NATIONAL — Beginning in the new year, Delta Air Lines will have a new boarding process. 

  • New boarding process for Delta starts Jan. 23
  • Process to speed up boarding, minimize delays
  • Delta airlines

Starting January 23, 2019, the airline will get rid of zone boarding for a new and more complex process, based on ticket type and color. 

The number of boarding groups will increase from six to eight.  Airline officials said the new format "encourages fewer customers to line up in the gate area."  With the new process, they hope to minimize delays and load planes quicker. 

"They always load the front to the back, and it should be the other way around. There's never enough room for carry ons, people don't pack right — it's just a mess. It's like going to Walmart," traveler Jeff Avolt said. 

Passengers who need the most time will board first, then passengers sitting in the top premium suites.

The airline used to board the Sky Priority zone — passengers sitting in Comfort+ and Gold and Platinum Medallion members — together.

Moving forward, that group will split into two, with Comfort+ passengers boarding first followed by Sky Priority, meaning high-spending members of its frequent flier program will have to wait a little bit longer.

Next, Delta will board economy passengers by announcing Main Cabin 1 through 3, instead of Zone 1 through 4. Delta credit card holders and Silver Medallion members will board with Main Cabin 1.

People who purchase the cheapest economy seats will board last in a new group: Zone 4 will now be called Basic Economy. 

Each section will have different colors displayed when they purchase their ticket on Delta's website and on airport screens to help.