Optimal boarding method for airline passengers

Using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo optimization algorithm and a computer simulation, the passenger ordering that minimizes the time required to board an airplane is found. The model assumes that the time a passenger requires to load luggage makes is the dominant contribution to the time needed to completely fill the aircraft. The optimal boarding strategy may reduce the time required to board an airplane by a factor of four or more depending on the dimensions of the aircraft. Some of the salient features of the optimal boarding method are discussed along with practical modifications to the optimum. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.