United streamlines boarding process
United Airlines aims to take the long wait and hassle out of flying with new updated boarding procedures.
The ‘better boarding’ process is aimed at streamlining one of the most frustrating aspects of air travel, by giving customers more space at the gate, less time waiting and improved boarding information.
United is reducing the number of boarding lanes from the current five to two which will give passengers added space, a little more time to relax and less time waiting in line.
A key enhancement is a new alert via United’s app informing users when boarding has started for their flight.
"The boarding process was one of the top areas customers told us they wanted improved," said Sarah Murphy, vice president of Global Operations Strategy, Planning and Design at United.
"We listened to customers and employees as we tested a variety of processes on thousands of flights until we found a better boarding process that results in less time spent waiting in lines, improved communication and a better way to recognize our Premier customers."
United’s MileagePlus Premier 1K customers will now be invited to pre-board and Premier Gold customers will be fast tracked from the current group two boarding group to group one.
United says this not only enhances the first to board perk for premium fliers but also better balances out the entire boarding process.
United’s military pre-boarding group which includes uniformed members of the military will be extended to allow all active duty military members to board early.
The new better boarding policy has been live in Los Angeles since earlier this year and is now available at over 1,000 gates across the globe, along with new signage.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt