Did a check-in (no bags) just less than 30 minutes before departure at OAK two months ago (tried to catch an earlier empty flight). The agent was very nice, worked on the computer (even though I was not on that flight), and gave me a standby BP (because the computer system was already locked out at the check-in counter), so that I could run to the gate to exchange for a real BP. The gate agent wasn't too happy about it, and was nevertheless nice to me (no hassle) and got me on the plane in no time. I think I boarded the plane 10 minutes before the door was closed.

It worked, and I think most AS service agents are good people !!

BW