Originally Posted by OxfordBlue

I find this policy ridiculous and counterintuitive.

If I arrive in good time for an earlier flight, what loss does the airline suffer by carrying me? Unless the flight is very nearly full and there is a chance of selling a last-minute seat at a high price, it costs them nothing, and has the double advantage of (1) making me feel better about the airline, because they helped me and (2) liberating a seat on the later flight which might then be sold at a premium.

Can anyone give a counter-argument?