AA is currently running a scheme where kickoff flights (first departures of the day from outstations) ( IAH has 5) should be attempted to be pushed back as early as possible. The station receives points for the amount of minutes an aircraft leaves early, as a result. This is to improve the aircraft schedules, as to not allow a delay at the beginning of the day to effect the aircraft for the rest of the day. Agents are allowed to close the door ANYTIME from T-15 departure. Procedure dictates that GAs should not close the flight before T-10 , unless all passengers have boarded. However, captains, ATC, and weather may all be sufficient reasons to close the flight from T-15, even if everyone has not boarded.