<p><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5fe134b7d366e6001809984b-2400/GettyImages-1163186028.jpg" border="0" alt="Passengers waiting in boarding line at United Airlines Denver airport gate" data-mce-source="Robert Alexander/Getty Images"></p><p></p><bi-shortcode id="disclaimer" class="mceNonEditable" data-type="pointsguy"> </bi-shortcode><bi-shortcode id="summary-shortcode" data-type="summary-shortcode" class="mceNonEditable" contenteditable="false">Summary List Placement</bi-shortcode><ul class="summary-list"><li>Getting an earlier boarding position means you'll have a better shot at scoring coveted overhead bin space and more time to prepare and wipe down your seat area.</li><li>Many co-branded airline cards include priority or preferred boarding as a perk, in addition to other benefits like free checked bags and inflight discounts.</li><li>Another option is to pay for priority boarding using a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/best-travel-rewards-credit-cards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">travel rewards credit card</a> that offers statement credits for airline or travel purchases.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/best-airline-credit-cards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read Business Insider's guide to the best airline credit cards</a>.</li></ul><bi-shortcode id="table-of-contents-sticky" class="mceNonEditable" data-type="h2">Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky</bi-shortcode><p>We've all been therestanding in the back of the line at the gate for a long-haul flight, assigned seat 50A with boarding group Z. By the time you finally manage to struggle to your seat, there's no room left in the overhead bins, your carry-on bag is whisked away to the baggage hold, and the plane pushes back before you have a second to get settled in. It's an unpleasant way to start any journey.</p><p>Whether you're looking to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/how-to-avoid-checked-bag-fee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">save on checked bag fees</a> by getting first dibs on storage space in the cabin or want a little time to sanitize your seat area and settle in, getting an earlier boarding position is valuable enough that airlines will charge you for it. However, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/best-airline-credit-cards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most airlines also offer a credit card</a> that provides priority boarding, and if they don't there are plenty of credit cards that'll reimburse you for priority boarding fees.</p><p>If you travel frequently, it's worth considering a credit card that will get you on the plane sooner or help you avoid paying out of pocket for the privilege. </p><bi-shortcode id="disclaimer" class="mceNonEditable" data-type="pfifinancialresponsibility"> </bi-shortcode><h2>Airline credit cards with priority boarding</h2><p>It's worth noting that priority boarding isn't the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/reasons-to-get-an-airline-credit-card" target="_blank" rel="noopener">only reason to get an airline credit card</a>. Many offer other perks like a free checked bag, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/credit-cards-discounts-inflight-purchases" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discounts on inflight purchases</a>, or a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/airline-credit-cards-earn-elite-status" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fast-track to elite status</a>.</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="credit-card" data-pid="5e7978322d654f76b278b313" data-type="undefined">Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard</bi-shortcode><h2>American Airlines credit cards </h2><p>American Airlines flyers have even more reason to worry about their boarding position these days. The airline recently announced <em>all</em> non-elite members of its AAdvantage frequent flyer program would board in Group 6, ahead of non-members in economy class and basic economy.</p><bi-shortcode id="related-article-module" class="mceNonEditable" data-type="5f50fb9f8cf5620f1942d143" data-title="5 reasons to get the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard" data-url="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/reasons-to-get-citi-aadvantage-platinum-select-card" data-thumbnail="https://i.insider.com/5f847f4b91aa9e001880afb7" data-shortcode-display-text="Related Article Module: 5 reasons to get the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard"> </bi-shortcode><p>That makes certain <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/best-credit-cards-for-american-airlines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Airlines credit cards</a> issued by Citi and Barclays even more valuableon American Airlines and American Eagle flights, cardholders will board before the crowd of Group 6 passengers. You don't need to pay for your flight with the card, but it must have been opened (and your AAdvantage number attached to your reservation) at least seven days prior to departure. </p><p><strong>Amerian Airlines personal cards</strong></p><ul><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e7978a3ba85ee406f361f74">Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard</bi-inline-shortcode>: Group 4 priority boarding for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation read our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/citi-aadvantage-executive-card-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Citi AAdvantage Executive review</a></li><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e7978322d654f76b278b313">Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard</bi-inline-shortcode>: Group 5 preferred boarding for the primary cardholder and up to four companions on the same reservationread our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/citi-aadvantage-platinum-select-card-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select review</a></li><li>Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard: Group 5 preferred boarding for the primary cardholder and up to four companions on the same