It seems from what I've heard that on Continental, you can go ahead and preboard with the other Elites, and if their are First Class seats available after everyone gets on, the gate agent will come back and get you, and you can move up front.

On US Airways, if you preboard, you are basically taken off the upgrade waiting list. They only give out upgrades after boarding to those in the gate area. So, if you need to preboard, you're out of luck for an upgrade. If the flight is overbooked, though, they might move you up to free up your coach seat.

What do other airlines do? Which policy do you think is better? The first policy might delay the flight a little, but might be safe if the gate agent is sure not to hold up the flight.

What do you think?

CP