British Airways has overhauled its boarding process by significantly reducing the number of boarding groups to create a more streamlined experience for passengers.
The UK flag carrier has cut its previous nine-group system down to just five groups for long-haul flights and four for short-haul journeys.
This change represents a major simplification of a system that was introduced in 2017.
The original nine-group approach, while intended to reduce overcrowding, often had the opposite effect in practice.
The latest update will prevent overcrowding
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Small gate areas with limited seating meant passengers were frequently left standing around waiting for their boarding group to be called.
According to BA's website, the new system is designed to "simplify boarding, reduce congestion at the gate and make things easier for you".
Under the new system, economy passengers will now board in just three groups on long-haul flights (Groups 4, 5 and 6) and two groups on short-haul flights (Groups 4 and 5).
The approach is organised logically by seat rows, with Group 4 comprising the rear part of the economy cabin.
Group 5 (and Group 6 on long-haul flights) comprise the front part of the economy section. This row-based organisation means passengers seated at the back of the aircraft can access their seats quickly without being blocked by those sitting at the front.
As with the previous system, passengers can find their group number printed on their boarding pass.
The streamlined process is expected to be welcomed by BA passengers who had complained that the previous nine-group system was difficult to navigate.
Priority boarding remains unchanged for Groups 1 to 3, which are reserved for premium customers including Executive Gold, Silver and Bronze members.
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The original boarding system had become a familiar headache for travellers
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These priority groups will continue to be called first before the economy boarding begins. The move to fewer boarding groups comes after passenger feedback about the previous system.
Many travellers found the nine-group approach confusing and frustrating.
Small gate areas often meant limited seating, with passengers forced to stand for extended periods while waiting for their group to be called.
BA's simplified approach aims to address these pain points directly. The airline hopes the new streamlined process will create a more pleasant pre-flight experience.
It represents a significant shift from the 2017 system that had become a familiar headache for many travellers.