reservation</li><li>Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Silver Mastercard (not open to new applicants): Group 5 preferred boarding for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation</li></ul><p><strong>American Airlines small-business cards</strong></p><ul><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e7978f72d41c13cc934eaf2"> CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard</bi-inline-shortcode>: Group 5 preferred boarding for the primary cardholder and up to four companions on the same reservationread our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/citibusiness-card-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select review</a></li><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5f98614cbe509c55e14cbfce">AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard</bi-inline-shortcode>: Group 5 preferred boarding for the primary cardholder and up to four companions on the same reservation</li></ul><h2>Delta credit cards</h2><p>American Express offers several <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/delta-amex-credit-card-comparison" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Delta credit cards</a> that include Main Cabin 1 priority boarding on Delta and Delta Connection flights. The Main Cabin 1 group boards after passengers flying in premium cabins and most elite members, but before other economy class travelers or those flying in basic economy. </p><bi-shortcode id="related-article-module" class="mceNonEditable" data-type="5e4c25804b661b76f13b1942" data-title="Delta Gold card vs. the Delta Platinum card: Which is a better option for you'" data-url="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/delta-gold-card-vs-delta-platinum-card-comparison" data-thumbnail="https://i.insider.com/5e4d8c700438953c3d1cf396" data-shortcode-display-text="Related Article Module: Delta Gold card vs. the Delta Platinum card: Which is a better option for you'"> </bi-shortcode><p>Primary cardholders who have their Delta SkyMiles number attached to their reservation get Main Cabin 1 boardingeven if they're booked in basic economyand there's no requirement to use the card to pay for the ticket. Up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation will get the same bump in boarding position.</p><h4>Amex Delta personal cards</h4><ul><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e825e48487c2264645da1ed">Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card</bi-inline-shortcode>: Read our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/gold-delta-skymiles-amex-card-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Delta SkyMiles Gold review</a></li><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e82648f0c2a62261971f7b8">Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card </bi-inline-shortcode>: Read our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/platinum-delta-amex-card-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Delta SkyMiles Platinum review</a></li><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e8367c02d41c1518e1e6446">Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card</bi-inline-shortcode>: Read our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/delta-reserve-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Delta SkyMiles Reserve review</a></li></ul><p><strong>Amex Delta small-business cards</strong></p><ul><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e8262752d654f25741bbe22">Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card</bi-inline-shortcode></li><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e836675ba85ee563159ac27">Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card</bi-inline-shortcode></li><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e83695892e1915b1d16d606">Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card</bi-inline-shortcode></li></ul><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="credit-card" data-pid="5e7427c6c4854042fb2b8834" data-type="undefined">United Explorer Card</bi-shortcode><h2>United credit cards</h2><p>Four <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/best-credit-cards-for-united-airlines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United credit cards</a> from Chase offer priority boarding on United and United Express flights, and unlike the checked bag benefit on these cards, you do <em>not</em> have to use the card to pay for your ticket. Primary cardholders and companions on the same reservation board in Group 2, which is after premium-cabin passengers and Platinum or Gold elites.</p><bi-shortcode id="related-article-module" class="mceNonEditable" data-type="5d4c7b591aedf81619638d54" data-title="Gold Delta Amex vs. United Explorer Card: Which airline credit card is best for you'" data-url="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/gold-delta-amex-united-explorer-card-comparison" data-thumbnail="https://i.insider.com/5e4d55122687fc66e1579175" data-shortcode-display-text="Related Article Module: Gold Delta Amex vs. United Explorer Card: Which airline credit card is best for you'"> </bi-shortcode><p>Group 2 also includes Silver elites and those who've purchased Premier Access or Priority Boarding, and boards before Group 3 (basically everyone else in economy plus, economy, and basic economy). Note that your card needs to have been open for two weeks in order for priority boarding status to reflect on your reservation.</p><p><strong>Chase United personal cards</strong></p><ul><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e7427c6c4854042fb2b8834">United Explorer Card</bi-inline-shortcode>: Read our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/united-explorer-card-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Explorer review</a></li><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e742e07c485407ade490ec3">United Club Infinite Card</bi-inline-shortcode>: Read our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/united-club-infinite-card-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Club Infinite review</a></li></ul><p><strong>Chase United small-business cards</strong></p><ul><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e742b58c4854044124f6013">United Business Card</bi-inline-shortcode>: Read our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/united-business-card-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Business Card review</a></li><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5f7b7a00514672536566f459">United Club Business Card</bi-inline-shortcode></li></ul><h2>Other airline credit cards</h2><p>If you're aren't flying with one of the three US legacy airlines, don't fretthere are still options for priority boarding, both domestic and international.