You can still "pre-board" after the A group boards and if you really want to board first you can get on early and get an A pass even if there isn't traditional pre-boarding. This just keeps people from taking advantage of it to board a very large group of people and/or as a crutch to not to bother with their ticket until the last possible second and still get on first. It's really actually a lot calmer and more relaxed now in Nashville now because you can sit until the boarding time and not have to stand holding your luggage in an uncomfortable fashion for an extended period of time. I think you'll find yourself pleasantly suprised at how much more normal(like the other airlines) it now and as long as you get your boarding pass at a reasonable time you will get a good seat and wont have to worry about being in the C group.
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