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Is priority boarding worth it for families? Here’s the Modhop Verdict: almost never. It’s a skip for families or anyone who isn’t chasing a status treadmill. Unless you are flying solo in a premium cabin and want that pre-departure champagne, you are better off being the very last person to step onto the plane. After years of flying with kids and testing both approaches, I can tell you the early boarding rush is mostly marketing.
Why I Stopped Boarding Early
My stance on this flipped completely post-pandemic and especially after having kids. In the old days, I used to board early just because that’s what we were told “luxury” looked like, but then I realized that boarding early just meant standing in a cramped tube while a hundred people coughed on me as they walked down the aisle — so I started boarding last specifically to avoid that exposure.
Now that I travel with kids, the strategy has shifted from health concerns to pure logistics. Many blogs frame early boarding early as convenience. Personally, I don’t think the fight for overhead bin space is worth it. It honestly sounds like a lot of work for a vacation — instead of wrestling a roller bag down a narrow aisle while holding a toddler’s hand, I say just check the roller.
The Backpack Trick
It works. Checking the bag means I can move through the terminal without feeling like a pack mule. Which kids? Whoever’s shorter. When we finally reach our row, the kids take the window and the aisle, and I slide into the middle. But here’s the real move: put your larger backpack in the shorter kid’s footwell — their legs don’t reach the floor anyway — and their little bag goes under your seat.
The stress of claiming bin space simply vanishes when you aren’t carrying a suitcase. So you can hang out in the terminal or grab a better snack while everyone else is bottlenecked in the jet bridge. If you’ve already used our advice on airport lounge day passes, you know that the extra twenty minutes in a comfortable chair beats twenty minutes in a 17-inch wide seat every single time. Priority boarding fees typically run $15–$40, though it varies by airline — always check at booking. There is no reason to pay that just to sit in a plane longer than necessary.
Boarding last is the actual smart play for most readers now.
The One Exception: Flying Solo in First
The only time I still board as early as possible is when I’m flying solo in first class. In that specific scenario, the Splurge Math — our framework for evaluating whether an upgrade is worth the cost — shifts. You’ve paid for the experience, so you might as well get your jacket hung up and a drink in your hand before the chaos starts. So for every other flight, keep your money in your pocket.
FAQ: Is Priority Boarding Worth It?
Is priority boarding worth paying for if you don’t have status?
Generally no, unless you are worried about overhead bin space. For an occasional traveler, that money is better spent on a better meal at the terminal or a checked bag fee.
Does boarding early actually help when traveling with kids?
It can be a trap. Boarding early with kids often means an extra 30–40 minutes of keeping them buckled and entertained before the plane even moves. Most parents find that letting kids burn off energy at the gate until the final boarding call leads to a much smoother flight.
What’s the best boarding strategy for families with young kids?
Check your roller bags and board last. By being the last ones on, you minimize time spent in the cabin. The backpack-swap trick frees up the adult’s legroom once you’re seated. That’s noticeably more legroom than you’d expect.
Do airlines board families with young children first?
Not really. The early boarding call for families is often bundled with disability pre-boarding, so it’s not a separate group. Check your airline’s policy before you count on it.
Join the Conversation
Do you swear by early boarding to grab that bin space, or have you joined the “board last” movement? Let me know your best family boarding hacks in the comments!
Author
Jake Redman
Modhop Host & Founder Jake Redman brings years of global exploration and travel tips to the podcast and our videos at Modhop. Jake is also a Producer and Host for SiriusXM.
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