I don't believe anyone has posted negative comments about this element of the new boarding practices. In fact we recognize this as an acknowledgement of those who are active service men and women during a time of war (yes, many of our countries are at war, and many in our military are facing death or injury every day). The policy is for those in uniform. I don't believe it was introduced because the military is one of UA's largest clients.

I had seven UA/CO flights last week when these procedures came into place and there was just one person in uniform boarding any of these planes, and that was at HNL. After seeing the young man board ahead of those of us on the red carpet, once settled into my F seat I pulled out two inflight drink vouchers and asked the In Charge to deliver them to this fellow as a "thank you" for his service.