Passengers fed up with slow or confusing boarding can breathe easier: United Airlines is simplifying the gate process globally.
The carrier is reducing the number of boarding lanes from five to two and will send boarding alerts through the United app. The airline says it plans to expand these notifications to text messages in the future.
Gate-area digital displays will also provide clearer, real-time updates on boarding status to keep travelers informed as they wait.
United is adjusting priority groups as part of the overhaul. MileagePlus Premier 1K members, who previously boarded in group one, will now be eligible to pre-board. MileagePlus Premier Gold members will move up from group two into group one.
The airline is also broadening its military pre-boarding policy: instead of limiting the benefit to uniformed service members, United will include all active-duty military personnel. Holders of qualifying United credit cards will continue to receive priority boarding in group two.
These changes are being trialed this fall at selected gates, with United soliciting feedback from both customers and employees to refine the process before wider rollout.