Originally Posted by
Santander
Overhead space can be precious on a packed 777 or 747 in Y. Remember that GR is not the first group to board (it is not like *G) so there will already be plenty of bags in the overheads. Even getting there a little bit ahead of the rest of the peons can get you compartment space above or at least near your seat. Worth $50 for just one roundtrip? Depends on individual priorities.
As of about 4-5 years ago, GR members can board with other MPC members, although some gate agents at outports may not be aware of that.