This is a problem sometimes. The gate at FRA yesterday had this really narrow approach to the door and, of course, everyone is stacked as they really don't do lines in Germany. However, I don't have a problem excusing myself to get up to the door when elites board. But then they called general boarding much too soon and I was then stuck deep in line. I like to get on, stow my bag, get into the seat and then watch, with amusement, the rest of the people get on. I don't know what the rush was because they already knew their was a slot hold for DTW and we would not be pushing back on schedule.

When I don't snag the UG the next best thing is getting on early and making sure I don't have to play the 'find an open overhead bin' game, especially in the cold months in the midwest when everyone has these massive coats that they so carefully spread all the way out in the bins. I did notice that they are now telling people not to put coats in the overheads until everyone with carry on bags has had a chance to stow them, but then you run into the 'everybody but me' rule; you know, that announcement pertains to everyone but me!