Time Pressure
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Security; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Misconduct
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure
As the crew arrived at the gate; later than scheduled; I was one of the first to make it down the jet bridge. As I was descending I saw 4 people getting secondary screening in an area off an elbow in the jet bridge. As I continued down to the aircraft door I witnessed an airport security person escorting a passenger off the aircraft. I was surprised as the plane had been on the gate for nearly an hour; this could not be a passenger still deplaning on arrival. As I entered the aircraft to stow my belongings I noted that the FAMs were already on board. I recognized this as a violation of FAR 121.391; minimum crew on board before boarding. I then went back up the jet bridge to inform our Security/Gate Agent that a person had been boarded without any crewmembers on board. Agent said that they were secondary screening some passengers and that the passenger was not a security issue. In an effort to expedite boarding they were put on the jet bridge and told to wait. The passenger somehow made it down; on to the plane in spite of personnel in place. The CA and Purser arrived moments later and I informed them. The CA discussed the situation with the lead security agent and the purser and it was agreed not to have to re screen the plane to expedite departure.First problem I see is the pressure to expedite boarding to make up for a delay. Second; allowing passengers onto the jet bridge while the plane is being serviced by many airport workers. I assume the passenger saw the FAM's go onto the Aircraft and assumed it was okay to do the same. The airport security person at the door may have thought she was another FAM; or may have been distracted and had his/her back turned as the passenger walked on.
Air carrier Flight Attendant reported that Federal Air Marshals were allowed to board prior to the crew boarding.