United Airlines Begins New Boarding Process

United Airlines today announced that it will simplify its customer boarding process for all United and United Express departures. Customer Service  Representatives (CSRs) will now board customers in four groups: 1, 2, 3 and 4 instead of calling them by rows.

"We heard from both employees and customers that they wanted an easier, faster way to board our planes," said John Tague, executive vice president - Customer. "This process does exactly that. Compared with the current system, the new boarding process is up to 30 percent faster and it will be effective on flights departing today. Boarding passes will automatically assign a boarding number in large, bold text."

United will deploy the program throughout its system in an attempt to ensure consistency in boarding procedures at almost all locations. United said however that for various reasons - such as airport or cultural differences - some international locations will continue to board using their local processes.

While United First, United Business and Global Services customers may continue to board at any time, the four boarding groups will be:

1: All premium customers (Premiers, Premier Executives and 1Ks, Star Gold and Silver, and US Airways Chairman's Preferred customers)

2: Economy Plus customers

3: Customers seated in the last 10 rows of United Economy

4: All remaining customers

United said the new process will simplify boarding announcements while allowing CSRs to introduce themselves, personalizing the process. CSRs will continue to offer early seating to customers requiring additional time to get settled.