Originally Posted by
Aliquot
Why is this an issue? Is it really that important to get the privilege of sitting in a metal tube 30 seconds longer than some other guy? I can see being angry if it gets to the point that groups 6-8 are called early enough that they get on in front of you, because that is when overhead space becomes an issue.
Overhead space becomes an issue at group 3. That's why airline board first class, first. People tend to stow their luggage at the first empty overhead bin. After all, you never really know if there will be bin space back at row 85, so why take chances? Also, why lug your suitcase all the way to row 85 (and back, after landing) when there's plenty of unused space at row 5?
Also, compare "standing in a line waiting to board" and "seated on the aircraft". Which place would you rather be? I think most people prefer "seated on the aircraft" as a more comfortable place than standing in line.
That's why we have boarding groups, and that's why AA guarantees early boarding as a privilege that you can earn, if you fly enough. And that's why, when the gate agent board groups 2 thru 5 at the same time, passengers lose an earned privilege.