Come October 26, United Airlines will revamp its boarding process for economy class passengers.
United’s new boarding process is known as “WILMA,” which stands for window, middle and aisle. The airline has tested this method and claims that it can save up to two minutes of boarding time. However, with the right co-branded United credit card, you can board ahead of all other economy passengers, regardless of where you’re seated.
Below, CNBC Select details everything you need to know about United’s new boarding process and how you can board early.
United’s new boarding groups
United’s boarding changes only affect economy class passengers. The boarding process will remain the same from preboarding through Group 2, which mostly covers premium cabin passengers and frequent flyers with elite status.
Groups 3 through 5 have been split to board passengers with window seats first, followed by those with middle seats and then aisle seats. In addition, there’s a new Group 6 for all basic economy passengers on fares with no full-size carry-ons (domestic flights and select short-haul international). Aside from basic economy passengers, families and other groups on the same reservation will always be able to board together.
Here’s how the new boarding groups break down:
Pre-boarding
- Customer with disabilities
- Unaccompanied minors
- Anyone flying with children 2 or younger
- Active military member
- Global Services® and Premier® 1K® members
Group 1
- Premier Platinum and Gold members
- Star Alliance™ Gold members
- Travelers in United Polaris®, United First® and United Business® cabins
Group 2
- Premier Silver members
- Star Alliance™ Silver members
- Travelers with Premier Access® or Priority Boarding
- Select co-branded United credit card holders
Group 3
- Window seats
- Exit row seats
- Nonrevenue travelers
Group 4
Group 5
Group 6
- Basic economy customers (select markets only)
How to board early with United
Despite the changes United is making to its boarding process, there are still ways to board before the rest of the passengers (and before the overhead bins fill up) without having elite status or a premium cabin ticket. The easiest way to unlock priority boarding, including if you’re in basic economy, is with an eligible co-branded United credit card.
For example, with the United℠ Explorer Card, you and any companions on the same reservation will be invited to board in Group 2. In addition to priority boarding, you and one companion on the same reservation will get your first checked bag free, two United Club one-time passes per year and an up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years, among other perks.
United℠ Explorer Card
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Rewards
2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases; 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, eligible delivery services and hotel stays; 1 mile earned on every $1 spent on all other purchases
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Welcome bonus
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
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Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
-
Intro APR
-
Regular APR
-
Balance transfer fee
-
Foreign transaction fees
-
Credit needed
Member FDIC. Terms apply.
Many of the same benefits, including priority boarding, are available with the United℠ Business Card, as well as some other perks, such as a 5,000-mile anniversary bonus each year when you have both the United Business Card and a personal Chase United credit card.
United℠ Business Card
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Rewards
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining (including eligible delivery services), at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting. Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
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Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
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Annual fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
-
Intro APR
-
Regular APR
21.74% – 28.74% variable APR
-
Balance transfer fee
-
Foreign transaction fees
-
Credit needed
Member FDIC. Terms apply.
Alternatively, you cut ahead of the line and score some higher-end perks with United’s more premium cards, such as the United Quest℠ Card or the United Club℠ Infinite Card. The Quest Card comes with perks like an up to $125 annual United purchase credit, while the Infinite Card stands out for offering unlimited United Club airport lounge access.
United Quest℠ Card
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Rewards
Earn 3x miles on United® purchases, 2x miles on dining including eligible delivery services, select streaming services and all other travel, 1x on all other purchases
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Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
N/A for purchases and balance transfers
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Regular APR
21.74% – 28.74% variable on purchases and balance transfers
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Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
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Foreign transaction fee
-
Credit needed
Member FDIC. Terms apply.
United Club℠ Infinite Card
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Rewards
Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining, and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
-
Welcome bonus
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
-
Annual fee
-
Intro APR
-
Regular APR
-
Balance transfer fee
-
Foreign transaction fees
-
Credit needed
Member FDIC. Terms apply.
Bottom line
Big changes are coming to United’s boarding system in an attempt to streamline the process. Window seat passengers will begin to board ahead of other economy passengers, followed by those in middle seats and then those in the aisles.
However, with the right co-branded United credit card, you can get around the new boarding groups and continue to board earlier. Plus, by being among the first to board, you’ll have a higher chance of securing a spot in the overhead bin for your carry-on.
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