In the context of passenger handling, what does the term “boarding” refer to?

The term "boarding" specifically refers to the process of passengers entering the aircraft and getting settled in their seats. This stage is critical in the travel experience as it involves passengers physically accessing the airplane, stowing their carry-on luggage, and preparing for take-off. Efficient boarding procedures are essential for ensuring that flights depart on time, as a smooth boarding process can help minimize delays.

In contrast, conducting safety briefings before take-off, cleaning the aircraft before departure, and issuing tickets at the gate pertain to different phases of the passenger journey and operational procedures. Safety briefings occur once passengers are on board, cleaning happens before the boarding process begins, and ticket issuance is a preliminary step that leads up to the boarding phase. Each of these activities is important, but none encapsulates the full concept of what "boarding" means in passenger handling.