alaska Airlines
The Alaska Airlines boarding sequence is designed to get passengers on the plane in an orderly manner. It begins with pre-boarding for travelers who need extra time or assistance, followed by elite Mileage Plan members and premium ticket holders.
After that, groups are called in stages, starting from the front of the plane and moving back. Gate agents make announcements, and digital screens display the current boarding group so passengers know exactly when it’s their turn.
Boarding Groups Explained
Alaska Airlines’ boarding order follows a set priority list. Here’s how it works:
- Pre-Boarding – Guests needing additional time or assistance, along with active-duty military personnel.
- First Class & Mileage Plan Elites – First Class travelers and Mileage Plan MVP Gold, 75K, and 100K members.
- Premium Class – Passengers seated in Premium Class enjoy earlier boarding with extra legroom.
- Main Cabin Boarding – Divided into groups (A, B, and C), usually based on seat location. Group A boards before Groups B and C.
- Saver Fare – Those traveling on Saver tickets, Alaska’s most restrictive fare, are always the last to board.
This system balances loyalty rewards, paid upgrades, and efficiency for passengers seated throughout the aircraft.
How Many Boarding Groups Does Alaska Airlines Have?
Alaska Airlines organizes its boarding process into clearly defined groups to ensure smooth and efficient boarding for all passengers. From pre-boarding to Saver fares, each stage has a specific order.
1. Pre-Boarding
Pre-boarding is reserved for passengers who require additional time or assistance to settle into their seats on the plane. This includes travelers with mobility challenges, medical conditions, or those requiring special accommodations.
Families with children under two years old are also invited to board early so they can secure their seats and stow baby gear without the rush of the main boarding flow. In addition, active-duty U.S. military members are recognized with pre-boarding privileges, giving them early access to their seats.
2. First Class & Mileage Plan Elite Members
The next group includes First Class ticket holders and Alaska Airlines’ most loyal customers. Mileage Plan elites—MVP, MVP Gold, Gold 75K, and Gold 100K members—are invited to board at this stage.
Boarding early allows these passengers to enjoy the perks of their premium seating, settle in with complimentary drinks, and claim overhead bin space without competition. This group is one of the most valued categories, as it rewards frequent flyers and those who invest in higher fare classes.
3. Premium Class
Premium Class travelers board immediately after First Class and elites. These seats, located in the Main Cabin, offer extra legroom, complimentary drinks, and priority boarding as part of the upgrade. By boarding in this group, Premium Class passengers enjoy a more relaxed experience and better access to overhead storage.
It’s a popular option for travelers who want added comfort without paying for First Class, and boarding early is one of the benefits that makes it worthwhile.
4. Main Cabin (Groups A, B, and C)
Once premium passengers are on board, Alaska begins boarding the Main Cabin in three waves:
- Group A: Typically seated closer to the front of the aircraft or in window seats. Boarding earlier means they can settle in while leaving aisle access clear.
- Group B: Passengers in the middle sections of the plane. They board after Group A, balancing flow through the cabin.
- Group C: Usually the last of the standard Main Cabin groups, often including seats toward the back or those who checked in later.
This phased boarding system prevents congestion in the aisles and keeps the process moving smoothly.
5. Saver Fare Passengers
The final group to board is those traveling on Saver fares, Alaska Airlines’ most restrictive ticket option. While these fares offer the lowest price, they come with limitations—one being that Saver passengers must always board last.
By this point, overhead bin space may be limited, so Saver customers often need to gate-check larger carry-ons. Boarding last is a trade-off for the lower ticket cost, but many budget travelers find it worth the savings.
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How Do Boarding Groups Work on Alaska Airlines International Flights?
Boarding groups on Alaska Airlines’ international routes work very similarly to domestic flights, but there are a few added considerations due to customs, documentation checks, and larger passenger volumes.
The airline still follows a structured, priority-based system that organizes travelers into groups to keep the process smooth and efficient.
- Pre-Boarding – Passengers needing extra time or assistance, families with small children, and active-duty U.S. military members are welcomed first. On international routes, agents often verify travel documents at this stage to reduce delays at the gate.
- First Class & Elite Members – Travelers flying in First Class, along with Mileage Plan elite members (MVP, MVP Gold, 75K, and 100K), are invited to board early. This ensures premium passengers can enjoy their upgraded service, secure bin space, and settle in before the cabin fills.
- Premium Class – Customers with Premium Class seating are next. They benefit from priority boarding, additional legroom, and early access to overhead bins, making long international flights more comfortable.
- Main Cabin Boarding (Groups A, B, and C) – Economy passengers board in smaller waves. Typically, Group A includes forward or window seats, Group B covers middle sections, and Group C is for back rows or later check-ins. This step-by-step process minimizes aisle congestion during boarding on larger international aircraft.
- Saver Fare – As with domestic flights, Saver fare passengers board last. On international routes, this often means overhead bin space is already limited, so larger carry-ons may be checked at the gate.
One key difference on international flights is the extra emphasis on document checks—gate agents confirm passports, visas, or entry requirements before scanning boarding passes. This can slightly extend the boarding timeline, but the group order itself remains consistent.
How to Book a Flight for a Group on Alaska Airlines?
When you’re planning to travel with a group, it’s much simpler to make a group reservation rather than booking tickets one by one for each traveler. A group booking not only saves time but often comes with added benefits such as exclusive services, easier management, and special discounted fares.
