What Does SEQ Mean on a Boarding Pass?

Updated October 2025:

After flying hundreds of times across multiple airlines, I’ve collected more boarding passes than coffee stamps and noticed most travellers never look twice at the small codes printed on them.

Ever looked at your boarding pass and spotted a little code that says SEQ and wondered what on earth that means? You’re not alone. Boarding passes love a good mystery, filled with odd little codes like SBY, SEE AGENT, and GTE.

SEQ is one of the easiest to understand. “SEQ” stands for “Sequence”.

Let’s break it down.

🧭 Here’s What We’ll Cover

• What “SEQ” really means on a boarding pass ✈️
• How airlines assign sequence numbers during check-in
• Why your SEQ number can influence seat selection and boarding
• The difference between SEQ numbers and boarding groups
• Smart tips for early check-in and smoother boarding

What does Sequence Mean on a Boarding Pass?:

SEQ stands for Sequence; and it’s literally that: your sequence number. The number next to it shows where you fall in the order of check-ins for that flight.

For example:

• SEQ 002 means you were the second person to check in.
• SEQ 050 means you were the fiftieth.

It’s that simple; but it tells you a lot more than most people realise.

The Check-In Process:

Before understanding the importance of sequence numbers, let’s briefly review the check-in process. Check-in is the procedure through which passengers confirm their presence on a flight and receive their boarding passes. This can be done through various methods, including online check-in, mobile apps, or at the airport kiosks and counters.

I often get this done as soon as check in opens online. Seat selection is important so other than select a preferred seat at time of booking I kind of feel more at ease once i have checked in and have that boarding pass with all that valuable information confirmed. This is especially true if i haven’t been able to get a preferred seat and opt for the T80 rule on Qantas . I try and not leave anything to chance where i can.

Once I have checked in online and printed my boarding pass or saved it to my apple wallet (I do both!) i head on over to the baggage drop counter at the airport if i have luggage or straight to the gate if i am travelling light with carry on luggage.

As passengers complete the check-in process, the airline’s system assigns them a sequence number based on the chronological order of their check-in. This sequence number plays a crucial role in determining factors like boarding priority and seat allocation.

Early Check-In and SEQ:

One of the strategies savvy travellers employ to secure a favourable sequence number is early check-in. Airlines often open their check-in systems 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. By checking in as soon as this window opens, you increase the likelihood of receiving a lower sequence number. This can be particularly advantageous if you’re aiming for specific seats or if you prefer a stress-free boarding experience.

SEQ and Seat Selection:

While sequence numbers primarily dictate check in order, they may also influence seat selection. Some airlines use a combination of check-in time and sequence number to determine when passengers can select their seats. Lower sequence numbers often get the first pick, giving them a better chance of securing desirable seats, whether it’s an aisle, window, or extra-legroom option.

If your boarding pass shows “TBD” instead of a seat number it means these details haven’t been assigned yet. Learn what TBD means and what to do next here: TBD on a Boarding Pass – What It Means & What to Do.

Boarding Groups

What is a boarding group on a boarding pass?

Another code you may see on your boarding pass is Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and so forth.

A boarding group on a boarding pass indicates the order in which passengers will board the aircraft. Airlines often use a system of boarding groups to efficiently manage the boarding process and ensure a smooth flow of passengers onto the plane.

Boarding groups are typically assigned based on factors such as seat class, frequent flyer status, or boarding priority. Passengers with higher status or those who have purchased premium seats or people who require assistance may be assigned to earlier boarding groups, allowing them to board the plane before others.

The boarding pass usually displays both the boarding group and a corresponding letter or number. Passengers are called to board in groups, and each group is typically announced by airline staff at the gate. This system helps avoid congestion in the boarding area and speeds up the overall boarding process.

1. Boarding Efficiency: Assigning boarding groups help streamline the boarding process, making it more organized and efficient. Passengers are called to board in a specific order, reducing congestion and speeding up the boarding time.

• Cabin Configuration: Airlines may have different cabin configurations, such as separate sections for business class, premium economy, and economy. Assigning Boarding Groups helps ensure that passengers board in a manner that aligns with the aircraft’s cabin layout.
• Priority Boarding: Airlines often offer priority boarding to certain passengers, such as those in premium cabins, frequent flyers, or those who have purchased priority boarding services. Assigning boarding Groups allows the airline to enforce these priorities and ensure that passengers board according to their designated status.

Summing Up

The sequence number on your boarding pass holds a key role. So does your Boarding Group Number. It signifies the order in which you checked in, your boarding priority and can influence your seat options. Embracing the simplicity of this concept, passengers can navigate the airport with greater ease and embark on their journey with a sense of order and organization. So, the next time you glance at your boarding pass and spot that sequence number and boarding group number – remember that it’s more than just a set of digits; it’s your ticket to a well organised and enjoyable travel experience. Don’t worry, it is not the dreaded SSSS and you wont have to deal with trying to get rid of the ssss on your boarding pass either.

And always remember never post you boarding pass on social media as there are great risks in doing so.

Happy travels!

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