I’m an aviation expert. Here’s how all airline passengers can make the boarding process faster AND help avoid delays on their flights

An aviation expert has shared some simple ways travelers can speed up the plane boarding process and help avoid delays.

According to Dean Headley, of Wichita, Kansas, who runs the website Airline quality ratingIf it takes you a long time to get on the plane and get to your seat, you could even end up being late for the entire flight.

Fortunately, he shared some tips to make the surgery go smoother and faster so that you don’t become the cause of delays.

Daan explained Insider that pilots had to request a ‘takeoff slot’ from ‘air traffic control’, but could only do this once everyone was on board and seated accordingly.

According to Dean Headley, of Wichita, Kansas, who runs the website Airline Quality Rating, taking a long time to get on the plane and get to your seat can make you late for the entire flight.

And if they fall behind because a customer is fighting for space in the overhead bin or trying to change their seat, not only will they fall behind schedule, but other planes will take off after them.

‘There is a rhythm in air traffic control. They know what their volumes and patterns are,” he explained.

‘And if things get a little out of line, it doesn’t just affect that one aircraft. It creates potential congestion.

“If a pilot says, ‘flight ready for pushback, we need a takeoff lock,’ air traffic control must respond to that request.”

British-based frequent flyer Gilbert Ott agreed with Dean’s sentiment, adding: ‘People don’t realize that flights are subject to air traffic control restrictions.

“So if they get everyone on board quickly, you can often get into an earlier slot quicker and land early.

“But if they have to push people back, those minutes count. Before you know it, you’re waiting for the next available slot and that means you’re landing too late.’

Dean recommended avoiding carry-on luggage that goes in the overhead bins, if possible, to minimize congestion during boarding.

British frequent flyer Gilbert Ott (seen) agreed and suggested checking larger luggage and only taking a small bag that fits under your seat on the plane

Instead, he suggested checking larger luggage and only taking a small bag that fits under your seat on the plane.

Additionally, the travel expert added that people should avoid boarding before their group has been called, as organization is key.

Airlines are constantly trying to speed up the boarding process and make it more efficient.

Last month, United Airlines implemented a new system called WILMA, in which those sitting in the window seats board first, followed by the middle seats and then the aisle seats.

The changes, which come into effect from October 26, are intended to cut each flight by two minutes, but some passengers are not happy with the new process.

Many people took to

Others wondered what would happen to families with young children traveling together.

Last month, United Airlines implemented a new system called WILMA, in which those sitting in window seats board first, followed by middle seats and then aisle seats.

Many people took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to condemn United after the news was made public – with some wondering what would happen to families with young children

‘@United I’m confused with this new entry system. If I’m traveling with my nine year old son, should he go with his window seat first and then I’ll move on later? That seems ridiculous,” one user said.

Another wrote: ‘What happens if you have two adults and one child, or one adult and two children? Should the children go on board alone?’

Someone else commented on United’s announcement post, writing, “Your new boarding process will be a disaster. What if you travel with family and children?’

Other users predicted chaos and rows with one posting: ‘With this approach, window passengers will be the first to get their luggage in the overhead bin.

“Unless gate staff strictly enforce the two-item rule, I predict there will be some interesting dialogue and disruption during boarding.”

Following the backlash, United told the Today show that entire families could board together under the new policy, and that multiple customers on the same economy reservation could also board together.