Phil... The same thing happened me on a flight on Delta to Atlanta. I was cramped in
the window seat and everyone wondered why I
was sitting there... I asked the flight attendant "the seat belt sign is still on!"
She said everything's Okie dokie! Everyone rushed off like the ticket deal at Southwest Jaws43 talked about.

The flights at JFK has a race to see how many
people can be knocked down boarding the plane. It's like boarding the NYC subways!

Remember Guys I suggested that they break up
the boarding sequence and maybe start boarding 20 minutes early. First: the seniors and parents with children. Then
work down the elite tiers with about 3-5 minute gaps between each boarding sequence.
Then board from the back every FIVE ROWS!

IT's up to the flight attendants to make sure
the people board at the right time. I always
show my membership card to the attendants
before I board early. Only a few times on
United they take a look at it.

Maybe ask for the membership cards to be shown so Mr. infrequent flyer with 25 miles doesn't board for coach and take all the overhead space.

ONce on Lufthansa my section was called next to last I get on the plane and most of the section was full. I almost had to check some very fragile beer steins because the people overloaded the overheads with baby strollers
and very big bags (more than two for some!)

The beer steins got home ok, I got home
frazzled because the person next to me stretched out and snored the whole trip.
CATMAN