It’s a simple case of supply and demand: When more of us want to fly, the price of airfare goes up, sometimes significantly. While it’s unlikely you’ll grab the cheapest fares over holiday periods, timing is everything when it comes to booking flights. With careful planning and a dose of luck, you might score some unexpected savings. Here’s what the data tells us about when you should plan to buy your holiday airfare.

When To Purchase Thanksgiving Flights

Demand for flights soars over Thanksgiving, as people make their way home to visit family or take advantage of an extra day off to grab some vacation time. According to data collected by Google Flights, domestic fares typically dip to their lowest 45 days before the holiday, on average, though you can still book a cheaper fare until around 26 days ahead. That means you need to get your plans finalized in October, preferably toward the beginning of the month. If you’re considering heading overseas, look into destinations that aren’t as popular with U.S. travelers, where the Thanksgiving price bump might be less of an issue.

Planning for a Christmas Trip

Statistics from Google Flights suggest that you’ll need to be a bit more organized if you’re planning to jet off for Christmas. Broadly speaking, the best fares are usually available 58 days before departure, but there are deals to be found between 36 and 72 days before the festive season. If you have any flexibility, play around with your dates and see if you can find a better deal. If you’re not too bothered about the day itself, then flying on Christmas Day is often a good strategy when it comes to price. Likewise, returning on New Year’s Eve when everyone else wants to celebrate might also work out better for your wallet.

Optimum Spring Break Strategy

In 2023, Scott Keyes, founder of Going, a company that helps travelers find cheap flights, said: “Most U.S. schools take spring break between early March and mid-April, which means most years you should book by January at the latest.” The data from Google Flights backs this up, stating that for domestic trips, the low price range falls between 33 and 59 days out, with the best fares available 44 days before take-off, on average. If you’re planning to visit Europe at this time, check the dates when Easter falls — in the U.K., for example, it’s a two-week school holiday that you’ll need to avoid if you’re going to find a cheap flight deal. 

When To Lock in That Summer Vacation

There’s a big difference in Google Flights’ data when you compare domestic and international travel over the summer vacation period. While you should be looking to book just 13 to 43 days ahead if you’re planning to remain in the U.S., you should be timing your ticket purchase for around 94 days out if you intend to fly to Europe. Set up price alerts well ahead of time with an online search platform such as Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights to ensure you stay in the loop. Seasonal sales, such as those that take place around Black Friday or in January, might also be an opportunity to find discounted peak period fares.

Other Useful Tips for Saving Money on Airfare

Travel midweek: This strategy can be a big money-saver. Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report said that though you’d find the lowest price, on average, by actually making your booking on a Sunday, you should plan to fly on a Thursday to get the cheapest fares. They reported that international travelers could save as much as 14% on the cost of their ticket simply by switching days. The Thursday hack won’t serve you well for Thanksgiving travels, of course. Nevertheless, for holidays where you enjoy more flexibility, such as over spring break or for a summer vacation, it could make a significant difference to your spend.

Compare alternative airports: Metasearch specialist Kayak recommends searching all airports within a 70- to 100-mile radius to be sure you’ve found the best deal. Opting for connecting rather than direct flights can also be useful, the company adds. If so, make sure you book on a single ticket (not two separate flights) to avoid unforeseen expenses if the first leg is delayed. 

Be flexible with your destination: If you are able to be flexible, you might find an alternative that’s similar to your original choice of destination. For example, if you’re planning mostly to hang out and relax poolside, switching up one beach vacation spot for another isn’t likely to radically alter your experience. In a summer 2024 article, CheapOair found the most sought-after destinations for Fourth ofJuly travel from Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and New York City. Digging into this data may tell you where to skip if you’re seeking a bargain.  

Travel early or late in the day: Many travelers don’t like the inconvenience of a very early flight or a late-night take-off. But in their Air Travel Hacks 2024 Report, Expedia suggested that flying before 3 p.m. might not only save you money but also reduce the chance of a delay or cancellation by as much as 50%. When there are multiple daily flights to your intended destination, capitalize on the preferences of others and avoid following suit to find the lowest fares.

