It is my understanding that the cockpit crew can prevent the door from being closed or re-open it for circumstances they deem appropriate. I had a tight connection earlier this year - there were four of us. I was the fastest, so I ran and told the GA that the rest were coming. Another came right behind me. The GA let us on but said she was going to close the door. I told her - in the presence of the FA's - that two more were coming. The GA proceeds to tell the pilot that we are ready to go and the pilot specifically asks about "runners". GA says none, but the FA intervened. the pilot kept the door, went back up the jetway and opened the door for my co-workers. Good guy award goes to him and the FA. That's when I learned that GA's are dinged for late departures.