Assigned seats. Unassigned patience.
Everyone has a seat number now. Everyone is still crowding the gate like the plane might leave without the people it is waiting for.
PLATE 01
The Gate Lurker
Hoverus prematurus
- Habitat
- The three square feet directly in front of the scanner.
- Marks
- Holds a Group 7 boarding pass with Group 1 confidence.
- Call
- "Are they boarding yet?"
Southwest pulled out the numbered poles in January 2026 and switched to eight boarding groups. The Lurker lost its perch and adapted within the hour by standing in front of everyone else's.
Abundant