I think we've done enough AA Zone 1 boarding to state that it always works, even in the midst of the rare IRROPS/delays we've enountered on both long- and short-haul sectors. Whereas BA Ground Agents in UK generally seem to struggle with the basic concepts.

BA seems to have an endemic reluctance to enforce its own rules on boarding, and indeed carry-on limits, in the UK. Yet, at LAX, IAD and CPT, the local staff (IME) seem to manage it pretty well.

Is it a problem caused by British reticence, as well as Management failing to issue clear instructions/training?