I thought the manifest was printed just before doors closed? Surely the only way they know who is actually on board (not just checked in) is to give a print out once the gate closes (and they've removed any selfish b@stard no-shows ). I am sure that 'The View From 1C' normally affords one the chance to see the dispatcher bring two copies (on shorthaul Airbus jobbies at least) of the printed manifest to the Purser/CSD (one for the front, one for the back) just before they close the door. I'll pay more attention in future!