Originally Posted by AAdamE

When I see 50 people in group one at a non hub airport, it's because people can't hear, and once a mass starts to do something everyone follows as a cascading effect. I don't think its about too many people becoming EXP with the new program or in app buyups. Keep in mind gate agents are not incentivized in any way to enforce boarding groups - their goal is to get people on the plan as quickly as possible, and it is SO frustrating when the PA isn't audible and everyone just starts boarding.