Navigating airport procedures can be stressful, but understanding Alaska Airlines boarding groups can significantly streamline your travel experience. As one of the most efficient boarding systems in the industry, Alaska Airlines’ method is designed to prioritize passengers based on loyalty status, ticket type, and special needs. This comprehensive guide will help you confidently board your flight, knowing exactly what to expect.

What Are Alaska Airlines Boarding Groups?

Alaska Airlines uses a structured boarding group system to organize the order in which passengers board the aircraft. This process allows for an orderly flow of passengers, minimizes congestion in the aisles, and helps ensure on-time departures. There are six primary boarding groups, followed by the general boarding zones. Each group is determined by a combination of elite status, fare class, and travel needs.

Pre-Boarding: Passengers Who Need Extra Time

Before formal boarding begins, Alaska Airlines allows pre-boarding for passengers who need extra time or assistance.

Pre-boarding is granted to:

Passengers with disabilities
Unaccompanied minors
Families traveling with small children (under 2 years)
Active-duty U.S. military personnel

These travelers are invited to board before any groups are called, ensuring they have sufficient time and support.

Group A: Mileage Plan Elite Members and First Class

Group A is the highest boarding group available and includes passengers with the most elite status or premium tickets.

Eligible passengers:

First Class ticket holders
Mileage Plan™ MVP Gold 100K members
Mileage Plan™ MVP Gold 75K members
Mileage Plan™ MVP Gold members
one world® Emerald and Sapphire members

These travelers receive priority boarding as a key benefit of their loyalty or premium fare.

Group B: Premium Class Passengers

Group B is designated for travelers who have purchased or upgraded to Premium Class.

Premium Class features include:

Extra legroom
Free alcoholic beverages
Priority boarding benefits

This group boards immediately after Group A, allowing passengers to secure overhead bin space early.

Group C: Main Cabin (Preferred Seating & MVP Members)

Group C includes:

Mileage Plan™ MVP members
Main Cabin passengers with Preferred Seating (typically located near the front of the Main Cabin)

These passengers enjoy earlier boarding due to either their elite status or their seating selection, which offers quicker exit access after landing.

Group D: Main Cabin Passengers

Group D includes all Main Cabin passengers who do not have elite status or Preferred Seating.

While further back in the boarding order, these passengers still enjoy a straightforward boarding process, as Alaska Airlines ensures efficiency across all groups.

Group E: Saver Fare Passengers

Passengers flying on Alaska’s Saver Fare, the airline’s most budget-friendly option, are boarded last in Group E.

Saver Fare limitations:

No seat selection (assigned at check-in)
Limited access to overhead bin space
No flight changes or refunds

While a cost-effective choice, Saver Fare comes with reduced boarding priority.

How Alaska Airlines Announces Boarding Groups

At the gate, announcements are made over the public address system, inviting each boarding group in turn. Alaska Airlines also uses digital signage at the gate to display which group is currently boarding, helping passengers stay informed.

Pro Tip: Listen carefully and position yourself near the boarding lanes when your group is next to ensure a swift boarding process.

Tips for Optimizing Your Alaska Airlines Boarding Experience

To get the most out of your Alaska Airlines boarding experience, consider the following tips:

Join the Mileage Plan Loyalty Program

Even at the basic level, being a member of the Mileage Plan can improve your boarding group assignment over time. The more you fly, the faster you earn MVP status, leading to earlier boarding and better seating.

Consider Upgrading Your Fare

Purchasing a Premium Class or First Class ticket not only enhances your inflight comfort but also places you in a top boarding group, ensuring overhead space and early access to your seat.

Book Early to Secure Preferred Seating

Even within Main Cabin, selecting Preferred Seating can push you into a better boarding group (Group C). These seats offer quicker deplaning and potentially less crowded areas.

Use the Alaska Airlines App

Download the Alaska Airlines mobile app to check your boarding group, receive updates, and access your boarding pass. The app often includes real-time gate change alerts and boarding status.

Boarding Order Recap

To summarize, Alaska Airlines boards passengers in the following order:

Pre-Boarding: Passengers needing assistance, unaccompanied minors, active-duty military

Group A: First Class, MVP Gold 100K, MVP Gold 75K, MVP Gold, oneworld Emerald & Sapphire

Group B: Premium Class passengers

Group C: MVP members, Preferred Seating passengers

Group D: Main Cabin passengers

Group E: Saver Fare passengers

Boarding at Alaska Airlines Gate: What to Expect

When it’s time to board, Alaska Airlines gate agents follow a structured and timely process:

Announcements begin 30–40 minutes before departure.
Each group is called sequentially.
Passengers are expected to be at the gate at least 40 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
The boarding door closes 10 minutes before departure, and late passengers may not be allowed to board.

Be punctual and ready with your mobile or printed boarding pass and a valid ID to ensure a smooth boarding experience.

Why Boarding Group Matters

Being in a higher boarding group provides practical advantages:

Ample overhead bin space
Less rushed boarding
More time to settle in your seat
Priority access to onboard services

If traveling with carry-on luggage, securing bin space can be critical, especially in full flights.

Final Thoughts: Boarding Smart with Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines offers one of the most clearly defined and passenger-friendly boarding processes in the U.S. By understanding where you fall in the Alaska Airlines boarding group system, you can better plan your trip, reduce stress, and optimize your time at the gate. Make your travel experience seamless by enrolling in the Mileage Plan, choosing your seat strategically, and staying updated via the Alaska Airlines app.

Tips to Navigate Alaska Airlines Boarding Groups