It’s easy to find the appeal in all-inclusive resorts: unlimited food and beverages, activities you don’t have to pay extra for, and settings in idyllic locations around the world, from sandy Caribbean islands to ski resorts in the Alps. They offer a myriad of services and perks that regular hotels don’t, including activities, excursions, and free room service. But if you’ve never been to an all-inclusive resort, you may have questions about how exactly they work. Here’s how to take advantage of these benefits and make the most out of your first all-inclusive resort stay.

Read the Fine Print

All-inclusives aren’t always all-inclusive. These resorts often have specific activities and services that cost extra, which may catch first-timers off guard. If your heart is set on a rousing golf game or a relaxing day at the spa, see if it’s included in your package. If not, you can purchase these activities separately, either online or in person through the concierge. Extra fees might also pop up at restaurants. Particular food and beverage items, such as caviar or a bottle of Champagne, are often not included in all-inclusive plans, but this will likely be noted on the menu.

Book Activities Before You Go

Many travelers love all-inclusive resorts because of the sheer amount of activity options available. But sunrise yoga, waterfall hikes, cooking classes, tennis lessons, and other popular resort-sponsored activities fill up quickly, so book them before you go. This applies to free and paid activities. Many all-inclusive resorts have convenient online portals where guests can book all their activities for their upcoming stay. You can always change your itinerary with the help of hotel staff upon arrival, but it is better to have your must-do activities reserved ahead of time.

Make Dinner Reservations

In addition to booking your activities and excursions ahead of your trip, consider booking dinner reservations, too. This is especially important if you’d like to try particular restaurants at the resort, or if you’re celebrating a special occasion. “Some resorts do require reservations ahead of time,” explains Brittany Waller, a travel adviser who specializes in all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico. Take some time to review the available dining options ahead of your trip. Some resorts don’t allow you to make reservations until you arrive, so consider booking all of them with the concierge at check-in. If you can’t get reservations for one evening, there is usually a buffet to fall back on. 

Don’t Forget To Tip

Tipping can be a controversial topic at all-inclusive resorts. Unless tipping is explicitly prohibited — as is the case at Sandals and Beaches resorts, for example — bringing some extra cash is a good idea. However, this doesn’t mean tipping 20% everywhere as you would in the United States. Instead, leaving a few dollars at the bar or for room service goes a long way. 

“Tipping is very subjective. It is totally up to you,” says Jennifer Byrne, travel agent and owner of The Tropical Travelers. She suggests tipping if someone handles your luggage or drives you somewhere. She personally also gives the pool staff $20 per day when she arrives if she plans on ordering food and beverages, and she tips a few dollars at breakfast and lunch restaurants and around $10 at dinner. “Do you have to? No. Will you get better service? Maybe. Depends on the staff, depends on the hotel,” she says. 

Follow Dress Codes

Many eateries at all-inclusive resorts boast scenic views, live entertainment, and delicious local cuisine. However, be sure you’re dressed appropriately for the occasion, because some restaurants also have dress codes, especially during dinner. Waller stresses the importance of this, explaining that many all-inclusive resort restaurants (typically ones that aren’t a buffet) require men to wear long pants. “This can really trip people up if they don’t know about it ahead of time.” Examples of other dress code policies include requiring close-toed shoes and dress jackets, and/or prohibiting baseball caps, sportswear, sleeveless tops, and gym shoes.

Be Aware of Cancellation Policies

Typically, all-inclusives have generous cancellation policies, but be aware of your deadlines. Often, there is a certain minimum number of days before a trip for the free cancellation window. For example, Sandals Resorts offers free cancellation up to 45 days before your trip. After this, you will likely lose your deposit or be charged 50% or 100% of your trip cost, depending on how close to your travel date you canceled. Smaller and non-chain all-inclusives often have stricter cancellation policies, so it might be worth it to purchase travel insurance if your policy isn’t flexible.

Bring a Reusable Cup

No one likes drinking a lukewarm piña colada, but there’s an easy solution. One recommendation that has gone viral on TikTok among seasoned all-inclusive travelers is to pack an insulated tumbler. It can keep beverages cool all day, and it’s especially useful if you purchased the unlimited drinks package. Even better, a tumbler can hold two to three times more liquid than the typical plastic cups given out at resort bars. This hack can be used for smoothies, juice, water, cocktails, and other beverages. You won’t have to head to the bar or drink counter as frequently, but consider tipping your bartender a few dollars to accommodate your request.

