I’m trying to make sense of United’s boarding order, but can’t seem to figure it out. Can you help?

In recent years just about every airline has experimented with various boarding orders in an effort to shave time off the process. Currently, United uses something they call “WilMA”, which stands for Window, Middle, Aisle (aka Outside-In Boarding). Groups board in the following order:

1. Elite frequent flyers
2. First class passengers
3. Passengers in window seats
4. Passengers in middle seats
5. Passengers in aisle seats

Note that passengers requiring extra assistance generally board between groups 2 and 3, but sometimes between 1 and 2. Passengers traveling together and seated together are permitted to board together. For example, a family of three in the window, middle, and aisle, would all board with the window zone.

For more information about boarding policies for major U.S. airlines, click here.