Being at the front of the queue means you don’t have to make your way through a long series of other passengers who are busy putting their luggage into the over

Being at the front of the queue means you don’t have to make your way through a long series of other passengers who are busy putting their luggage into the overhead compartment and not able to get out of your way. Having to squeeze through that can feel more cramped and claustrophobic than the seat you finally arrive at. Also, if you are at the back of the queue, there is occasionally a risk of there no longer being space in the overhead compartment for your stuff.