Originally Posted by
ChuckArtic
I still have problems with families boarding before elites and first class. I have always been of the opinion that families and such should board after first class and elites.
This is just my take on it, but I believe the main reason for testing the idea of allowing families to board ahead of elites is that it's not uncommon for anywhere from a 30% to 50% of the passengers on a given flight to consist of elite members, increasing the likelihood of families hauling kids and carseats clogging up the works while elites are still boarding.
I'd assume that by allowing families to board first, you get them "out of the way" first so elites can enjoy a more hassle-free boarding experience after they're situated.