I have to side with ave1024 here. CP holder for years and traveled extensively with all three of my kids who are now 5, 3 and 3, much too young to board solo. As much as I would like to board in my usual A-Lister position (16-25) with my kiddo companion in tow, I always board at my companions' boarding position instead. No different than if my wife is flying as my companion and also intends on taking the middle seat next to me. Call me a rule follower but it is also a matter of consideration for my fellow passengers and their boarding positions - you're welcome . If my kiddo companion gets a B or C position, I utilize family boarding. Yeah, it does kind of stink to go from A-16 to A-61 but at the end of the day it's just not that big of a deal to me and what I personally feel is the right thing to do. If it was a big deal, I would probably buy an upgraded boarding position at the gate for my companion or EBCI at a minimum.

I can understand to most that it would not be a huge deal for a fellow A-Lister to be in line in front of you with a younger kiddo in tow. I've experienced it from this perspective as well. But where do you draw the line? What about an A-Lister like me traveling solo with multiple kiddos under 5. Would you be ok with me having all 3 kiddos holding B/C cards board with me at A-17? If not, then why would it be ok for the person in front of me at A-16 with just one kiddo get to board together? Family boarding exists for this exact purpose and affords me extra time to coordinate the little ones down the jetway, lug and collapse a stroller, manage carryons, heck carry the entire house down the jetway with us as to not slow down the boarding process for everyone else. I am a seasoned and efficient traveler but traveling with any of my kiddos slows me down no matter what.