Ever noticed that no matter where you’re flying or what airline you’re on, you always board the plane from the left side? Yep, whether you’re hopping on a quick domestic flight or watching a president descend from Air Force One, it’s always that left-hand door.
But… why the left side? Planes do have doors on the right, after all.
Let’s unpack this quirky aviation tradition—and it all starts with ships. Yep, ships.
Planes Copied Ships. Ships Did It First.
Long before planes ruled the skies, ships ruled the seas, and they had their own boarding rituals. When a ship docked at a port, it would almost always tie up on the left side—what sailors call the port side. Why? Because the steering oar (a.k.a. the rudder) was placed on the right side (the “starboard” side), making it easier to dock on the left without damaging the steering.
And guess what? Passengers and cargo were loaded from the left side, too.
Planes Took Notes—and Followed Suit
When airplanes came into the picture, engineers and airlines borrowed this maritime habit.
So, planes started boarding from the left, just like ships. It helped maintain consistency and simplified airport designs.
But there’s another reason too…
What’s Happening on the Right Side?
While you’re boarding on the left, there’s usually a flurry of activity happening on the right side of the aircraft:
Catering trucks are loading meals.
Luggage handlers are loading cargo.
And fueling crews are doing their thing.
Keeping passengers on the left and logistics on the right avoids chaos and makes everything safer and smoother.
Plus, those right-side doors? They’re usually reserved for emergencies or crew-only operations.
So, Could We Board from the Right? Technically, Yes.
But practically? Not a chance.
Airports, jet bridges, and boarding systems worldwide are designed for left-side boarding. Changing that would be like driving on the other side of the road—not impossible, but a logistical nightmare.
Quick Recap:
Planes board from the left because ships did it that way.
The right side is used for loading meals, luggage, and fueling.
It’s all about efficiency, safety, and a little bit of tradition.
Next Time You Board, Impress Your Friends
Now that you know the backstory, you can drop some aviation trivia next time you’re at the gate.
“Hey, did you know we board from the left because of ancient ship design?” Boom. Instant conversation starter.