Originally Posted by
wetrat0
In over 5 years as a low- to mid-level AA/US elite (currently gold/group 4), I have *never* had to gate-check my roller bag. The only times I have had to put my bag substantially aft of my seat has been when I have boarded late (i.e., after general boarding has started).
That's exactly the issue. When they board early, elites (who earned early boarding) have to stow their bags aft of their seat assignment. Bottom line: when the GA deviates from the boarding schedule, some people lose earned privileges.