What the numbers and groups actually mean
As Brits we might have a reputation for queueing, but that hasn’t always led to sensible boarding processes. For airlines with multiple cabin classes (like First, Business, and Economy), it can lead to confusing scrums when it comes time to get on the plane. One solution is boarding the plane in groups, and British Airways has chosen that method with abandon. There are up to seven different ways of prioritising passengers for each flight.
What is a boarding group?
Your group will be shown on your ticket, and in the case of British Airways it will be a number. It should be listed as “GROUPX” where X is between 1 and 7. It can appear in different places on the ticket, but the text should be large and visible.
Your group number dictates when you will board the plane. The lower the group number, the sooner you will board, meaning that Group 0 will board first, and Group 5 or 6 will board last. For BA short-haul flights, the highest group number is 5, for long-haul it’s 6.
Are there really just seven boarding groups
In reality, there are eight groups. If you have mobility issues or are travelling with children under two, you will be invited to board first, before even the Group 0 BA Premier passengers. This allows passengers who have a challenge in walking, or those who might have push-chairs that need to be folded up and put into the hold, to get on to the plane without the pressure of other passengers behind them.
- If you have mobility issues, let British Airways know at least 48 hours before your flight via their dedicated assistance page. I have found BA to be excellent when it comes to supporting passengers; it is usually the airports that let you down.
- If you have children under two travelling with you, BA advises you to get to the gate fifty minutes before departure. An announcement will be made when it’s ready for you to walk up to the gate.
This approach to boarding means that passengers will pass through the gate and board in batches, which, in theory, means less time standing around and a more efficient boarding process. That in turn should mean that planes can be boarded faster, and more flights will leave on time, or even early.
Recent (2025) changes to boarding groups
British Airways used to have nine boarding groups. In April 2025 this was reduced to a maximum of five distinct groups, plus the “Group 0” which is just for BA Premier status holders and the pre-boarding of passengers with children or who have limited mobility.
Can you skip to another (higher) boarding group?
Yes, you can, but only if you are travelling with another passenger in a higher group. Let’s say you’re in Economy in Group 6, but you’re travelling alongside a colleague who is in Business Class and in Group 2. You can board with them, based on the official advice from BA:
It is possible that customers travelling together may receive different group numbers. In this case, please make your way to the gate where you will be able to board together.
How does it work in practice?
BA do a good job of sticking to the boarding groups, although at smaller airports, or gates that have limited space, you can still end up with a scrum of people around the gate, waiting for the group to be called.
At Heathrow, the groups are boarded efficiently. At outstations, where there might not be official BA staffers, things can sometimes go wrong.
I’d also say that even with just seven groups, it can be difficult to know exactly when you board. You have to stand by the gate and pay attention to the announcements. It’s sometimes difficult to hear. Even if we’re travelling in First or Business, we’ll usually wait right to the end to board, but that’s a personal preference.
The BA boarding groups
Long-haul British Airways flights (with First, Club World and Premium Economy)
Passengers who are being assisted due to mobility issues and families with children (under two) will be pre-boarded. They will be the first on the plane, but are not part of a strict boarding group.
Group 0: Premier and Gold Guest List
The first group to board the plane. British Airways Premier status holders are rare, Gold Guest List slightly less so. Expect this to be the lightest boarding group.
Group 1: First Class, Gold, oneworld Emerald.
If you’re travelling in First, then you’ll board alongside any fliers with BA Gold status, or the equivalent oneworld status of Emerald.
Group 2: Business Class, Silver, oneworld Sapphire.
Club World (Business class) passengers board, as well as any travellers who have Silver status. Status trumps the cabin class, so you could be in an economy seat and still board in Group 2 if you have Silver status. Any passengers with the equivalent oneworld Sapphire status will also board.
Group 3: Premium Economy, Bronze, oneworld Ruby plus AerClub status holders.
A group for the final batch of passengers with status. BA Bronze and oneworld Ruby. If you have Aer Lingus status (Silver, Platinum or Concierge) you can also. board in this group.
Group 4: Economy (rear of cabin).
The first group for economy passengers, those at the rear of the cabin, to make boarding smoother. In the unlikely event of boarding via stairs, these passengers will board using the stairs at the rear of the plane.
Group 5: Economy (middle of cabin)
The second group for economy passengers, those seated around the middle of the economy cabin.
Group 6: Economy (front of cabin)
The final boarding group for passengers sitting at the front of the economy cabin. If you’re boarding via stairs, then you’ll use the front set.
Short-haul British Airways flights (with Club Europe)
Passengers with children under two or those with mobility issues will be pre-boarded before any other groups.
Group 0: Premier and Gold Guest List
The first group number to board the plane.
Group 1: Business Class, Gold, oneworld Emerald.
Any passengers with Silver status, or oneworld Emerald, will board in this group, alongside anyone in the
Club Europe (Business class) cabin.
Group 2: Silver, or oneworld Sapphire
A group just for passengers with Silver or Sapphire status.
Group 3: Bronze, oneworld Ruby or AerClub Silver, Platinum or Concierge
A group just for passengers with Bronze or Ruby status. If you have Aer Lingus status (Silver, Platinum or Concierge) you can also. board in this group.
Group 4: Economy (rear of cabin).
The first group for economy passengers, those at the rear of the cabin, is to make boarding smoother. In the unlikely event of boarding via stairs, these passengers will board using the stairs at the rear of the plane.
Group 5: Economy (front of cabin)
The final boarding group for passengers who have seat numbers at the front of the economy cabin. If you’re boarding via stairs, then you’ll use the front set.
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