Before luggage considerations changed the equation somewhat, I always tried to get in early when I had a seat in the back and late when I had a seat in the front. Having people in front board early or in the back board late doesn’t do anyone any favors.
Despite the cramped space, I generally board as soon as I can. I am less physically comfortable, but more psychologically comfortable. I hate the “hurry up and wait” of being at an airport, and needing to pay attention. Once I am seated on the plane, I can read my book and ignore what’s going on around me.
None of these really bother me, because CUMULATIVELY they drive me insane. Everything from the moment you have to do your own check-in, to stupidshit worthless security theater - the pooch is screwed before you ever get to the gate.
So any time I have to fly, I expect every aspect of the flight to be extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant. I basically mentally numb myself to all input, fold my 6’3" frame into my seat assuming the person ahead of me will recline and those on either side will monopolize the armrests, and read/crossword/nap as best I can. It is rare that I do not check my bag. Since I am almost always in the final boarding group, it seems there is never overhead space for my bag (which is not oversized). So I bring nothing other than a light jacket and my book/magazine.
If ANY of the worst does not happen - I consider myself crazy lucky. Sure, I was crammed into the seat, but at least I DIDN’T have a screaming baby in the row behind me! :rolleyes:
All of this could be corrected by the airlines, but they simply do not care. Enforce carry-on size, require placement above the assigned seats, no reclining seats… Nor do the passengers care, really. They complain, but what they REALLY want is low fares. Which is what they get, even if they end up stacked like cordwood.
Got a 5 hr flight to Costa Rica coming up in January. My wife tried to get me to spring for business class. I simply couldn’t. Instead, we got bulkhead - and put the money into really nice hotels on the ground.
My preference would be to drive anywhere less than 20 hrs.