</p><ul><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e742c75c485402c4f71b222">Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card</bi-inline-shortcode>: Four upgraded boardings per year based on availability (Boarding spot A1-15A)read our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/southwest-rapid-rewards-priority-credit-card-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Southwest Priority card review</a></li><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e742accc4854043e16a7fd2">Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card</bi-inline-shortcode>: Four upgraded boardings per year based on availability (Boarding spot A1-15A) read our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/southwest-performance-business-credit-card-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Southwest Performance Business Credit card review</a></li><li>Barclays Frontier Airlines World Mastercard: Zone 2 boarding (group 4 of 6)</li><li>Bank of America Spirit Airlines World Mastercard: Zone 2 boarding (group 3 of 6)</li><li>Synchrony Norwegian Reward World Mastercard: Priority boarding</li><li>Synchrony Cathay Pacific Visa: Complimentary Marco Polo Club Green status for the first year, which includes priority boarding for the member only</li></ul><h2>Credit cards with annual travel credits</h2><p>Even if you don't have a co-branded airline credit card, you can still enjoy priority boarding by paying for it with a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/guide-to-credit-cards-with-annual-travel-credits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">credit card that offers annual travel credits</a>. This can be especially helpful if you're not loyal to one airline, as you can use your card to pay for priority boarding upgrades and be automatically reimbursed. These also have the added benefit of earning points on your purchases.</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="credit-card" data-pid="5e78df992d654f251532f27d" data-type="undefined">The Platinum Card from American Express</bi-shortcode><h3>Personal cards with travel credits</h3><ul><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e78df992d654f251532f27d">The Platinum Card from American Express</bi-inline-shortcode>: Up to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/how-to-use-amex-platinum-airline-credit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$200 in airline incidental fee credits</a> on your selected airline each calendar yearread our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/american-express-platinum-credit-card-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amex Platinum review</a></li><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e83676c2d41c1513e6050e7">Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card</bi-inline-shortcode>: Up to $250 in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/choose-airline-amex-airline-fee-credit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">airline incidental fee credits on your selected airline</a> each calendar yearread our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/hilton-amex-aspire-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amex Hilton Aspire review</a></li><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e72234fc48540106c2d63b3">Chase Sapphire Reserve</bi-inline-shortcode>: Up to $300 in travel credits each cardmember year, which you can apply to any airlineread our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/chase-sapphire-reserve-credit-card-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chase Sapphire Reserve review</a></li><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e7a271c671de023ef1cf886">Citi Prestige Card</bi-inline-shortcode>: Up to $250 in travel credits each year, which you can apply to any airlineread our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/citi-prestige-card-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Citi Prestige review</a></li><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e84b231671de00a9b532dcb">Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card</bi-inline-shortcode>: Up to $100 in annual airline incidental fee credits, which you can apply to any airlineread our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/bank-of-america-premium-rewards-credit-card-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card review</a></li></ul><h3>Small-business cards with travel credits</h3><ul><li><bi-inline-shortcode id="commerce-link" contenteditable="false" data-fields="name" data-customtext="" data-shouldlink="true" data-pid="5e78e372671de020577f79f5">The Business Platinum Card from American Express</bi-inline-shortcode>: Up to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/how-to-use-amex-platinum-airline-credit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$200 in airline incidental fee credits</a> on your selected airline each calendar yearread our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/amex-business-platinum-card-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amex Business Platinum review</a></li></ul><bi-shortcode id="related-product-module" class="mceNonEditable" data-type="related-products-credit-cards" data-sheetname="Related Product Credit Cards">Related Product Module: Related Product Credit Cards</bi-shortcode><bi-shortcode id="related-content-module" class="mceNonEditable" data-type="more-credit-card-coverage" data-sheetname="More Credit Card Coverage">Related Content Module: More Credit Card Coverage</bi-shortcode><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/credit-cards-priority-boarding-airline-flight#comments">Join the conversation about this story »</a></p>
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