Or be on crutches (recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon). I experienced this first hand a few weeks ago. I was allowed through the gate to the seats just behind with another passenger who was in a wheelchair. They then made the announcement asking for people to check in bags. Those of us with mobility issues were allowed on board first with the people who had checked in luggage just behind.

It will be interesting to see how I get on with my crutches on my forthcoming TP run to HNL.