Whenever a flight is called to board, most passengers have a reflex to quickly grab a seat on the plane, avoiding crowds and queues. Being first in line to board seems like a winning strategy, as it seems like it gives you the opportunity to sit comfortably and wait for your flight. But what if we told you that boarding early might not be the best choice?

Reason #1: Increased Risk of Contracting Disease
One of the most important, but little-discussed, reasons is that passengers who are first to board are in a confined, poorly ventilated space with other people for longer. The longer you sit on a plane, especially while waiting for other passengers, the higher the chance of coming into contact with airborne bacteria and viruses. Recent research shows that confined spaces like an airplane cabin are the perfect environment for the spread of infections.

Reason #2: Long Waits and Stress
If you are one of the first to board the plane, be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time waiting for other passengers to find their seats, load their luggage, and get settled. This can take up to 30-40 minutes. During this time, you will not be able to stretch your legs, and sitting in one position can cause discomfort in your back and legs, especially on long flights. The stress of having to watch dozens of people squeeze down a narrow aisle can worsen your mood even before takeoff.

Reason #3: Compressed Air and Overheating
The first passengers face another unexpected problem: when the plane is on the ground, the air conditioning system may not work at full capacity. This means that the first people on board may feel stuffy, hot, and uncomfortable from insufficient ventilation. Combined with the density of passengers, overheating and compressed air create a stifling atmosphere.

Reason #4: You’re a prime target for thieves
You may not have thought about it, but boarding early increases your risk of theft. If you’re the first to stow your luggage in the hold, then sit down and do your own thing, it’s possible that someone might take advantage of your inattention during boarding. Petty theft on board is not as uncommon as we’d like.

Reason #5: You’re not saving time
One of the main reasons why passengers rush to get a seat first is to save time. However, research shows that this is an illusion. The time you spend on board will not shorten the duration of your trip. In fact, boarding and seating are often so chaotic that passengers in the middle or even at the end of the line board almost as quickly as those at the front. When exiting the plane, the first passengers usually wait for the rest, too, so this will not give you a real speed advantage.

How to avoid problems?
So, what can you do to minimize the negative effects of early boarding? One option is to wait until your boarding zone and board at a leisurely pace when most of the passengers have already taken their seats. This will save you from unnecessary waiting in a confined space and reduce contact with potential sources of disease. You can also choose comfortable seats closer to the exit in advance to leave the plane faster after landing.

Conclusion: The next time you are on board an airplane, think about whether you really need to rush to board. Sometimes it is better to wait, preserving your health and nerves!