# How to get Group 1 on United Airlines?
## United Airlines Group Travel | 1-808-865-4114 | Discount & Customer Service

Boarding early on a flight comes with real benefits—quicker access to overhead bin space, more time to settle in, and a generally smoother experience. On United Airlines, passengers board in groups from Group 1 through Group 5, with Group 1 being among the earliest to step onto the aircraft after pre-boarding. So how can you make sure you're in Group 1 on United Airlines?

In this detailed guide, we’ll explain exactly who qualifies for Group 1, the best strategies to get there, and whether it’s worth pursuing for your travel needs.

### **What Is Group 1 Boarding on United Airlines?**
United Airlines uses a structured boarding process to manage the flow of passengers onto the plane. The general boarding order is:

Pre-boarding: Customers needing assistance, unaccompanied minors, active-duty military, and families with small children.

Group 1: Premier 1K, Premier Platinum, Premier Gold, Star Alliance Gold members, and customers flying in premium cabins.

Group 2–5: Varies based on elite status, credit card use, seat location, and fare class.

Being in Group 1 means you’re part of the first wave of general boarding—right after pre-boarding.

**Who Qualifies for Group 1 Boarding on United Airlines?**
You’ll be placed in Group 1 if you fall into any of the following categories:

**1. United Premium Cabin Passengers**
Flying in United Polaris®, United First®, or United Business® automatically grants you Group 1 boarding, no matter your MileagePlus status.

**2. United Premier Members**
Travelers with elite status in United’s MileagePlus program qualify:

Premier 1K®

Premier Platinum®

Premier Gold®

These frequent flyers earn Group 1 boarding as part of their loyalty benefits.

**3. Star Alliance Gold Members**
Flying with United but belong to a Star Alliance partner airline (e.g., Lufthansa, ANA, Air Canada) with Gold status? You’ll receive Group 1 boarding.

**4. United Credit Card Holders (Some Exceptions)**
Some co-branded United MileagePlus credit cards, such as the United Club℠ Infinite Card, may provide priority boarding, often placing cardholders in Group 2, not Group 1. However, if you have elite status or combine the card with a premium cabin ticket, you might get upgraded to Group 1.

**5. Premier Access Purchasers**
United sells Premier Access as an add-on service, which includes Group 2 boarding, not Group 1. However, if combined with elite status or a premium fare, you may end up in Group 1.

**How to Get Group 1 on United Airlines**: 10 Strategies
Now that we know who qualifies, let’s look at how to actually reach Group 1 status—either temporarily or consistently.

**1. Fly in First, Business, or Polaris Class**
The simplest and most direct way. Booking a premium cabin ticket automatically places you in Group 1.

Tip: Consider using miles or upgrades to move into a premium cabin, especially on long-haul flights.

**2. Achieve Premier Gold Status or Higher**
Earn elite status through United’s MileagePlus program by accumulating Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) and segments. Here’s the general breakdown:

Premier Gold: 8 PQFs and 6,000 PQPs OR 7,500 PQPs only

Premier Platinum: 12 PQFs and 9,000 PQPs OR 10,000 PQPs only

Premier 1K: 18 PQFs and 13,500 PQPs OR 15,000 PQPs only

Benefits: Once you hit Premier Gold or higher, you’ll receive automatic Group 1 boarding, even in economy class.

**3. Attain Star Alliance Gold Through a Partner Airline**
You don’t have to earn United status directly. If you fly frequently with partner airlines (e.g., Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines) and achieve Star Alliance Gold, you’ll qualify for Group 1 when flying United.

Example: A frequent flyer with Gold status on ANA will receive Group 1 boarding on United flights.

**4. Use PlusPoints or Regional Premier Upgrades**
Premier Platinum and 1K members earn PlusPoints, which can be used for cabin upgrades. If your upgrade clears to a premium cabin, you’ll move into Group 1.

**5. Upgrade Using Miles or Cash**
Even without elite status, you can upgrade to business or first class using United MileagePlus miles or by paying for an upgrade. Doing so automatically bumps you into Group 1.

**6. Purchase a Premium Fare**
Booking a more expensive Y or B fare class in economy may improve your boarding group, especially when combined with elite status or a co-branded card.

**7. Combine Credit Card Benefits With Elite Status**
If you hold a United MileagePlus credit card and have Premier Silver status, you may receive an upgraded boarding group.

While most cardholders get Group 2, stacking benefits might push you into Group 1 in some cases.

**8. Leverage Corporate Travel Programs**
Some corporate travelers qualify for enhanced benefits through United PerksPlus or other programs. These may include higher boarding priority.

Ask your company travel manager if your organization has a United corporate travel account.

**9. Earn Complimentary Upgrades**
Frequent fliers on qualifying routes may receive free upgrades. When these clear, you'll board with Group 1.

**10. Look for Promotions**
Occasionally, United runs promotions that boost your status or offer early boarding as a perk. Keep an eye on your MileagePlus emails and offers.

**Is Getting Group 1 Worth It?**
Benefits of Group 1 Boarding:
Early access to overhead bin space: Especially valuable on full flights.

Less stress: You can board without the crowd and take your time.

More time to settle in: Settle your items, use the lavatory, and relax.

Avoid last-minute gate checks: Late boarders often have to gate-check carry-ons.

Drawbacks:
May require significant investment (elite status, premium tickets)

Co-branded credit cards only get you Group 2 in most cases

Upgrades aren't guaranteed unless confirmed in advance

If you travel light or don’t mind boarding later, you may not feel the need to push for Group 1. But for business travelers, families, or anyone flying with carry-ons, the benefits can be significant.

**What If You’re Not in Group 1?**
If you can’t get into Group 1, aim for Group 2 by:

Holding a United credit card

Purchasing Premier Access

Booking a higher fare class

Or, board early through pre-boarding if you're traveling with a child under 2, need extra time, or have a disability.

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**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**
**Q1: Is Premier Access the same as Group 1?**
No. Premier Access typically places you in Group 2, unless you also qualify for Group 1 through elite status or cabin class.

**Q2: Will TSA PreCheck or CLEAR give me Group 1?**
No. These services speed up security but do not impact boarding groups.

**Q3: Can I pay to be in Group 1 directly?**
Not usually. You must meet the qualifications above. However, upgrading to a premium cabin via cash or miles will put you in Group 1.

**Conclusion:** Getting Group 1 on United Is Achievable—and Worth It for Frequent Flyers
If you're someone who values a smooth, low-stress boarding process, getting into Group 1 on United Airlines is a real asset. Whether you earn elite status, fly premium cabins, or leverage alliance partnerships, there are multiple ways to qualify.

While not everyone needs Group 1 every time, having it—especially on full flights or long journeys—can significantly improve your travel experience.

Looking to start? Join the MileagePlus program, consider a co-branded credit card, and monitor your qualifying points if you travel frequently.