Utilize Your Safe

At all-inclusives, there’s usually no need to carry a purse or wallet around with you because everything is already paid for. However, be sure to keep your wallet, credit cards, and cash in the in-room safe. You can even try leaving your phone in your safe for a few hours for a break from technology. This freedom allows you to fully relax while at the pool, gym, ocean, or spa.

Don’t Forget Transportation

Many all-inclusives include transportation between the airport and the resort. To ensure things go smoothly, know exactly when to meet your shuttle for your transfers. If anything changes with your flight times, contact the resort right away so they can make the necessary changes to ensure you receive your transfer. If not, you’ll pay extra for your own taxi to the airport. Some resorts offer free shuttle services to nearby towns and attractions, but you might need to request it beforehand —just ask the concierge when you arrive. 

Stay Connected

Thanks to technology, all-inclusive resorts are more customizable than ever before. Some brands, such as Sandals and Beaches Resorts, have free apps for travelers to customize every aspect of their trip. Travelers can view pre-arrival essentials — such as weather, transportation details, and their itinerary — and also book on-resort dining reservations, activities, tours, and services, along with room extras such as additional towels or bottled water. This is also where the free resort activities calendar will be listed, including cultural events, workout sessions, food and beverage tastings, children’s events (if applicable), and more, so it’s always a good idea to download the resort’s app if one is available.

It’s probably safe to say that no traveler enjoys waiting in a long line, being told to take off their shoes, or being forced to throw out a toiletry bottle that’s an ounce over the limit. But despite all of these frustrations with airport security, it can be a genuinely fascinating part of the travel experience. For instance, what happens to all of those confiscated toiletries? What does it take to become a TSA agent? And is it possible to get the items you accidentally lose at security back? Check out these eight surprising facts about airport security.

Some Discarded Toiletries Are Donated to Charity

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens upwards of 4.5 million bags each day, and many travelers are forced to throw out bottles of shampoo or toothpaste that exceed the 3.4-ounce size limit. Items that are surrendered suffer one of several fates. Some are destroyed, others are turned over to the state and sold off as excess property, and some are donated to local homeless shelters and food banks. In an effort to cut down on waste and also give back to the community, nonprofits have begun working with the TSA to reallocate new and lightly used toiletries. At D.C.’s Reagan National Airport, for instance, the “Donate, Don’t Discard” program, inaugurated in spring 2024, has collected thousands of usable toiletries that were surrendered to TSA and donated those items back to locals in need.

You Don’t Want To See “SSSS” Printed on Your Ticket

SSSS stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection, which is an additional security process implemented by the TSA. If you notice these four letters are printed on your boarding pass, be prepared to unpack your bags, have your electronics swabbed for explosives, and undergo further screenings. The TSA is coy about which travelers are subject to SSSS, so there’s no way to plan ahead and avoid it. But if you’re repeatedly pulled aside, there’s a possible solution — applying for the Department of Homeland Security’s Traveler Redress Inquiry Program to have your case evaluated by the TSA. Once cleared, your name should be removed from those secondary screening lists.

The TSA Was Created in the Early 2000s

It might seem like TSA has existed for many decades, but it’s actually a relatively new organization. It was established under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, which was passed by Congress on November 19, 2001, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. In the years that followed, the TSA implemented several now-commonplace security measures such as explosive scanners and fortified cockpits. The 3-1-1 liquids rule was unveiled in September 2006, advanced imaging scanners were rolled out in March 2010, and TSA PreCheck debuted in December 2011.

Becoming a TSA Agent Requires 100 Hours of Training

Becoming a TSA agent is no easy task. Once recruited, you’ll need to undergo 100 hours of training before being entrusted with public safety. The training process begins with 40 hours of studying, followed by 60 hours spent observing other employees at work. Usually this process begins at a local airport and culminates at the TSA Academy in Glynn County, Georgia. Each applicant is allowed to take the required exam three times before they’re deemed ineligible to proceed. Once approved, candidates will be assigned as either a passenger or baggage controller, though they can also be certified in both fields.

You Don’t Need To Surrender Prohibited Items

When you’re told an item isn’t permitted past airport security, you may think you have no choice but to hand it over and throw it out. But that’s not entirely true — you actually have a few options. First, you can return to your home or car and leave it there until you return. In other cases, an item that’s not allowed in your carry-on might be permitted in your checked luggage, which is subject to additional security screenings. It all comes down to how much time you have before your flight. The reason so many people decide to throw these items out is because of how little time they have until departure. But if you allot extra time for security, you’ll have plenty of time to rearrange your luggage instead of throwing away the item.

