Absolutely avoid the cultural lens on any topic as that is a no-win and has potential for long-lasting ambiguity!

The lack of consistency in this process has always been my issue. Sometimes Kids or family are on first, Zones 1 & 2 get lumped in together, and in MCO just last week Zones 1,2 & 3... in one shot!

With so many kettles flying onboarding can be frustrating as well as comical at the same time. You may have a brilliant lawyer as SE board and not have a clue how to read seat assignments or put their roller board away. The same with status achievers because of credit card spend having no idea how protocols work. You also have those who want to save the $25 or $100 and bring on board every piece of clothing and/or stuff they own and expect all others, including season flyers who bring onboard one item that fits the aircraft, to move their stuff for them. Sorry, I am old school, ex-military, one man one kit philosophy.

I have never witnessed pushing or shoving, and I avoid conflict by just moving past folks who stand there struggling to both breathe and think at the same time, similar to when in traffic, I just go around them as they try to slowly structure their next steps.