There are a lot of problems with baggage claim delays, misdirected bags and stolen (“lost” in airline lingo) bags and it just takes one of those events to leave a lasting impression of “I’ll never check a bag again” attitude. The airlines need to clean up their baggage handling and that would help a lot.

I board early because of my status and I have no complaints but I’d feel a lot differently spending over $20K per year with AA if I was handed a boarding pass with Zone 9 on it.