Under the new boarding system, there will be more boarding groups, with the aim of having a smaller group of passengers lining up at a time.

“We have been listening to our customers about the stress they often feel at the gate before boarding, and implementing small changes for years,” said Delta chief marketing officer Tim Mapes in a written statement. The new boarding system “is designed to better link the Delta product they purchased to differentiated experiences throughout their journey.”

Delta has been altering its boarding process in recent years, and earlier this year added a "Zone 4" for passengers who booked lower-priced "basic economy" fares, who board last and sometimes must gate check their baggage.

Under the new system, first class or Delta One business class will board first, along with diamond-level frequent fliers – the highest level in Delta’s SkyMiles program. On international flights with “premium select” premium economy seats, those passengers board after business class.

Then, passengers in Comfort+ seats board, followed by “Sky Priority” platinum and gold frequent fliers.

The next group called “Main Cabin 1” includes silver-level frequent fliers, SkyMiles credit card holders, corporate travelers and others with seating priority.

That is followed by Main Cabin 2 and Main Cabin 3, then Basic Economy boards last.