I can't believe this thread has gotten so long. It's apparent to me, and most likely everyone else that has read this, that the only reason that you feel that First Class priority is not fair is because you weren't a First Class passenger. Had you purchased a full fare First Class ticket and then been denied re-accomodation for a passenger that was traveling on a free ticket, simply because they checked in earlier, you would be screaming to a different tune. I rarely travel First Class when I have to pay for a ticket. I have been on flights that have been cancelled or suffered long delays. The airlines almost always accomodated their First Class passengers and high ranking frequent flyers before accomodating other passengers - this never surprised me, nor did I think it unfair. These people are the ones that the airlines make their money on. Discrimination is only illegal when it is based on race, ethnicity, sex, age and physical handicaps - and in some places, sexual orientation. Never is discrimination illegal when it is based on what one paid for their product or service. You have lost this argument with the airline and nobody here is on your side either - why continue? Next time, if you want to have more rights when you travel, you'll know to buy a full fare First Class ticket. Hopefully you won't think that your mileage award FREE ticket entitles you to the same rights as a First Class passenger.