Why Do We Always Board Planes From the Left? Safety is the Key

Have you ever noticed that passengers always board and disembark commercial aircraft from the left side? The plane's door is on the left too, right? We always climb onto the jet bridge, which is always attached to the left side of the plane. But why the left? It's all about safety.

Safety First: Avoiding Busy Operations

A former pilot, Dan Bubb, explained to Travel + Leisure that the right side of the plane is a hub of activity, including refueling, baggage loading, and catering. "It would be very dangerous to have passengers boarding on that side (right) while there are other vehicles and equipment moving around," said Bubb, who is also a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. This is especially crucial when passengers disembark using stairs instead of a jet bridge. Airports prioritize passenger and crew safety by keeping them away from potentially hazardous operations.

Logistics and Safety: A Perfect Blend

The reason for left-side boarding is a combination of logistical efficiency and safety concerns. Jet bridges are designed to connect to the left side of the aircraft, and loading passengers on the left keeps the right side clear for other essential activities. This practice minimizes the risk of collisions between passengers and ground equipment.

A Tradition From the Sea

This practice dates back to the days of sailing vessels. In maritime terminology, "port" and "starboard" refer to the left and right sides of ships, respectively. "Port side" literally means boarding from the left. While modern ships allow boarding from both sides, airplanes have retained the tradition of left-side boarding and disembarking.