Airplane boarding from the left side originates from maritime tradition, where ships docked and allowed passengers to board from the left, or “port,” side, according to Sandeep Chandra, a JetBlue pilot and former fighter pilot. This custom carried over into aviation, becoming the norm for airplane design and boarding.
Left-side boarding ensures consistency and efficiency in modern aviation. Airports and airlines have jetbridges designed for left-side access, simplifying passenger flow and reducing delays, explains Chandra. The right side is reserved for services like catering and maintenance.
There are no safety or regulatory reasons for why planes can’t board from the right side. However, logistics favor the left side, as passengers would otherwise interfere with catering carts and crews, potentially leading to delays, Chandra adds.
While some airlines, like Indigo, have tried using both sides for boarding with ladders, it’s not common due to the need for specific conditions. Right-side boarding would disrupt operations, making the current left-side system more practical and efficient for most flights.