Travelers Leave Behind Thousands of Items Each Month

Items are often misplaced at the airport, but luckily, the TSA has a well-organized lost-and-found. In fact, the TSA estimates that passengers leave behind 90,000 to 100,000 items each month. This includes items left behind at security checkpoints as well as objects that may have fallen out of checked baggage, or even the piece of luggage itself. Generally, the TSA holds onto lost items for a minimum of 30 days, thus allowing plenty of time for passengers to realize their goods are missing and contact the organization. While there’s no guarantee that the TSA will have your items, it’s definitely worth attempting to contact them before giving up your search. 

Air Marshals Are Only on Around 5% of Flights

In an effort to keep passengers safe, the TSA deploys federal air marshals, which are law enforcement officers who board planes undercover at random. (While the Federal Air Marshal Service has existed since 1962, it was transferred over to TSA in 2005.) But the odds are slim that you’ll have an air marshal on your flight — the current number of flights with an air marshal present is only around 5% to 6%. However, since passengers won’t know if these undercover agents are present or not, that number is deemed enough to help keep people safe. When aboard an aircraft, it’s the duty of an air marshal to look for potential threats among passengers and also to deal with any unruly passengers.

U.S. Veterans Comprise Over 15% of the TSA Workforce

The TSA prides itself on employing veterans of the U.S armed forces. According to the agency, 16.6% of its employees have veteran status, and 4.8% of the veterans employed by TSA are disabled. While this is a smaller percentage than in the entire Department of Homeland Security workforce (25.3%), it’s still higher than in many other industries. The TSA also provides much-needed assistance to the families of veterans who participate in the Federal Air Marshal Service while those individuals are in the air on duty.

When packing for your next vacation, one of the most essential outfits is your airplane ensemble. You want to be comfortable, especially in cramped airplane seats, but you also need to consider temperature changes, air conditioning in terminals, and getting through airport security without incident. Combined, these factors can lead to confusing wardrobe challenges, leaving many to go through their travel day uncomfortable. Start by knowing what to avoid: Here are six items of clothing not to wear on an airplane — and what to wear instead.

Nonstretch Pants

Wearing tight, thick fabric with no give is a surefire way to make a cramped flight even more uncomfortable, and it’s one of the most cited fashion faux pas by flight attendants. Our bodies naturally swell during flights, so dressing in loose clothing is better to keep blood circulating. Avoid fabrics such as denim, wool, corduroy, and leather. Although fashionable, they offer little stretch and can hold heat. 

Instead, opt for pants made of looser, stretchier material, such as cotton, polyester, and nylon. Athleisure pants with elastic waists are a great option, from joggers and leggings to business casual-style trousers made from the same comfortable materials. The Gym People offers several styles of travel-friendly pants, such as these stretchy (and affordable) palazzo pants, that can be dressed up or down.

Open-Toed Shoes

Flight attendants also do not recommend wearing open-toed shoes such as sandals, flip-flops, heels, or wedges. Due to the limited space on planes, you’re much more likely to get stepped on, stub your toe, or have luggage rolled across your foot.

For these reasons, choose a pair of closed-toed shoes, preferably slip-ons, for easy removal at security, as recommended by the Transportation Security Administration. Try Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneaker, a travel shoe that went viral thanks to its supportive insole, waterproof material, and stylish look. For added comfort on long-haul flights, you can also pack a pair of compact slippers in your carry-on to change into later when it’s time to sleep.

Sockless Styles

Don’t forget to wear socks in those close-toed shoes. Even if you’re wearing backless shoes, such as these airport-friendly suede mules, you want to ensure that your feet, from your toes to your heels, are covered. Not only will this help keep you warm at the airport and onboard the plane, but it will also protect your feet from stepping on anything when you remove your shoes for security. As the TSA recommends, “Avoid the cold floor and wear some comfy socks! Make sure you leave the holey ones at home!”

You can wear whatever socks you’d like, but during a long-haul flight, you might be most comfortable in a pair of compression socks, which can prevent swelling and help stimulate proper circulation in the legs. According to the American Heart Association, clinical trials have found that wearing compression socks reduces the risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) when traveling on a flight of more than four hours.

