Originally Posted by
corporate-wage-slave
No, it's not the sign. It's the Tensas. Get rid of the tensas, keep the entry area completely clear, have one sign AA style by the scanner, "boarding will not start until the area in front of the gates is completely clear, please take your seats". But yes, best turn up very late in my view, much nicer experience if you board last, the crew really are pleased to see you then!
This has also become my new practice on BA short hauls. While I know I will eventually get burned by BA losing my bag I have been checking in my carry on and since I also avoid Row 1 there is no reason at all to be standing all stressed out for ages at the gate for the inevitably delayed start to boarding. Especially now with UK passports needing to be stamped entering the EU by the time you get through the bags are normally starting to arrive on the belt. Only exception is if I'm flying to MAN when I will always carry my bag with me onboard