For an extra fee, some airlines will let you get on the plane earlier than other passengers, giving you a better chance of finding space in the overhead bin among other benefits.
|
Airline |
What it's called |
How much |
What you get |
Browser says |
|
AirTran |
Priority Boarding |
$10 |
You'll board in Zone 2 – behind the Business Class passengers. |
This is something you buy at the airport; and probably only worth it if the flight is super full. Rather unexciting. |
|
Allegiant |
Priority Boarding |
$9.99 |
You'll be the first to board. |
You can buy this in advance; on an airline like this with mostly slow moving leisure travelers, $9.99 isn't bad to hurtle ahead of all of them. |
|
American |
Your Choice |
$9 |
Group 1 Boarding – be among the first to board, for a small fee. (The security line jump is still only just for special people, sorry.) |
Congratulations to AA on another smooth revenue generating move – getting rid of back-to-front boarding means they may sell more of this option. |
|
JetBlue |
Even More Speed |
$25 and up |
Breeze through security, be the first to board. Sold as part of the Even More Space option for now; the airline says it may go a la carte later on. |
Basically, the Even More Space seats are even more valuable now. Check, though. Not all airports offer the security line jump. |
|
Southwest |
Early Bird Check In |
$10 |
Assigns a boarding position that allows you to be one of the first people on the plane. |
Don't get excited -- they don't guarantee A Group. It can happen, but may not, if lots of people bought Business Select fares. |
|
United |
Premier Line |
$9 and up |
Gets you through check-in, security and boarding faster. Also offered in bundles with other services, such as guaranteed Economy Plus Seating, for a higher price. |
Loves it! Particularly at places like ORD, where we've avoided missing flights by buying this service at the kiosk before rushing to security. |
