Passenger boarding is the process by which travelers enter an aircraft before a flight. This typically occurs at the airport gate, where passengers present their boarding passes and identification. Boarding can happen in various ways, such as through jet bridges or stairs leading to the aircraft. Airlines often use different boarding methods to streamline the process, including group boarding or priority boarding for certain passengers, like those with first-class tickets or frequent flyer status. Efficient boarding helps ensure that flights depart on time and that all passengers are safely seated before takeoff.