I am an aviation expert. This allows all airline passengers to speed up the boarding process AND help avoid delays on their flights

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

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.

Fortunately, he shared some tips to make the operation go smoother and faster so you don’t face any delays.

Dean told Insider that pilots had to request a “takeoff slot” from “air traffic control,” but that they could only do so once everyone was on board and properly seated.

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 get behind because a customer is fighting for overhead bin space or trying to change seats, not only will they be behind, but other planes will take off behind them.

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

“And when things get a little out of line, it doesn’t just affect that one plane. A potential overload arises.

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

UK-based frequent flier Gilbert Ott echoed Dean’s sentiments, 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 faster and land earlier.

“But when they have to push people back, those minutes count. “Before you know it, you’re waiting for the next free slot and you’re too late.”

Dean recommended avoiding, if possible, carry-ons stored in overhead bins to reduce boarding congestion.

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

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

Moreover, the travel expert added that one should avoid boarding before the group has been called as organization is crucial.

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

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

The changes, which take effect on October 26, are expected to shave two minutes off each flight, but some passengers are unhappy with the new procedure.

Many people accepted it

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

Last month, United Airlines introduced 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 broke – with some wondering what would happen to families with young children

“@United I am confused with this new entry system. If I travel with my nine-year-old son, does he have to take his window seat first and then I move on later? It looks ridiculous,” one user said.

Another wrote: ‘What happens if you have two adults and a child or one adult and two children? Do the children have to get in alone?’

Commenting on United’s announcement post, someone else wrote: “Their new boarding process will be a disaster. What if you are traveling with family and children?

Other users predicted chaos and strife with one post: “With this approach, window passengers will be the first to get their luggage into the luggage rack.”

“Unless gate staff strictly enforce the two-point rule, I expect there to be interesting dialogue and disruption during boarding.”

Following the backlash, United told the Today Show that under the new policy, entire families can board together and that multiple customers on the same economy booking can also board together.