American Airlines will start boarding flights earlier. Here’s why.

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American Airlines will start boarding flights earlier. Here’s why.

American Airlines continues to tweak its boarding process with a goal of making getting on the plane more efficient – and less likely for passengers to have to gate check their carry-on bags.

Starting May 1, the airline will add five minutes to the overall boarding time for all of its flights.

Five minutes might not seem like much, but American Airlines spokesperson Rachel Warner says, “This extra time will deliver a smoother boarding experience for customers by allowing for pauses between boarding groups, relieving congestion on the jet bridge, and allowing customers to stow their bags and get settled before departure.”

“In addition, American’s gate agents and flight attendants will have more time to complete their pre-departure work and deliver personalized service to our customers,” Warner added. “Flight attendants and gate agents will have more time to monitor and confirm when overhead bins are full, helping to reduce the number of involuntary gate-checked bags when bin space is still available.”

American Airlines continues to tweak its boarding process in an effort to further improve the customer experience.

Boarding will commence 35 minutes before departure (up from 30 minutes) on flights operated by Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, and 40 minutes before departure on flights operated by Boeing 737, Airbus A321 and all widebody aircraft in American’s fleet once the change is implemented.

Warner said that American plans to continue innovating its boarding process, and the change in boarding time will come after the airline introduces new technology in the fall to ensure travelers board with their assigned group.

As of November, more than

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served by American had technology that alerted gate agents when someone was trying to cut the line and board early, and the airline said customer feedback was largely positive.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at *****@*****.tld.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:

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