Reading through some of the boards today, I came across a string of posts complaining that AA might terminate pre-boarding privileges for Gold and Platinum Members. Many of the posts expressed horror at having to board with the "straw hats" and tourists who make a misery of flying for the frequent flyer crowd.

Oh PUHLEAASE - get over yourselves!

I travel frequently for business AND with my family. While business travel is rarely a pleasant experience, it's far easier than flying with a couple of toddlers and the things we (and they) need to avoid a potential family meltdown in flight (toys, diapers, carseats, goldfish crackers, etc...).

I can't tell you how many times we've encountered some self-centered ... who thinks his (or her) time and FF-status are far more important than ours.

Airlines treating passengers like dirt is a sad fact of life since deregulation. However, passengers behaving like UAL ticket agents is inexcusable.