Originally Posted by
ethernal
I think the consensus is more that they don't want to do numerical zone boarding because then "priority boarding" would be Zone 5 (if we don't include preboards, military, children / strollers - Zone 8 if they are included). A casual traveler will see "Zone 1" and think their priority boarding is actually meaningful. Seeing Zone 5 would make them feel ripped off. It's not so much a contractual issue as it is a perception issue.
If AA and UA can have a numerical number system and also have credit cards that get around the same boarding priority as DL, I don’t see why it can’t be done. It is honestly so stupid how it is done now and this “enhancement” won’t improve the issue any more and will probably make it worse.