To book a group flight on Alaska Airlines, follow these steps:
- Go to the official Alaska Airlines website.
- On the homepage, select the “Book” option.
- Enter your trip details, including travel class, departure and arrival airports, dates, times, and fare preferences.
- Add the booking details again for a group request.
- Enter the information of all passengers traveling together.
- Review the instructions provided and proceed to the payment page.
- Make sure every traveler’s name is listed in the reservation.
- Complete the payment, and the tickets will be sent to your registered email.
Booking as a group is not only more convenient but also gives you access to special Alaska Airlines group travel support.
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How to Get Alaska Airlines Priority Boarding?
Securing priority boarding on Alaska Airlines ensures early access to your seat, overhead bin space, and a smoother travel experience. From elite status and upgraded seating to credit card perks, there are several ways to board ahead of others.
Ways to Get Priority Boarding on Alaska Airlines
There are multiple paths to board earlier with Alaska Airlines. While premium-class tickets and elite status are common options, they aren’t the only ways. Here are several strategies that can help you step onto the plane ahead of the crowd:
Qualify for Pre-Boarding
Passengers who meet pre-boarding requirements are invited to board before anyone else—even before First Class. This allows you to settle into your seat without rushing, making it the smoothest option for early access.
Fly in a Premium Cabin
Booking First Class or Premium Class automatically grants you priority boarding. These passengers are called before Main Cabin and Saver fares, giving them first pick of overhead space and extra time to get comfortable.
Earn Elite Mileage Plan Status
Frequent flyers who achieve elite tiers in Alaska’s Mileage Plan loyalty program enjoy special boarding privileges. Members with MVP Gold 75K, Gold, or Million Miler status board immediately after First Class. MVP members board with Premium Class during Group B, ensuring earlier access compared to the Main Cabin.
Upgrade Your Ticket
If you didn’t book a premium fare initially, you can still move up the boarding order by upgrading. Alaska allows upgrades using cash or Mileage Plan miles, with prices starting around $5 for Premium Class and $23 for First Class when available.
Join a Priority Boarding Promotion
Alaska Airlines is known for its creative, seasonal boarding promotions. Travelers who participate in themed events—such as wearing Star Wars attire on May the Fourth or showing off an ugly holiday sweater in December—have been rewarded with early boarding in the past. These fun promotions let passengers enjoy a festive perk while skipping the line.
How to Qualify for Earlier Boarding?
Getting into an earlier boarding group can make travel much easier, especially when overhead bins fill quickly. Here are a few ways:
- Elite Status – Mileage Plan MVP, Gold, 75K, and 100K members receive priority boarding.
- Upgraded Seating – Booking First Class or Premium Class automatically moves you up in the order.
- Credit Card Perks – The Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card can secure you earlier boarding benefits.
- Special Circumstances – Families with young children and passengers needing extra assistance are invited to board first.
Tips for a Smooth Boarding Experience
- Arrive Early: Get to the gate at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Be Ready: Have your boarding pass and ID in hand when your group is called.
- Travel Light: A smaller carry-on or personal item ensures you won’t stress about overhead bin space.
- Use the Mobile App: Alaska’s app notifies you when your group is boarding, reducing the need to crowd the gate.
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Comparison with Other Airlines
Alaska Airlines’ boarding system is relatively straightforward compared to larger U.S. carriers. Unlike American Airlines’ numerous group numbers or United’s zone system, Alaska keeps it simple with fewer categories. This makes the process less confusing for occasional travelers. The main difference is that Saver passengers are always placed last, similar to basic economy on other airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about How Do Boarding Groups Work on Alaska Airlines
Boarding can feel confusing if you’re unfamiliar with Alaska Airlines’ process. To make it easier, we’ve answered some of the most common questions travelers ask about boarding groups, priority order, and passenger benefits.
How many boarding groups does Alaska Airlines have?
Alaska Airlines has five main boarding stages: Pre-boarding, First Class & elite members, Premium Class, Main Cabin (Groups A–C), and Saver fare passengers who board last.
Who gets to pre-board on Alaska Airlines?
Pre-boarding is reserved for passengers needing extra time or assistance, families with small children, and active-duty U.S. military members.
Do Alaska Airlines elite members board earlier?
Yes. Mileage Plan elites (MVP, Gold, 75K, and 100K) are included in the early boarding group, right after pre-boarding.
What is Premium Class boarding on Alaska Airlines?
Premium Class passengers board after First Class and elite members. This group enjoys priority boarding, more legroom, and complimentary beverages.
How does Main Cabin boarding work on Alaska Airlines?
The Main Cabin boards in three phases: Group A, Group B, and Group C. This sequence is designed to reduce aisle congestion and keep the process organized.
Do Saver fare passengers always board last?
Yes. Saver fare passengers are the final group to board, which means overhead bin space may be limited and some bags could be gate-checked.
Is the boarding process different for international flights?
The group order remains the same for international flights, but there is usually extra time needed for document checks like passports and visas at the gate.
Conclusion
Alaska Airlines’ boarding groups are structured to reward loyalty, manage space, and create a smoother experience for everyone. From pre-boarding for those who need assistance to Saver fare passengers at the end, each group has a clear order. By planning through elite status, upgraded seating, or smart packing, you can secure a better boarding position and make your journey more comfortable.
