Steffen Boarding Method

The Steffen Boarding Method, also known as the Steffen Perfect or simply the Steffen Method is a proposed "perfect aeroplane boarding method" that would enable optimally fast and convenient way of sequencing passengers. The method was first introduced by astrophysicist Jason Steffen in 2008.

The method attempts to eliminate the buffers that slow down plane boarding, while simultaneously optimising speed and efficiency. The method has been criticised for its lack of human headway, as it would separate those boarding in groups, require a perfectly organised line, as well as uniform stowing and seating time. Steffen initially published his theory in 2008 in the Journal of Air Transport Management, and showed that his method was twice as fast as the standard back-to-front method, and 20-30% faster than random boarding groups.

In 2014, Steffen told Wired that despite the popularity of the method among passengers since the paper's publication, no airline had adopted the method as of yet.