Pilot answers: Why passengers only board airplanes from the left side of the aircraft

Have you ever wondered why passengers always board a plane from the left-hand side? This seemingly small detail is a product of tradition and practicality in aviation, rooted in both historical practices and operational efficiency. There are several reasons behind this standard procedure that contribute to a smoother boarding process and enhanced safety.

Sandeep Chandra, pilot at JetBlue and a former military fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force, tells indianexpress.com, “Boarding passengers from the left side of an aircraft is rooted in maritime tradition from ancient times. Earlier, when sea travel was predominant, ships were designed for passengers to embark and disembark from the left, or ‘port,’ side.”

This was done because ships generally docked on the left side at ports, he continues. “When air travel developed, this maritime tradition carried over, and planes were designed to have passengers board from the left. Over time, this became the standard in aviation, despite the vastly different nature of sea and air travel.”

How do aircraft design and airport logistics influence the decision to board from the left side rather than the right?

The arrangement of boarding on the left side and using the right side for catering and other services has ensured consistency and efficiency in modern air travel logistics, reveals Chandra. 

He adds that this system simplifies operations, particularly in airports, where jetbridges — movable walkways connecting the terminal to the plane — are designed for left-side boarding. “This uniformity across the aviation industry reduces any confusion and unnecessary delays, making it easier for airports and airlines to manage the flow of passengers and services,” he adds.

Passengers would likely have to navigate around catering carts or maintenance crews, creating unnecessary congestion and potentially causing delays. (Source: Freepik)

Safety or regulatory reasons that dictate why passengers board from the left side 

According to Chandra, some airlines, like Indigo, have experimented with “alternative boarding strategies, such as the use of a three-door system that utilises both sides of the aircraft.” This method is primarily employed when step ladders are used for boarding rather than jetbridges.

By allowing passengers to enter and exit from both sides, he says, the airline can reduce boarding and disembarking times, ultimately saving time on the ground. “However, this method is not widespread because it requires specific conditions, such as the availability of ladders, and is not compatible with standard airport infrastructure like jetbridges.”

Could there ever be a scenario where airlines might consider boarding from the right-hand side?

⁠There is no safety or regulatory restriction on doing it either way, explains Chandra. “However, the logistics of the current system have been optimised for efficiency and passenger convenience.” 

Boarding on the right side, he says, where catering and other services operate, could lead to operational challenges. For instance, passengers would likely have to navigate around catering carts or maintenance crews, creating unnecessary congestion and potentially causing delays. 

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