I agree with that.

You just proved the point you were trying to disprove. If you aren't checked in, and don't have a seat, then you can be denied boarding when traveling A3, which means you are NOT positive space guaranteed travel. It's a really stupid company policy either way. I had a situation in VPS where we were A1 (still had more flying to do on the trip) and the F/A was A3, and the gate denied her boarding to put a standby non-rev on. We brought it up with the gate and the agent threatened to pull our seat assignments if we didn't board immediately. Should have written her up...

Oh yes you should have and asked for a supervisor then and there.

What the heck?! If some gate agent really did this, I'm not sure what the heck she was thinking because even if the A3 does not have a seat and is therfore on the standby list,the "A" trumps the "D" of a non-rev.

Not sure what she was thinking by deciding to put a D1/D2/D3 ahead of an A-pass traveler,

A friend was traveling.

It is not unheard of for an A3 to be denied boarding. A3's are not untouchable. I agree that it sucks that the company will A1 you to where they need you but then leave you at a disadvantage when trying to come home. That's just how they do it here. I'm not sure why there's any debate, they've been doing this for many years.

Take a little initiative and check in early as you can.

I'm not trying to prove a point. We all know A3s aren't guaranteed a spot like an A1. However, it's very rare to not get on with an A3. Being on reserve I frequently get scheduled to fly out and dead head back on the turn. Several times I have worked it where I didn't sign in to get a seat assignment hoping to not get on and go to the over night so I didn't have to get a hotel/Crashpad.

The fact a company will not positive space deadhead you while on duty is asinine.

Moving on to relevant news...recruitment will no longer be offering choice of bases in Sept. All new hires to ORD.

Well if this is true, it's a good thing I'm in the class that starts the 29th.