> And increasingly, airline policy is such that there can be a real, tangible benefit to lining up early. Flights are often full, or even overbooked, which can

> And increasingly, airline policy is such that there can be a real, tangible benefit to lining up early. Flights are often full, or even overbooked, which can lead to a sense of pressure among travelers to claim their space early. Airlines forcing fliers to gate check passengers’ carry-ons because of “full” overhead bins, for example, means that being the last passenger to board when Group 6 is called (rather than the first to board with Group 7) can be the difference between keeping your carry-on and not. I don't know what kind of hellish experience American airlines are but that isn't a thing on any airline I've flown on (predominantly in South East Asia or Australia), and there are still "gate lice" (I prefer the term cunt queuers) that will stand around blocking people who have actually been called to board. The "what do I do, just try to blend in and do what others do" explanation sounds much more likely based on other behaviour.