These tips will help increase the chances that you won’t have to gate-check your bag. Of course, there’s never a guarantee that you’ll get overhead bin space for your carry-on, unless you’re flying first or business class.
Different airlines have different boarding procedures. Knowing how each one works will help ensure you get overhead space. The general rule is: when you select a seat in the back of the plane, there’s a good chance you’ll get overhead space. The downside is, you’ll deplane last, which can be a problem if you have a tight connection.
Here are 6 tips to help ensure that you get overhead bin space:
1. Select a seat near the back of the plane. Most airlines board by group number and those in back tend to board first. However, some airlines board from the window seats first, then middle, then aisle. (Below is a list of airlines and their boarding procedures.)
2. Select a window seat. Not every airline gives priority boarding to passengers in the back of the plane. Some airlines board window seats, then middle, and then aisle (such as United Airlines). Know which ones operate this way. (See list below.)
3. Join an airline loyalty/mileage program and get priority boarding. This works great, but only if you fly that airline often and can accrue enough miles to attain status. (TIP: Some airlines offer their own credit card, which may provide an “early boarding” benefit. Look it up. It might be worth it.)
4. Pay a fee and get priority boarding. Many airlines allow priority boarding for those willing to pay a fee upon ticket purchase. Sometimes they will offer priority boarding again for a fee at check-in. If time is important to you, it’s probably worth paying the fee, rather than taking the gamble and risk having to check your suitcase at the gate.
5. Check-in online before departure. Some airlines give better seating priority to passengers who check-in online. It’s like a reward for people who help alleviate the crowded lines at the check-in counter. The earlier you check-in (maximum 24 hours before departure), the better.
6. Play dumb and try to board before your row or group number is called. Normally, we would advise people NOT to use this tactic. It shows bad manners. However, if you’re desperate to get overhead space and you have a high boarding group number, you can try it. Keep in mind, it might not work. Some gate agents are strict and if you’re told to stand aside and wait for your group number to be called, it will be a little embarrassing. You’ll be forced to step out of line and suffer the disdain of other passengers glaring at you (including us). This tactic generally only works for elderly, people with small children or travelers who pretend not to speak the local language.
Note: Many airlines are experimenting with boarding procedures. One of the more popular methods is having different lines for different boarding zones, which will be indicated in the boarding area. Look for markers indicating where to line up. In this scenario, it helps to be near the front of the line for that boarding zone. You can line up before your zone is called.
LIST OF AIRLINE BOARDING PROCEDURES:
Airlines that board from the back to the front–
- Air Canada
- Alaska
- American
- Delta
- British Airways
- Frontier
- JetBlue
- Spirit
- Virgin Atlantic
Airlines that board from the windows seats to the aisle–
- United
Airlines that board randomly–
- Southwest (check-in online as close to 24 hours before departure as possible)
Footnote:
Foreign airlines (outside the U.S.) each have their own boarding procedures. But most follow the back to front method. In some regions, such as Asia (and specifically China), it’s common for gate agents to announce boarding for “all rows” at the same time. It’s almost like they just gave up trying to board in an orderly manner. Perhaps despite their best efforts, things became chaotic no matter what. Likely because of the language barriers. There are many languages and dialects in Asia, therefore increased confusion. If you’re unsure what to expect on a foreign flight, before boarding begins simply ask the gate agent, “What is your boarding procedure?”
If you want to learn more, here’s a very detailed article (with illustrations) by SeatGuru:
http://www.seatguru.com/articles/boarding_procedures.php
(Photo: Mila Supinskaya/Shutterstock)
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For Pinners:
