Why Planes Always Board from the Left Side: The Historical Reason Explained

Most air travelers may not notice, but there is a specific reason why passengers always board planes from the left-hand side. This practice, which dates back centuries, is rooted in maritime traditions, according to Dougie Sharpe, a popular TikTok creator known for sharing interesting facts.

Sharpe recently explained in a viral video that the left-side boarding custom comes from the days when people primarily traveled by boat. “The reason we always load and unload planes from the left-hand side is a holdover from when humanity moved on boats,” Sharpe stated. In ancient times, ships used the left-hand side for boarding passengers and loading cargo. This side eventually became known as the “port side.”

The right side of ships, meanwhile, was referred to as the “starboard,” traditionally reserved for steering. The standardisation of left-side loading simplified logistics and ensured that ships could easily dock at ports worldwide. This maritime convention carried over to modern aviation as air travel became more common. Engineers designing airports and planes adopted the same approach, continuing the left-hand boarding process for consistency.

Aviation experts have confirmed the historical roots of this practice. Michael Oakley, managing editor of The Aviation Historian, told AFAR Media, “Much of aviation terminology and practice has roots in maritime traditions, and the boarding process is no exception.”

The continuity of this centuries-old practice has intrigued many, with some online commentators expressing fascination with how these traditions have persisted. One noted, “These are my favourite types of practices that have lasted thousands of years,” while another pointed out that “the term ‘starboard’ originates from the steering board used on the right side of ships.”

The enduring influence of maritime traditions continues to shape how we board planes today.