AA has updated its boarding process – and for once, the logic is hard to argue with. The American Airlines boarding changes, rolling out from 1 May 2025, introduce a reshuffle that puts structure and fairness back at the gate, especially for those paying for premium cabins.
The most important shift? Preboarding now happens before group boarding begins. That includes First and Business Class passengers, ConciergeKey members, families with children under 2, and anyone who needs extra time will board before the airline starts calling Group 1. It’s a small change with a big impact – restoring priority to the people who’ve either paid for it or need it most.
Here’s the updated boarding group structure:
Boarding Group Breakdown:
- Preboard: ConciergeKey® members, First/Business Class, families with children under 2
- Group 1: AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, active duty U.S. military
- Group 2: AAdvantage Platinum Pro®, oneworld® Emerald℠
- Group 3: AAdvantage Platinum®, oneworld® Sapphire℠
- Group 4: AAdvantage Gold®, oneworld® Ruby℠, AirPass℠, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive cardmembers
- Group 5: Main Cabin Extra (excluding Basic Economy), AAdvantage® members with 15,000 Loyalty Points, eligible AAdvantage® credit cardmembers
- Group 6: AAdvantage® members
- Groups 7–8: Main Cabin
- Group 9: Basic Economy
Who are ConciergeKey® members?
If you’ve ever wondered who those ultra-discreet passengers are who seem to board before everyone – even before First Class – they’re probably ConciergeKey members. It’s American Airlines’ top-tier, invitation-only status, reserved for the airline’s most valuable customers. Think corporate travel bookers, frequent premium flyers, and the kind of passengers who generate serious revenue for the airline.
Unlike other AAdvantage statuses, you can’t apply or earn your way in through points alone. ConciergeKey is offered at American’s discretion and comes with a suite of perks: access to Flagship First check-in, personalized support from dedicated agents, and yes – boarding before anyone else.
It makes sense they’re included in the preboarding group, alongside First and Business Class, families with small children, and those needing extra time. They’re the airline’s VIPs, and this move recognises that – even though they will seldom be noticed and slink aboard without detection.
Extended boarding times
To give everyone a bit more breathing room, boarding now starts five minutes earlier. That’s 35 minutes before departure for A319 and A320 aircraft, and 40 minutes for 737s, A321s and all widebodies. The extra time aims to reduce gate chaos and give people time to stow their bags without feeling like they’re in a bin space race.
American has also rolled out new gate technology that shows live boarding group sizes to agents. Already active at 90% of US airports, this system makes it easier to pace the flow and avoid crowding before your group’s called.
It’s a sensible move – and one that might make British Airways, Lufthansa and other European carriers take note. On a recent flight back from Rome, we noted the families with children rule appeared to apply to anyone travelling with offspring, no matter the age. Half the plane pre-boarded before business class and group 0 passengers! These American Airlines boarding changes show that fairness and efficiency don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
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