Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
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Posts: 63,804
The SDC and (for non status passengers) earlier seat selection is not be overlooked, but seeing you sound a bit irked here, let's also look at the broader picture: you are less likely to be held up on departure and you will get to your arrival point at least as soon as expected, and be able to to disembark just that little bit quicker too, since people won't be trying to reassemble their bags in the aisle. Gate agents don't do this just to wind you up, it's to ensure the smooth departure for all passengers with the least stress for all concerned. If the aircraft is half empty this offer won't apply anyway.
And the idea these HBO passengers will get their bags prioritised at arrival is surely heading towards urban myth territory in my view.