Airlines continually tweak the order in which they board passengers. They've tried everything from a "free for all" to window seats and back of plane first, to random boarding. One airline has even tried boarding passengers without carry-on bags first, which makes sense since pausing to find overhead bin space jams up the boarding of everyone behind. Jetblue recently changed its boarding procedure, so it's a good time to take a look at how the different U.S.-based airlines are getting bums in seats.
Why is this an issue? Overhead bin space. If you're the last to board, then the chances increase that cabin crew will make you gate-check your carry-on bag if the bins are filled by those who boarded ahead of you.
