May 6, 2026, 11:24 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Frequent flyers know it–and sometimes even dread it a little: the moment just before boarding when it’s decided whether you’ll go directly onto the plane via the jet bridge or first take a bus across the tarmac. But why is that? TRAVELBOOK spoke with an expert.
For some, it’s simply part of the flying experience; for others, it’s an annoying detour before the actual journey. At many airports, bus boarding is a regular part of the process. Shuttle buses transport passengers across the apron to the aircraft, instead of allowing them to board directly via the jet bridge, also known as a gangway. This happens even when the plane is already in sight and seemingly within easy walking distance.
The Reason Behind Bus Boarding
As aviation expert Cord Schellenberg explains, the difference mainly lies in the various parking positions of the aircraft: “At the central terminal building and at large airports, there are usually jet bridges that allow weather-protected boarding.” Large airports are often equipped with multiple bridges, such as for wide-body aircraft or even the Airbus A380, where boarding can occur on multiple levels simultaneously.
However, if a plane is parked on the apron, it’s a different story: “Apron positions usually aren’t equipped with jet bridges, so stairs are needed,” Schellenberg explains. In such cases, a bus takes passengers to the aircraft. Some smaller airports even operate entirely without jet bridges.
Bus boarding is therefore particularly common on short-haul flights. Smaller aircraft are easier to park in remote positions. Additionally, jet bridges aren’t suitable for all types of aircraft: “For small planes, the bridge would be too steeply inclined,” the expert notes.
Passengers usually find out whether boarding will be via jet bridge, bus, or on foot only at the gate. The ticket class plays little role in this. While passengers with priority boarding typically board first, whether you booked economy or business class doesn’t determine how you get onto the plane.
Even with expensive tickets, a bus might be waiting. “When it’s busy, capacities aren’t sufficient,” says Schellenberg. Especially at major hubs with many simultaneous departures, smaller aircraft often have to resort to remote positions.
Besides capacity, cost also plays a role. According to the portal “Aviation Direct,” budget airlines like EasyJet or Ryanair primarily use bus boarding to save costs. Jet bridges incur additional fees as well as maintenance and personnel costs.
Pros and Cons of Bus Boarding
Bus boarding also offers advantages for passengers. Airlines often open both doors of the aircraft for boarding, allowing passengers to distribute more evenly and speeding up the process. In bad weather, the bus protects passengers for most of the way, making it more pleasant than walking entirely across the apron. Only when disembarking at the aircraft are travelers exposed to wind and rain again.
Nevertheless, many travelers find this option less comfortable. The buses usually offer few seats, and it often gets crowded. There are also frequent wait times, such as when the bus is filled to capacity before departing.
“Proximity to the terminal always counts,” says Schellenberg. Short distances can even be faster, while longer bus rides can delay the process.
By the way, even if the path to the aircraft often seems short, passengers are usually not allowed to walk it. “With longer distances or heavy traffic on the apron, it doesn’t work–safety always comes first,” Schellenberg emphasizes. Only rarely, such as on short and cordoned-off routes, is walk boarding permitted.
Another reason for bus boarding can arise spontaneously: “If a plane lands significantly earlier or later than planned, the intended position may already be occupied,” the expert explains. Then, often the only option is a remote position–and thus the bus route.