Alaska Airlines uses a boarding group system to categorize travelers into different groups. Firstly, the groups that Alaska Airlines’ boarding entails are not few. They consist of Pre-boarding, Priority Boarding, and Groups from A to F. These depend on or are determined by the fare type, loyalty level, and other factors.
The main purpose of these divisions is to provide each passenger with an effortless boarding experience. Secondly, they help ensure less hassle at the airport while performing this task. Besides that, the system works very efficiently in reducing the waiting time at terminals.
What are the Boarding Groups of Alaska Airlines?
Alaska Air, a well-known airline, uses a variety of categories to facilitate passenger boarding. The fundamental objective of these boarding groups of Alaska Airlines is to make the travel experience more comfortable, as entering the plane is a process involving lots of people.
Note: Normally, these categories are determined during the flight check, in process, whether online or offline.
How do I find out my Alaska Air Boarding Group?
A passenger can find their Alaska Air boarding group on their boarding pass. When a flight has several segments, each segment will have a specific letter assigned to it, appearing on a separate line. If a Mileage Plan MVP member is traveling with other members who have similar reservations, the same categorizations will be displayed.
- Besides being printed on boarding passes, Alaska Air boarding groups are also listed on airport display boards.
- On the boards, the green group has a checkboard.
- The groups in red are those who will be boarded soon.
How many boarding groups does Alaska Airlines have?
Alaska Airlines has 6 boarding groups, which makes the boarding process quite clear. These six groups will board the plane after the pre-boarding-eligible passengers.
- Group A.
- Group B.
- Group C.
- Group D.
- Group E.
Travelers who are allowed to pre-board include guests with disabilities or those requiring extra time for boarding, families with children under 2, and active-duty military members.
First-class ticketed passengers are the first to board after preboarding. Then the procedure proceeds, in alphabetical order, starting with Group A and ending with Group E.
How does Alaska Airlines randomly select boarding groups?
When assigning a boarding group, Alaska Airlines considers the type of ticket the traveler holds. In addition, the passenger’s Mileage Plan membership level is taken into account. Travelers can contact the Alaska Airlines Office to find out the exact class.
| Boarding Group on Alaska | Assigned to |
| Group A | MVP Gold 75K, Mileage Plan Million Miler, MVP Gold members |
| Group B | Travelers in Premium Classes, Mileage Plan MVP members |
| Group C | Business card holders having bookings with Alaska cards, Eligible Alaska Airlines Visa Signature members |
| Group D | Passengers occupying the back half of the aircraft’s Main seats |
| Group E | Fliers holding the front half of the aircraft’s Main seats |
| Group F | Travelers in Saver seats |
| Preboarding | Families with children under 2 years, Fliers with impairments, and Active military members |
| Priority Boarding | MVP Gold 100K, First Class |
How to Get Priority Boarding Groups with Alaska Airlines?
There are several ways to get priority boarding on Alaska Airlines. To accomplish this, travelers can purchase premium, first-class tickets. Alternatively, as an elite-status member of the airline, they can enjoy this benefit. In addition to these, there are other ways to get priority boarding.
Qualify for Preboarding
Preboarding passengers have the privilege of boarding the plane earlier than all other travelers, even before first-class passengers.
Fly in a Premium Cabin
Buying a first, or premium, class ticket entitles you to priority boarding along with other perks. Priority boarding means you are allowed to board the plane before passengers holding main cabin or saver seat tickets.
Upgrade your Ticket
Another way to get priority boarding is to upgrade your ticket class before departure. You may be allowed to pay by cash or to use miles to upgrade, depending on your ticket category. Premium class upgrades start at only $5, while first class upgrades start at $23.
Participate in a Priority Boarding Promotion
Alaska Airlines is known for running holiday-themed priority boarding promotions that encourage travelers to dress up in the theme to receive priority boarding privileges.
Previously, the airline has joined May the Fourth with Star Wars fans and in the holiday spirit by celebrating National Ugly Sweater Day. Watch out for these promotions; you may be able to get on the plane earlier if you decide to go for it.
Conclusion
The Alaska Airlines boarding process is far from complex. People who are pre-boarded or buy first-class tickets can be seated ahead of others. In any case, the passenger should check their boarding pass to find the boarding group number for the Alaska boarding group they belong to, which determines their boarding time.
Related FAQs
Alaska Airlines has 5 different letter groups for boarding, ranging from A to E. In addition, Alaska Airlines has offered passengers the option to board earlier, and first-class passengers have the privilege of boarding before the standard groups.
If a passenger fails to board the plane with the group, they can contact airport officials.
First, class passengers on Alaska Airlines flights board the plane after pre-boarding is complete and before the letter groups begin boarding.
Alaska Airlines offers pre-boarding to guests with disabilities who may need assistance or a little more time to board, families with toddlers under 2 years of age, and active military personnel.
Yes, Alaska Airlines does assign seating. One can choose a seat when buying their ticket or any time before checking in. Premium seats cost extra, but all other economy seats are free to choose. Once you have checked in for your flight, Alaska Airlines airport staff can assist with seat assignments or changes.
