When I traveled for business, I often used Southwest. It was like a Taxi ride to me. I wouldn’t board until they were closing the door. Sometimes, I did get stuck in the middle, but they were generally 30 minute flights or so. Not clear to me why some struggle so to get on board and be stuck with only a view of everyone’s crotch as they walk by.
Overhead space. You took 30 minute flights. Every see how many people board with suitcases?? That’s a big part of the problem- unchecked luggage. The fact airlines charge $30 per checked bag makes the situation worse.
LOL, I flew SW quite a bit. I liked boarding later since “those” in need of being first are a real PIA!
I on occasion got middle seat between two fatties. At least they recognized they were encroaching on my space. I would comment that “I paid extra for the middle seat”. You would be surprised how many free adult beverages I got that way.
I used to do the same - board last.
However, with the darn shut-down, I lost all of my ‘status’ with the airlines. And so now, it’s $30 to check a bag - each way. My job really requires more than a single carry-on, so I pare it way down and cram it into a smaller bag for carry on.
But I kinda get that people need to fight for stowage space now. The airlines forced that on us.
It is interesting to watch people though. They’ll announce the first boarding group and EVERYBODY rushes the gate. If you’re in the 3rd group, you can’t even get to the gate for all the group 7 and 8 people blocking you from getting ahead of them..
It’s just weird - this “ME FIRST” society that we’ve become.
(Not to mention the “center seat” folks who work their way on early so they can ‘mistakenly’ take your aisle or window seat. - And DON’T you go “disrespecting” them by trying to point out that they’re in the wrong place!..)
When I did the same I paid to be on in the first 10 flyers.
Went straight to the back and then waited for everyone to get off.