We departed last Sunday, March 31. We got to the airport about 10:20 for our 1:30 flight. United didn't open for about 15 minutes. We were 1st in line. We were at the gate 15 minutes later. We found seats in the lower departure area right next to our gate. The lower departure area was never more that 1/2 full. Had to be bused to the plane which is not great but hey... Not a bad experience at all.