When boarding, you often hear the announcement: “Priority boarding now for frequent flyers and Business Class passengers.” But what exactly does Priority Boarding mean, and is it worth paying extra for? Many airlines now offer this service for a fee—but does it really offer any benefits for Economy Class passengers?
What is Priority Boarding?
Priority boarding means that you are allowed to board the plane before most other passengers. This service is offered to frequent flyers, Business Class customers, and increasingly also as an add-on ticket for Economy Class passengers.
Benefits of Priority Boarding
Freedom of choice for carry-on luggage: You secure space in the overhead bins.
Less stress: No crowding during boarding.
More time to settle in: You can take your seat at your own pace.
Disadvantages of Priority Boarding
Cost: Depending on the airline, the service costs an extra €5–20.
No time savings: The plane doesn’t take off any earlier.
Waiting time on the plane: You’ll be seated longer until everyone has boarded.
Who benefits from Priority Boarding?
Whether Priority Boarding is worthwhile depends heavily on your travel situation and flight type.
Families with children: Highly recommended. You secure adjacent seats and have enough time to stow strollers or luggage without feeling rushed.
Business travelers: Very practical if you have tight layover times. If you want to get on the plane quickly and off again swiftly at your destination, Priority Boarding saves you a lot of stress.
Frequent flyers with status: For many frequent flyers, Priority Boarding is included anyway. You also benefit from lounges or fast-lane security checks.
Occasional travelers: Here, you should weigh your options carefully. On a relaxed vacation trip without time pressure or with checked luggage, Priority Boarding usually offers little benefit. The extra cost is only worth it if you have a lot of carry-on luggage or are traveling on crowded vacation flights.
In short: Priority boarding isn’t a “must,” but it’s a real advantage in certain situations. Especially if you value reducing stress, having extra storage space, and saving time, the small extra cost pays off.
Airline Comparison – Priority Boarding at a Glance
Not every airline defines “priority boarding” the same way. Some combine it with additional services like a second carry-on bag, while others market it almost exclusively as “early boarding.” Prices also vary significantly.
Airline Price (approx.) Services in Detail
Airline | Price (approx.) | Service in detail |
|---|---|---|
Ryanair | $10-15 | Priority boarding + 2nd carry-on bag (40x20x25 cm + 55x40x20 cm, max. 10 kg). Very popular, as without Priority, the larger carry-on bag ends up in the cargo hold at an extra cost. |
Easyjet | $8-12 | Earlier boarding; extra carry-on bag often only available with a seat upgrade. Especially convenient on busy city routes (London, Paris). |
Lufthansa | Included in Business Class / Available in Economy for an additional fee (approx. $15–25) | Priority boarding is part of the “Business” or “Status” package (Frequent Traveler, Senator, HON Circle). In Economy, usually only available as an add-on. |
Eurowings | $5-15 or included in the “SMART” fare | Priority boarding can be booked separately or as part of fare packages. Advantageous on popular vacation routes with high occupancy rates. |
Frequently asked questions about priority boarding
How can Flightright help you?
You caught a cheap flight, but now it has been rebooked? Your flight is overbooked, delayed, or canceled?
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As experts on the subject of air passenger rights, we enforce your right to compensation against the airline! Flightright’s air passenger rights experts are also happy to help you with ticket reimbursements
