subject: Who Is Allowed To Get On The Plane First [print this page] The rules for who is allowed to get onto the plane first are not always clear. Who exactly is allowed to get onto the plane first, and why do I always have to wait so long to board?
If you want to catch flights from Seattle to Oakland and don't want to be sat at the boarding gate for a long time while other people get onto the plane then, unless you're a pilot, you need to be a first class flier. First class passengers are often given both a quick route through security, and offered the opportunity to board the plane first. Some no frills airlines have picked up on this and offer Speedy Boarding services that allow passengers to onto a plane first, by paying an extra fee.
At most airports, the officials aren't even aware that there is something called speedy boarding, and though it might feel like you're making progress, the people that get on the plane first will simply have to sit on the plane for longer while they wait for everyone else to get board the flights from Denver to Calgary.
There are some exceptions though. You can beat the system by being in a certain category of customer. When next catching flights from Washington to Savannah check and see who gets on the plane first. Families with young children and elderly passengers are allowed to board before everyone else.
So next time you see people being let onto the plane before you, don't worry. The plane will not fly off without you, and those who are getting on first either need to due to have young kids or being old, or having paid more. Be thankful that you're in none of those categories and wait your turn. You'll get there eventually.
