Just flew SEA-MCO yesterday. While waiting my turn to board I watched as the gate agent was gate checking bags and then allowing those folks to board right then. Before any boarding announcements, before F, before MVPG75, before MVPG?

So is this new? A non-elite who wants to check their bag but doesn't want to pay the fee can carry their bag to the gate, have it checked there for free and then board before anyone else? That's a sweet deal and makes a fool out of me for racking up miles to get status. Especially since I was stuck in Y just like those gate-checkers but got to board after them.