Passengers board airplanes from left side. Here’s why
maritime tradition. Here's why this process has remained unchanged in modern aviation.
Historical Practice
Boarding from the left side has its roots in early sea travel. In ancient times, ships loaded passengers and cargo on the left side, a report of The New York Post said citing TikTok creator Dougie Sharpe. This side became known as the "port side" because it was used for docking and loading at ports. The right side of the ship, called the "starboard," was reserved for steering and other navigational functions.
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Aviation Followed Suit
When aviation technology advanced, the tradition of loading from the left side transitioned to aircrafts. Engineers and airport designers adopted this maritime practice for logistical consistency. Sharpe highlighted this connection in a viral video, explaining that airports and airplanes were designed to reflect these maritime traditions.
What Experts Say
Aviation historians have confirmed the long-standing maritime influence on air travel. Michael Oakley, managing editor, The Aviation Historian, in conversation with AFAR Media, said much of aviation terminology is rooted in maritime history. Just as ships have a port side, aircraft were designed to follow the same principle, continuing to board passengers from the left.
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