Sleeveless Tops

If you’re headed on a beach getaway, it might seem convenient to wear a sleeveless top on the plane. But if you choose to go sleeveless, you should always pack a warmer layer somewhere easily accessible, because the air conditioning on the plane and in the airport will likely be cranked up high — especially in warm-weather places. You can dress up your sleeveless look with a fashionable cardigan or dress down with an athleisure-style zip-up track jacket for easy removal.

Caroline, a flight attendant from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, shared on TikTok that dressing warmly is one of her top tips for her passengers. “Always, always, always bring a sweatshirt on the plane,” she emphasizes, “even if you’re going somewhere tropical.” Caroline says that this might seem like basic advice, but you’d be surprised how many times a day she gets asked for a blanket by someone wearing “shorts or a crop top.”

Overalls and Rompers

While overalls, coveralls, rompers, and one-piece bodysuits have made a style comeback in recent years, you should save them for later in your vacation — not on the plane. Airport and airplane bathrooms aren’t the cleanest places, so the logistics of using the restroom in one of these outfits is much more complicated. The last thing you want is for part of your outfit to touch something dirty, especially if you didn’t bring a change of clothes in your carry-on.

Instead, wearing a casual dress or maxi skirt gives the same aesthetic as a romper but without the hassle. A neutral maxi dress can be dressed up or down with simple accessories, a cardigan or blazer, and tasteful shoes — and it’s much more comfortable than tight, constricting pants. You can even add a pair of yoga or slip shorts under the dress for optimal comfort.

Bulky Jewelry and Accessories

Not only can bulky jewelry make it more difficult to sleep in a plane, but you’re also more likely to be flagged by security. In particular, the types of metals used in costume or inexpensive jewelry and accessories may set off the metal detectors, so you’ll have to remove them. Any accessories that could be used as a weapon might also be flagged. 

In addition to security issues, you’ll be less comfortable wearing these items on a plane. Accessories like chunky hoop earrings impede headphone usage, and claw clips are difficult to sleep in, so it’s best to skip them altogether. If any of these items are a must-have during your trip, put them in your carry-on bag or checked luggage.

This doesn’t mean you can’t accessorize while flying, of course. Just opt for lighter jewelry and understated accessories. In fact, the TSA recommends wearing any fine jewelry you might bring (such as wedding and engagement rings) through security. Don’t place them in the bin, though —  these types of jewelry are less likely to set off metal detectors, and you don’t want to lose them in the security line. As for keeping long hair out of your face during a flight, instead of a claw clip, try a Kitsch scrunchie or hair tie made with snag-free materials that are soft enough to sleep in. These tips and tricks will ensure you stay comfortable for your flight without sacrificing style.

You’d be forgiven for thinking you need an advanced degree to understand airplane boarding. In fact, even scientists have tried to crack the mystery of why boarding a plane can take so long. As airlines experiment with different methods, carriers have introduced processes so complex that they include as many as 10 different boarding groups — and even those in “Group 1” might find themselves boarding behind others. If you’re curious about this often-dreaded part of the air travel experience, take a closer look at how airlines determine how to board a plane. 

The Science of Airplane Boarding 

In the old days, as with many aspects of travel, boarding a plane was much simpler. Most often, airlines began boarding with first class, followed by a general call for the rest of the plane. However, as the industry has evolved, the process has become much more complex — particularly after the introduction of checked-bag fees in 2008. 

As Massoud Bazargan, a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, explained to CNN, “Airlines figured out they could make money off of bags. That killed any efficiency to do faster boarding.” As passengers look to avoid these fees, they tend to crowd the gate area, anxious to board quickly to find available space for their full-size carry-ons aboard the aircraft. Overhead bins fill up quickly and more bags need to be checked at the gate, which further slows down the process. 

Scientists and travel advisory groups have long tried to tackle the issue of slow boarding. For example, astrophysicist Jason Steffen at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, found in 2008 that boarding in groups sorted by every other row, starting from the back of the plane, could be four to 10 times more efficient than the standard process. In theory, this could help reduce logjams in the aisle as people store their luggage in overhead bins.

Airlines Prioritize Loyalty and Revenue

Airlines have a clear incentive to board planes quicker (less time on the ground equals more time flying paying passengers), so they have tried many boarding iterations over the years. Yet, no major airline has adopted Steffen’s method or even random boarding, which some studies have proved to be quicker. Why? An important reason is maximizing profits. 

