DEAR MISS MANNERS: I frequently fly an airline that boards passengers in groups, numbered one through nine, and through two boarding lanes. The lanes are divided by plastic cones and ropes, even though the entrances to the lanes are not blocked. One boarding lane is for Groups 1 through 4, and the other lane is for Groups 5 through 9.
It would be most efficient for Group 1 and Group 5 to line up in their respective boarding lanes even before boarding starts, as those groups board first. Instead, by custom, all passengers wait in the gate area, which becomes crowded and chaotic.
Whenever I am in Group 1 or 5, would it be mannerly for me to go ahead and enter my group’s boarding lane, as long as nobody is blocking the entrance? Or may I suggest to other passengers in my group that we line up in our boarding lane? I don’t want to be a busybody, but surely this procedure would be less stressful for everyone than waiting in a chaotic crowd.
GENTLE READER: One would think. Miss Manners herself sees nothing wrong with attempting what you suggest, but warns you that it may be met with resistance, or worse. Those in charge of such things will likely caution you against it “for your own safety” -- in other words, protection from the passengers who did not think of it first.