Years ago when traveling from PHX on TWA with a 75% space available ticket, I was astonished to find that TWA CC were being boarded, each with a class 10 pass...service charge only, space available.
I mentioned to the TWA personnel at the gate that I held a
revenue ticket that was of a higher priority than a class ten pass, and if they left me behind, Kansas City would know about it without delay.
CC off, yours truly on.
Of course the CC were not pleased, but then again...dime a dozen.
The ultimate was waiting to board an AA 727 at LGA, and there was one seat left, and this was apparently 'reserved' for the deadheading Captain's wife, as he would sit on the FD.
She had a 10% space available ticket whereas I had obtained a positive space ID50, so the missus (and her AA Captain) were left behind...I can still remember her cursing at the AA Captain as I walked down the jetway...'Harvey, you cheap b*stard, getting me a 10% ticket, you will pay for this you a**hole'.
