American Airlines Boarding Process Explained (Group by Group)

If you’ve ever been at the gate wondering what “Group 6 — now boarding” means, you’re not alone!
American Airlines boards passengers in numerical groups, from Preboarding to Group 9, to make boarding faster and more organized.

This guide breaks down the American Airlines boarding process group by group — so you’ll know exactly when it’s your turn to board and how to move through the gate smoothly.

Step 1: Preboarding

Who boards first:

• First-class passengers needing extra time

• Customers with disabilities or mobility assistance

• Active-duty U.S. military members in uniform

Preboarding passengers can settle in early and store carry-ons before the crowd arrives.

Group 1 – First Class & Executive Platinum

Includes:

• First-class travelers on domestic or two-class aircraft

• AAdvantage Executive Platinum members

• oneworld Emerald elite members

➡️ Benefit: Priority access through dedicated lanes and early bin space.

Group 2 – Business Class & Platinum Pro

Includes:

• Business-class passengers (on 3-class aircraft)

• AAdvantage Platinum Pro members

• oneworld Sapphire members

➡️ Tip: Great time to board without rushing — fewer people in line than later groups.

Group 3 – Platinum & Priority Customers

Includes:

• AAdvantage Platinum members

• oneworld Ruby members

• Travelers with Priority boarding purchased or included with their fare

Group 4 – Premium Economy & Eligible Credit-Card Holders

Includes:

• Premium Economy passengers

• Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select and AAdvantage Aviator Red cardholders

• Customers who bought Priority benefits

➡️ Tip: If you want overhead bin space but don’t have elite status, Group 4 is your sweet spot.

Group 5 – Main Cabin Extra

Includes:

• Main Cabin Extra ticket holders (extra-legroom seats)

➡️ Benefit: Earlier access to bins and quicker settling into seats.

Group 6 – Main Cabin (Forward Seats)

Includes:

• Standard Main Cabin seats located toward the front of the plane

➡️ Tip: Great position if you want to deplane faster after landing.

Group 7 & 8 – Main Cabin (Rear Seats)

Includes:

• Main Cabin passengers seated toward the back

• Most regular economy-fare travelers

➡️ Note: By this time, overhead bins may be fuller — consider checking large carry-ons.

Group 9 – Basic Economy

Includes:

• Basic Economy ticket holders

➡️ Important: Limited carry-on allowance — usually one personal item that fits under the seat.

How to Know Your Boarding Group

You can find your boarding group number on:

• Your boarding pass (mobile or paper)

• In the AA app under “My Trips”

• On the gate screen at the airport

Smart Boarding Tips

1. Arrive early — at least 45 minutes before departure.

2. Have your boarding pass ready before scanning.

3. Listen for announcements — sometimes gate agents invite combined groups (e.g., “Groups 1–3 may board now”).

4. Keep essentials handy — phone, ID, and carry-on items you’ll need in flight.

5. Gate-check bags if bins are full — it’s free on full flights.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the American Airlines boarding groups makes your airport experience smoother and less stressful.
Now you’ll know exactly when to board — and how to snag overhead space before it’s gone.