I think the reason for not allowing SBY on lower fares has nothing to do with GATE agents or the way they're trained. I've handled it for four years and I never delayed a flight because of it. I remember processing more than 50 SBYs on Rapidair flights on most business days and not ever delaying a flight. However, those days are now gone with the new security measures and processing of SBY bags. Something similar would not be possible in today's world and maybe this is where some people put a blame on GATE agents.

IMO, it has to do with fare rules and making sence of the money that you paid for the fare. To me it does not make sence for someone who paid $600 and $2000 to have same privilage and same benefits. Everybody is looking to save money when buying airline tickets and therefore you should be prepared for restrictions that come with cheap fares.

Personally, I had a pax who asked me 2 days ago which fares are allowed for SBY since he was on Q-fare. If you want flexibility in your travel plans then pay higher fares. Why do you think I see probably 80% of M-fares on YYZ-YOW & YYZ-YUL flights every business day and a sh tload of L fares on the weekend. More money sure but after long day of meetings you wanna get home as early as possible right. Yes that's correct!

BTW, if the 1600 flt is oversold let's say and we get pax that show up early for 1400 flight then we will move them over to help the oversold flight. It does not matter which fare you paid since we're helping each other at this point. Also if the flight is oversold that does not mean that we'll have denied boardings on that flight. Gate agent and leads/managers will make decision about this and come around CKIN and let everybody know to accept SBY early. If you feel that you should be allowed to SBY early and tell us that the flight is oversold most likely you'll be refused

I don't look down on my customers just because they are on L (Loser) fare.
One thing for sure some paxs have to come up with better stories when trying to convince us to let them go early or upgrade. Like the last one i heard:

"My secretary didn't tell me about that"

'nuf said there

Ok now I'll take any questions that you have and the usual abuse by some FTs