Originally Posted by
willy702
I always go row 3. Bins above it or just behind it are open and as Elite or Group 1 should always get some space. If you board later the bins could be a problem. I don't trust the plane choice for exit rows, been changed out too often on me. I'm usually flying in DEN or LAS so they can swap equipment more often. Exit rows are a little more roomy but been stuck in standard rows too often to take that chance.
You definitely don't want to board late in row 3. I've had this happen where I had to put my bag like 15 rows back. Luckily my friend and I were able to make room later so I could squeeze my bag in otherwise would have had to wait for end of deplaning to get my bag.
The space above row 1 area is full of equipment so they use row 2 space and then row 2 and others in row 3 can take up the space above row 3 and then you have no space left. The good thing about row 1, I suppose is that they keep the row 2 bins closed for row 1 passengers and they seem to police it as well.