Originally Posted by
callum9999
I never understand why people join "the scrum" when you already have an assigned seat. I find it much more pleasant to relax in the departure lounge next to the gate until the queue is almost all gone, then just stroll onto the plane.
Less time spent in the crowd getting on and less time spent in the crampt seats!
I tend to agree, though I do see some potential benefit. At airports where the terminal layout allows (e.g. CPH where I recently flew) easyJet seems to make a habit of scanning boarding passes and queuing up all the passengers before the plane even arrives. They push you into a tight space and you stand there for 45 minutes or more. The people who paid a pretty penny for the "privilege" to board first stood for the entire 45 minutes until we all basically instantaneously boarded the plane once the arriving passengers deplaned. Doesn't seem like they we're getting much return on their investment.
Best way to take advantage of this, IME would be to sit in the terminal, relax, with one eye out the window and then a few minutes after the plane arrives walk into the priority boarding line. This will guarantee you getting your bag in no problem, without having to stand in this terrible queue. ^ YMMV...