A Complete Guide to Navigating Alaska Airlines Boarding Groups

Alaska Airlines is renowned for its efficient operations and commitment to customer satisfaction. One key aspect of this efficiency is its well-structured boarding group system. Understanding how Alaska Airlines boarding groups work can help you board your flight more smoothly, secure better overhead bin space, and reduce travel stress.

How Alaska Airlines Boarding Process Works

Alaska Airlines uses a boarding group system to organize the order in which passengers enter the aircraft. This structured approach is designed to streamline boarding and ensure a calm, organized process for travelers and staff alike.

The boarding process typically follows this sequence:

1. Pre-boarding
2. Group A (First Class & MVP Gold 100K)
3. Group B (MVP Gold & Premium Class)
4. Group C (MVP Members)
5. Group D (Main Cabin guests in window seats)
6. Group E (Main Cabin guests in middle seats)
7. Group F (Main Cabin guests in aisle seats or those who didn’t select a seat)

Let’s break down each group to understand who boards when and what benefits are included.

Pre-Boarding – Special Assistance and Priority Passengers

Pre-boarding is available for:

• Guests needing extra time or assistance (wheelchair, mobility support)
• Unaccompanied minors
• Active-duty U.S. military personnel
• Families traveling with small children (typically under age 2)

This group boards before Group A, ensuring they have time to get settled comfortably.

Group A – First Class and MVP Gold 100K Members

Group A includes:

• First Class passengers
• MVP Gold 100K elite members

These travelers enjoy:

• Priority boarding
• Extra legroom
• Dedicated overhead bin space
• Complimentary premium beverages and meals onboard

Group B – MVP Gold Members and Premium Class

Group B is for:

• MVP Gold members
• Premium Class passengers

Premium Class offers additional legroom and priority boarding benefits. Group B boards immediately after Group A and is ideal for travelers seeking more comfort without upgrading to First Class.

Group C – MVP Members

This group is reserved for:

• Alaska Airlines MVP Members (entry-level elite status)

Though they don’t receive the same level of perks as Gold or 100K elites, MVP members still board before general Main Cabin passengers and enjoy limited upgrades and seating benefits.

Group D – Main Cabin Window Seat Passengers

To improve boarding efficiency, Alaska Airlines boards Main Cabin passengers by seat position. Group D includes:

• Passengers seated at the window

This prevents aisle passengers from blocking access, improving traffic flow in the cabin.

Group E – Main Cabin Middle Seat Passengers

Next up is Group E, which includes:

• Passengers seated in middle seats

By boarding the middle seats second, Alaska ensures travelers aren't repeatedly getting up for others to pass by.

Group F – Main Cabin Aisle Seat Passengers or No Seat Selection

Group F includes:

• Aisle seat passengers
• Passengers who didn’t pre-select a seat

This group boards last among Main Cabin passengers. If overhead bin space is limited by this time, these travelers may need to gate-check their bags.

How to Find Your Boarding Group

Your boarding group is printed on your boarding pass, whether digital (on the Alaska Airlines app) or physical. You can also ask the gate agent for clarification before boarding begins.

Alaska Airlines Boarding Tips

• Check in early: The earlier you check in, the better your chance of choosing preferred seats if you haven’t already.
• Join Mileage Plan: Alaska’s frequent flyer program can help you earn elite status (MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K/100K), which moves you into earlier boarding groups.
• Book Premium Class or First Class: These fare classes ensure priority boarding and better onboard amenities.
• Use the Alaska Airlines App: Stay updated on gate changes, boarding time, and group announcements.
• Arrive at the gate early: Boarding typically begins 30–40 minutes before departure for most flights.

Overhead Bin and Carry-On Policies by Group

Alaska Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item for all passengers. Boarding earlier (Groups A–C) significantly increases your chance of finding overhead bin space.

If bins are full by the time your group is called, you may be asked to gate-check your carry-on, especially in Groups E and F.

Traveling with Family or in Groups

If you're traveling with others, Alaska Airlines usually boards families and groups together, even if your individual boarding groups differ. You may want to wait and board together in the latest applicable group.

Priority Boarding with Alaska Airlines Credit Card

Holders of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card receive:

• Priority boarding
• Free checked bag
• Additional rewards for purchases on Alaska Airlines flights

This benefit helps you avoid long queues and guarantees early access to overhead storage.

Final Boarding Group Order Summary

Conclusion

Understanding Alaska Airlines boarding groups allows you to plan better, board quicker, and avoid unnecessary stress during your journey. Whether you're a loyal Mileage Plan member, a Premium flyer, or an occasional traveler, knowing when and how you board puts you one step ahead.