Originally Posted by
Often1
The reason to preboard someone is that they need extra time. Whether they are an infant or disabled, allowing them (or those assisting) the time to get them from the gate into their seat, saves time overall.
I'm not sure why anybody with a lap child would need extra time. Yes, if I had to strap in a car seat or buckle the kid into his own seat. But, carrying a baby doesn't seem to impede the boarding process any more than anything else.
Even if you are not alone with your child, they take both hands to carry. They drop things, spill things and sometimes are crying and kicking. Your spouse then has to carry both your carry-ons and all the impedimenta that goes along with a baby - there's plenty even without a stroller - bottles, pacifiers, toys, etc. These things are all a distant, but still painful memory.
