A school group was on a flight to California with me one time. They boarded last and asked us to leave the back of the plane for them, but it was sort of unclear where the ‘back’ started. My friend and I were over the wing (she picked, I don’t like being over the wing) and one of their teachers was our middle seat buddy.
They had to have a few people move around because the kids weren’t old enough to sit in the exit rows.
They were not quiet.
Last month I had to book a 7am SW flight to NY only 14 hours ahead. Didn’t love the rear, middle seat… but I was glad to get something. Boarding process with tolerable for me, but my husband would have hated it (and refuses to fly SW). We mostly fly United out of Denver. Lots of flights, and our Chase United Visa gives us free checked bags. Lately we’ve been checking bags even when we use carryon rollerbags (which make things easier on the plane and later in the trip).
Impressive principal!