Yesterday, Flight 1019, PHL-ATL. Gate Agent makes announcement that "We will be boarding by zone number ... after Zone 3, Breezeway boarding ..." and 40 people go rushing to the line. I just stood back and watched, even though I was in Zone 1 thanks to an unexpected UG with a SDC.

And then a funny thing happened...the GA gave a reminder that it was only Zone 1 that would board first, and that Breezeway boarding would happen after Zone 3, letting any unboarded Medallions avoid waiting in line. About half the people got out of the line. At this point, they started boarding and I got in line.

The four people in front of me were each Zone 2 or 3. Each one tried to board. Each one was reminded only Zone 1 was boarding and asked to step out of line. Each one argued. The GA said to the third guy something along the lines of, "If you want to discuss this, just stand over by the counter. As soon as the plane has boarded, I'll explain it to you."

I felt bad for her. She was handling the Breezeway correctly, but GAs in other cities who have not handled the Breezeway correctly have made it difficult for her.

I don't get it. When I'm in Zone 2, I board with Zone 2. As long as you're in one of the first three zones there's going to be enough overhead space for your luggage. Why people have to try to argue their way on out of order escapes me.

Anyway, just thought I'd share what happens when a GA gets it and tries to use the Breezeway correctly.