I'm using Continental for the first time in years tomorrow. What is their boarding procedure...groups or zones? My boarding pass says Sequence 8, if that means anything..

Wow, that's an odd question. Why is it important to you, I wonder?

I fly Continental several times a year out of EWR, and I believe the boarding is by rows.

Continental typically boards by row starting in the back. But, that comes after First Class, their Elite Travelers and those with children.

The one exception I've seen is their flights from Paris. There it's usually a free for all.

Not an odd question at all. Since I have no seniority, I may check my bag, rather than try to carry it on. If I knew the boarding sequence, then I can make an informed decision.

Hi Emily,
We only fly Continental so unless it changed in the past few months, they seat babies and First Class & Elite then they as Ryan says, go from the back forward in rows.


Have a good flight

You are the 8th person to check in for that flight number for that day. Has no effect on boarding.

Are you confusing Continental's seating with Southwest Airline's seating.

On Continental, unless they have changed it, you have a reserved seat. If your seat is in the front of the plane and you are one of the last to be boarded, the only question I can see is that there may be difficulty finding an empty overhead big for your bag. In which case a flight attendant can help you.

If you carry on a bag and have difficulty finding space for it, an attendant will assist. If there's no room, you can gate check it.

On some of the smaller planes, ALL carry on bags are gate checked.

As it turns out, my ticket was so costly that the boarding for me was Continental Elite.
For the record, tho, not all types of aircraft allow gate checking. Have had this happen with a few airlines.
Secondly, the number of times that I haven't been helped by a flight attendant....many. Most are wonderful, but this is very personality dependent.

Yes, if you buy a full fare ticket, you're "elite for the day". You can use the elite security line (where available) and the elite line for baggage drop off (where available), in addition to pre-boarding.