I wish I had some, but i have no status despite zillions of miles, AND I don't even shop at Walmart, but it isn't so bad, since I usually pick the aisle seat in the 2nd to last row (just to make sure it reclines) - this is usually the group that boards first after you "special" people...i have open overhead bins in my row if I need them, and can use the facilities while the window person gets in...and i almost always have an open middle seat....there is no point to rush off as I usually have to check a bag anyway. Sometimes, I just sit at the gate and wait as everyone claws and fights their way on, fighting for bin space. When they say LAST CALL, i board, no waiting in line...I slide my purse in at my feet...no big deal...shaddup, sit down, buckle in and hold on!

As it relates to the topic however, many, many years ago I was traveling UA FLL - DEN with a broken foot, including a cast and crutches. On my outbound trip, I was dressed nicely - a dress, coifed hair AND shaved legs even! The gate area was practically empty, and as I was boarding the flight when they called for the "anyone needing extra time", the GA asked if i wanted an assist down the ramp...no i was fine, I said. (I was young and strong and didn't need no stinkin' wheelchair) Once onboard, the FA stopped me and said for me to just sit in 1A until everyone else got on so i wouldn't hold anyone up which I thought was STUPID since they let me board early so i could get my butt in my seat and out of the WAY, but I said nothing and just averted the looks of everyone who walked by (I felt like I was waiting to see the principal!).......the whole plane boarded.....and then we took off and they never moved me! I had 1A and B to myself - amazing! my first experience with first! Sadly I was on good pain drugs so I slept through what must have been a wonderful flight.

On my return trip, i had no such luck. I again boarded in the pre-boarding group after first class, which had all of 2 people in it...this time no FA stopped me and sadly I went to my "back of the bus" seat. I always chalked it up to wearing shorts, a tshirt and a flip flop...just didn't look like first class material I guess.... oh well...lesson learned...that, and there is always the chance i will be sitting next to some cute, single, straight guy....I travel neat and comfortably, and while I am not a fashion plate, I am ALWAYS clean...gawd I have had to sit next to some schtinky people in my life.....

ITTIA