Navigating airport boarding procedures can be stressful, especially when you're unfamiliar with the airline's boarding process. Alaska Airlines boarding groups are designed to provide an orderly, efficient system that ensures passengers board according to specific priorities. In this comprehensive guide, we break down every detail you need to know to confidently board your next Alaska Airlines flight.

Overview of Alaska Airlines Boarding Process

Alaska Airlines uses a structured boarding process to streamline passenger entry into the aircraft. This procedure not only prioritizes passengers based on ticket class and loyalty status, but also ensures that travelers requiring assistance are boarded first.

Here’s a quick overview of the Alaska Airlines boarding order:

Pre-Boarding (Passengers with special needs, unaccompanied minors)
First Class
Group A – MVP Gold 100K, MVP Gold, and MVP members
Group B – Premium Class passengers
Group C – Main Cabin passengers seated towards the rear
Group D – Main Cabin passengers seated mid-cabin
Group E – Main Cabin passengers seated toward the front
Group F – Saver Fare passengers (last to board)

Pre-Boarding: Assistance First

Pre-boarding is granted to passengers with specific needs, including:

Travelers with disabilities or mobility issues
Unaccompanied minors
Families with small children (under the age of 2)
Active-duty military personnel

Pre-boarding allows these groups to comfortably access their seats without dealing with crowds, ensuring a smooth boarding process for all.

First Class: Priority and Comfort

First Class passengers are invited to board immediately after pre-boarding. These travelers enjoy premium amenities such as spacious seats, early boarding access, and complimentary meals and beverages.

Booking First Class with Alaska Airlines ensures:

Early access to overhead bin space
Swift settling into a premium seat
Direct access to the cabin crew for personalized service

Group A: Alaska Mileage Plan Elite Members

Group A includes:

MVP Gold 100K
MVP Gold
MVP

These frequent flyers are part of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Elite Program, and are rewarded with early boarding privileges, priority check-in, and two free checked bags. Group A members board directly after First Class, giving them ample time to settle and secure their belongings.

Group B: Premium Class Passengers

Passengers seated in Premium Class fall under Group B. This seating tier offers extra legroom, free alcoholic beverages, and front-of-cabin placement in the Main Cabin. Premium Class passengers benefit from priority boarding, meaning they access the aircraft before the majority of economy passengers, reducing stress and guaranteeing overhead bin availability.

Group C, D, and E: Main Cabin Based on Seat Location

Alaska Airlines smartly divides the Main Cabin boarding into three groups for better flow and space management:

Group C – Rear Main Cabin Seats

Passengers seated toward the back of the aircraft are assigned to Group C. This logical approach minimizes aisle congestion as travelers proceed to the rear without interference from those seated ahead.

Group D – Middle Section of Main Cabin

If your seat is located in the mid-cabin section, you will board in Group D. This segment represents a large portion of Main Cabin travelers, so boarding here is timed to ensure minimal disruption during the process.

Group E – Forward Main Cabin Seats

Group E boards right before the last group and is composed of passengers seated near the front of the Main Cabin. Though not considered Premium Class, these seats still allow quicker deplaning upon arrival.

Group F: Saver Fare Passengers

Saver Fare is Alaska Airlines’ most affordable fare class and comes with several restrictions. Group F passengers:

Board last
Are assigned seats at check-in (no choice)
Are not eligible for upgrades or seat changes
Typically seated in the back of the aircraft

While Saver Fares offer value, the trade-off is limited boarding privileges and flexibility. However, this can be a great option for budget-conscious travelers with minimal carry-on needs.

Boarding Pass and Gate Instructions

Your boarding group is listed on your boarding pass, whether digital or printed. It’s vital to arrive at your gate at least 40 minutes before departure, as boarding typically begins 30-40 minutes prior to takeoff.

Gate agents call boarding groups in order. Alaska Airlines also displays boarding group status on digital screens at the gate, making it easy to track when your group is called.

Tips to Improve Your Boarding Experience

To make your boarding experience with Alaska Airlines as seamless as possible, consider the following tips:

Check-in early: Whether online or at the airport, early check-in helps ensure seat assignment and boarding group clarity.
Join Mileage Plan: Even basic membership can improve your travel experience over time, with potential for upgrades and better boarding priority.
Upgrade to Premium Class or First Class: If comfort and boarding order are important, consider upgrading.
Travel light: With fewer bags, you can board faster and find space more easily.
Listen to gate announcements: Boarding orders may occasionally shift due to delays or aircraft changes.

Boarding with a Companion or Family

Traveling in a group? Alaska Airlines allows passengers booked under the same reservation to board together with the highest eligible group. For example, if one person is Group B and the other is Group D, both may board in Group B. This makes family or group travel smoother and more coordinated.

Alaska Airlines Mobile App for Boarding Info

Download the Alaska Airlines mobile app for real-time updates, mobile boarding passes, gate changes, and more. You can check your boarding group, gate, and even track your bags from the convenience of your phone.

Final Call and Gate Closure

Be aware that gates close 20 minutes prior to departure. Even if you miss your boarding group call, Alaska Airlines staff will help you board during final call announcements, but it’s always best to arrive on time.

Conclusion

Alaska Airlines boarding groups are designed for efficiency, comfort, and convenience, ensuring a seamless experience for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a First Class passenger or flying on a Saver Fare, understanding your boarding group gives you a better travel experience from the moment you arrive at the gate. If you're planning to fly with Alaska Airlines, plan your trip with your boarding group in mind to avoid confusion and enhance your overall journey.

How to Get Priority Access in Alaska Airlines Boarding Groups