Originally Posted by hptorres
I recently flew SAN-JFK-PSE-JFK-SAN and experienced all three. In SAN it was all at the same time. At JFK back to front and from PSE to JFK dual boarding and I actually boarded the plane from the back, which was a first for me. From JFK back to SAN it was again back to front. The flight from SAN to JFK was not that full so it wasn't a big deal boarding all at once, however, I can see some issues with boarding all at once with a full load. One thing that bothers me is that when the gate agent announces "now boarding rows 19 to 26" all the passengers on rows 1-18 stay right next to the entrance creating an even a bigger mess! I can see people wanting to get overhead space but we're all boarding the same plane!
To each his own, but that's why I usually fly with bags that fit under the seat, everything else gets checked in. It makes my flying experience a bit less stressful.
Just my .02
What you experienced was jetBlue's experimentation with several boarding processes to see which works best.
I agree with you about storing carry-on bags under the seat in front of me and checking other bags (although I hate checking when I don't have to), however, keep in mind that when you have nothing under the seat, this greatly increased the legroom and you'll really have a comfortable flight. I just hate when people stuff bulky winter coats, hats, small shopping bags, etc. into the overhead bins which leaves less space for larger bags - if you're one of those people, please wait to place your smaller items up there AFTER all larger ones are there...there will be space since they are small and can often fit on top or inbetween bags!!!!!