The Sunday Magazine

What's the best way to board passengers onto a plane?

The most commonly-used way to board passengers — dividing the plane into zones and loading passengers back-to-front — is the least efficient method. Physicist Jason Steffen explains the theory behind The Steffen Method.
Air Canada, Westjet and Sunwing use the zone method of boarding (loading passengers back to front), although research shows other methods can be more efficient. (Air Canada)

Those who have studied the airline industry say the common method of inviting passengers to board – dividing the plane into zones and beginning at the back of the plane – needs a serious rethink

Jason Steffen is an associate professor in the department of physics and astronomy at the University of Nevada.  He has investigated various methods of airplane boarding and shares his findings with Michael, in another episode of our ongoing series, Think Again.

Click 'listen' above to hear the full conversation.