nav3,
The previous boarding groups were as follows:
- Speedy Boarding
- Preboards (Special Assistance)
- A (1-30)
- B (31-60)
- C (Online Checkin)
- D (61+)
Effectively what easyJet have done is remove groups C and D to make things simpler. They've given online checkin customers group A (incentive to use it).
On any one flight, you will rarely have more than 5-7 speedy boarders. Preboards vary of course depending on how many children/assistance passengers there are. So group A passengers do still get quite a good choice of seats.
Speedy boarding works in the majority of easyJet stations where passengers are boarded by airbridge. That's why airports where they use airbridges attract a higher speedy boarding charge. The price goes down slightly for boarding by stairs outside the terminal, and then again drops quite low where there's a chance buses will be used. If speedy boarding doesn't get you on the aircraft before A/B groups passengers, you're entitled to your money back.