Alaska Airlines Boarding Groups: A Complete 2025 Guide

Last Updated: October 15, 2025

If you’ve ever stood at an airport gate wondering when it’s your turn to board, you’re not alone. Alaska Airlines has a well-structured boarding system that organizes passengers into clear boarding groups, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for everyone. Whether you’re asking how many boarding groups Alaska has or what are Alaska Airlines boarding groups, this guide will help you understand exactly how it all works.

What Are Alaska Airlines Boarding Groups

Alaska Airlines uses boarding groups to decide the order in which passengers board the plane. It keeps the gate area organized and helps those who need extra time get settled before general boarding begins. Each passenger’s boarding pass shows their assigned group — A, B, C, D, or E — which determines when they can line up to board.

This system benefits both travelers and the airline. Passengers know when to be ready, and flight attendants can prepare for takeoff faster without unnecessary delays.

How Many Boarding Groups Does Alaska Have

A common question travelers ask is: How many boarding groups does Alaska Airlines have?

Alaska Airlines has six boarding groups, plus a pre-boarding stage before them. The groups are called in a specific order to maintain efficiency and fairness.

Here’s the general boarding order you can expect:

Pre-Boarding

Alaska begins boarding with passengers who need extra assistance. This includes travelers with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, families traveling with infants, and active-duty military members.

First Class

After pre-boarding, First Class passengers are invited to board. They receive priority access and can settle into their seats early.

Group A

This group usually includes Alaska Mileage Plan elite members and select credit card holders. Boarding early means you’ll find plenty of overhead bin space and avoid the rush.

Group B

Group B often includes travelers in Premium Class seats and frequent flyers who don’t have elite status but enjoy some added perks.

Group C

This group is typically made up of Main Cabin passengers seated toward the rear of the aircraft. Boarding from the back first helps speed up the process.

Group D

Passengers seated in the middle section of the plane are called next.

Group E

This is the final boarding group and usually includes passengers with Saver Fares or those seated closer to the front of the aircraft.

Once Group E boards, gate agents make a final call to ensure everyone is on board before the doors close.

Also Read: Manage Your Alaska Airlines Booking

The Alaska Airlines Boarding Process

The Alaska Airlines boarding process is simple and efficient. Here’s how it typically goes:

About 40 minutes before departure, the airline begins pre-boarding.
Passengers are then invited to board according to their group letter, displayed both on the gate screen and your boarding pass.
Each group is called in sequence, with a short pause between them to prevent congestion in the jetway.
Boarding usually closes 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Arriving at the gate early ensures you’re ready when your group is called, especially if you’re traveling with carry-on bags and want to find overhead bin space easily.

Also Read: Alaska Airlines Cancellation Policy FAQ

Why Alaska Uses Boarding Groups

The boarding group system helps Alaska Airlines maintain punctuality, especially on busy routes. It rewards loyalty and higher fare classes with early boarding while ensuring families and passengers who need help get the extra time they require.

This approach keeps the boarding area calm, allows smooth passenger flow, and minimizes last-minute rushes at the gate. For travelers, understanding this process can make the entire airport experience much less stressful.

How to Check Your Boarding Group

You can find your boarding group printed on your boarding pass under the seat and flight details. If you’ve checked in online, it will appear in the digital boarding pass in the Alaska Airlines app as well.

If your group isn’t clear, the gate screens and announcements will guide you. Alaska gate agents are also happy to clarify your group if you’re unsure.

Also Read: 7 Tips for Cancelling an Alaska Airlines Flight

Tips for a Smooth Boarding Experience

Boarding might seem routine, but small strategies can make it smoother and even help you board earlier next time.

Check in online early. Doing so can occasionally influence your boarding position.
Arrive at the gate early. Boarding begins 40 minutes before departure, and missing your group means joining the next available line.
Pack light. If you’re in a later group, travel with smaller carry-ons to avoid gate checking.
Upgrade your fare. Premium Class or First Class passengers board earlier and enjoy extra comfort.
Use the Alaska Airlines credit card. Cardholders sometimes receive priority boarding benefits.
Stay attentive. Gate agents may speed up the boarding process when the flight is ready early.

Also Read: Alaska Airlines UMNR Policy for Kids

The Number of Boarding Groups in Simple Terms

If you want a quick answer to how many boarding groups does Alaska have, here it is:

There are six boarding groups, labeled A through E.
Pre-boarding comes before all groups.
Boarding closes 30 minutes before takeoff.

Once you understand this sequence, you’ll always know when to head for the gate and when to relax.

Also Read: Alaska Airlines Last-Minute Flight Cancellations

Final Thoughts

Knowing your Alaska Airlines boarding group can make your flight experience smoother and stress-free. By learning how the process works and where you fit, you can plan ahead, board calmly, and enjoy your trip from the moment you arrive at the airport.

Whether you’re flying for business, vacation, or adventure, every smooth journey starts with the right booking partner. Book your next Alaska Airlines flight with Affluence Travels to enjoy expert guidance, best fares, and personalized support. Affluence Travels ensures your travel experience is effortless—from takeoff to touchdown.