Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Still going through ORD security when boarding has already started
Programs: AA EXP, UA Silver, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold, IHG Plat, Hyatt Disco, Reno Air MEGA Platinum
Posts: 10,319
It's just lazy GAs. They're supposed to come onboard and move the next person on the list up, but sometimes they don't bother.
Happened to me BNA-ORD last year. Seat empty with 10+ people on the list.