As travel expert Alex Miller, founder of the site Upgraded Points, tells AFAR Magazine, “The reason airlines have a lot of different boarding groups is because they want to segment out customers. Every so often airlines will simplify their boarding processes, but in the end, having a lot of different options to board recognizes loyalty and provides an opportunity for increased revenue.”

Rather than adopt the most efficient process, airlines choose to reward their biggest spenders with the opportunity to settle in sooner. That applies not just to those flying in first or business class, but also to members who have earned elite status within an airline’s loyalty program. On the opposite end of the spectrum are those who book basic economy — in exchange for a cheaper ticket, those customers usually board the plane at the very end of the process, no matter where they’re sitting.

Airlines have also recognized that some customers seated in economy class would gladly pay for the opportunity to board sooner, giving them a better chance of securing space for their carry-on luggage. While this provides another revenue stream for the airlines, it adds complexity to the boarding process. And finally, there are those who hold airline credit cards, many of which offer priority boarding as a perk. 

Each Airline Is Different

Frequent travelers know that no two airlines are alike when it comes to boarding. In the U.S., however, airlines are required to allow any “passenger with a disability who self-identifies at the gate as needing additional time or assistance to board, stow accessibility equipment, or be seated, the opportunity to board before all other passengers,” according to the DOT. Airlines also allow for special zones dedicated to military personnel and families traveling with small children, but they don’t always board before the rest of the plane — exactly when they board differs by airline. 

As for the rest of the passengers, here’s how the major U.S. airlines board their planes (accurate as of 2024):

Alaska Airlines: The Seattle-based carrier boards by lettered group. However, customers booked in first class and those with the highest level of elite status are in the “Priority Boarding” zone. Then, Groups A to F follow. Group D includes economy-class passengers seated in the back half of the airplane, while Group E includes those at the front of economy class, and Group F contains those who booked Alaska’s version of basic economy (called “Saver” fares).

American Airlines: The world’s largest airline by passengers carried, American has nine numbered boarding groups, plus a dedicated early boarding zone for ConciergeKey members, the airline’s highest status tier. Group 1 includes those in first class, along with active military members and the next status tier. At the end of the process is Group 9, which includes customers booked in basic economy. 

Delta Air Lines: The Atlanta-based airline has eight boarding zones, though, like American, the highest status holders (Delta360) can board before these zones begin. Delta’s extra-legroom section, called Comfort+, boards with Zone 3, while the rest of economy class is split between Zones 6 to 8.  

Frontier Airlines: Budget carrier Frontier Airlines begins with a zone called “Board First,” available to top-tier elite members and those who purchase a carry-on bag. The process continues with Zone 1, followed by family boarding and Zone 2, which anyone can purchase. Zones 3 to 5 are boarded from the back of the aircraft forward. 

JetBlue Airways: New York City-based JetBlue Airways boards by lettered groups, though passengers in its premium cabin (called “Mint”) and elite members are allowed to board first, followed by Groups A to F.

Spirit Airlines: Similar to low-cost rival Frontier, Spirit Airlines uses a numbered zone system. If you purchase a carry-on bag, you can jump ahead to Zone 1, followed by those who purchased priority boarding and elite members in Zone 2, families, and general boarding in Zones 3 and 4. 

Southwest Airlines: Since its founding in 1967, Southwest has been known for its open-seating policy, which doesn’t allow for advance seat assignments. Instead, passengers are assigned a number in three boarding groups (A, followed by B and then C) based on their time of check-in. For example, if you check in on the later side, you might end up with position C37. (Elite members and those who purchase upgraded boarding can automatically receive a better boarding number.) Once onboard, passengers can choose any open seat. However, Southwest announced in 2024 that it will be discontinuing this policy in favor of assigned seating.

United Airlines: Finally, United Airlines has six boarding groups. Members of its highest frequent flyer tier are invited to preboard with families and active military members. For economy class, the airline introduced a new process in 2024 based on seating position — Group 3 is for window seats, Group 4 is for middle seats, and Group 5 is for aisle seats. (Basic economy boards last in Group 6.) The airline claims that this process, dubbed “WILMA” (which stands for window, middle, aisle), saves them an average of two minutes per flight.