Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
It would not be wise to arrive at the gate 15-20 minutes before departure, especially if the flight is full, as is likely for your travel times.
As FO, you board in zone 2 (unless upgraded, which is unlikely for this route and times), which is important for overhead bin space. Boarding should begin 30-40 minutes before departure time. You should plan to be at the gate very soon after boadring begins, at the latest. If you are not there by T-15, you risk losing your seat without compensation.
+1
To say nothing of losing bin space --
At DTW, I like to be at the gate 30 minutes before departure ... which gives me time to get to a different gate at the other end of the terminal just in case there's a last minute gate change (and yes that has happened!)
Bob H