Paying for an early boarding upgrade feels silly. Many travelers see it as impatient passengers getting on the plane first, only to wait for everyone else. Having said that, there is a very good reason to spring for that small upgrade, and it has little to do with being in a hurry.
Experts claim that buying early boarding saves you from a potential problem that could ruin your travel plans.
The Race to the Overhead Bin
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The first and most obvious benefit of early boarding is getting your luggage where it belongs. When you're among the last passengers to get on a flight, you often find that there is no space left in the overhead bin. This can lead to a lot of scrambling and stress. You might have to put your bag far from your seat, or in the worst-case scenario, the airline may force you to check it at the gate.
This problem is getting more common. A record number of passengers are flying. With every flight getting fuller, the space in the overhead bins is getting smaller. The boarding process has become a competition. If you want to avoid that scramble for space, you must make a move to get a better boarding position.
A Bigger Reason Than Luggage
Beyond the convenience of securing a spot for your bag, there is a far more serious reason to get on the plane early. It concerns the possibility of being removed from your flight.
Airlines sometimes need to remove passengers from a flight to reduce its weight. This can happen because of strong winds or unusually high temperatures. When an airline needs to take people off the plane, it must find a relatively logical way to do so.
While they always ask for volunteers first, sometimes people do not want to leave. In these cases, some airlines deplane passengers based on their boarding order. The last person on the plane will be the first one removed.
One person shared a story about witnessing this very thing happen. No one volunteered to leave the plane, so the airline had to remove 21 passengers working their way up from those who boarded last. It is not a typical situation, but it happens more often than you think.
So, how do you get one of those coveted early boarding spots?
Your Guide to Getting Ahead
Image via Unsplash/Chris Brignola
Airlines offer many ways to board early. You don't have to be a celebrity to avoid the scramble.
One way is to pay for it. Many airlines offer a priority boarding add-on you can buy when you book your flight or as your travel date gets closer. The cost depends on the airline and how long the flight is, but it can be a relatively small amount. United Airlines, for example, has a flat rate of around $24 per person for priority boarding.
Another way is through credit cards. Many airlines have co-branded credit cards that give you early boarding as a perk. You typically get the benefit when you use the card to book the ticket. This is an excellent option for people who fly with the same airline.
Booking a different travel class is another way to get on the plane early. If you book a premium economy or business-class fare, an early boarding position is included with your ticket. These fares come with more perks like extra legroom and bigger seats. While more expensive than a standard fare, they are a good option if you want to get on the plane first and have more comfort.
The Final Call: Is It Worth It?
The early boarding perk is also a valuable tool for professionals. Business travelers often carry work-related items, like a laptop, that they need to keep with them. Getting on the plane early minimizes the stress and enhances a productive trip. It is a smart way to ensure a smooth journey.
Ultimately, the choice to board early comes down to a matter of personal preference. For those who travel light and don't care about where their luggage goes, it may not matter. But for many, the extra cost of an upgrade is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it provides.