If you haven’t flown on United Airlines before, you may want to figure out how the United group boarding process works. It not only determines who gets on first, but who will get coveted overhead carry-on space.

So who gets to go first? How many groups are there? Will you be stuck boarding last and having to check your carry-on?

United boarding groups are determined by a number of factors including the cabin you’re traveling in, if you have elite status with the airline and whether you hold a qualifying United credit card that gets you priority boarding.

Here's a look at United's boarding groups, how they’re determined and a few ways you can improve your chances of snagging an earlier boarding group.

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United Airlines boarding groups

How many boarding groups does United have?

There are six boarding groups: Groups 1-5 as well as pre-boarding. While six boarding groups may seem like a lot, United has one of the more streamlined boarding processes when compared with other major U.S.-based airlines — Alaska Airlines has eight boarding groups, and American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have 10 boarding groups.

Below is a chart to help you quickly determine your United boarding group.

If you’re flying in basic economy, you’ll board last unless you’re a United Premier member, a Star Alliance Gold member or hold a qualifying United credit card, in which case you’ll still receive priority boarding based on the groups above.

Pre-boarding

United Airlines’ pre-boarding group includes those who may need extra time to board, including customers with disabilities, unaccompanied minors and families traveling with children 2 years old and younger, as well as active members of the military.

Additionally, if you hold United Global Services or Premier 1K status, you can board when pre-boarding is announced.

Group 1

After pre-boarding, United boards Group 1, which includes those with United Premier Platinum and Gold status, passengers with Star Alliance Gold status and customers seated in the United Polaris, first and business class cabins.

Group 2

Group 2 on United boards after pre-boarding and Group 1. This group includes passengers who hold United Premier Silver or Star Alliance Silver status, those who’ve purchased Premier Access or priority boarding and most United credit cardholders.