A319
Flight Attendant Current
Other / Unknown; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Company Policy; Procedure
Gate agents were in violation of FAR 121.309. Per my In-flight Manual; 'a preflight inspection is required (which includes the verification of emergency equipment) and MUST be completed.....every time you change to a different aircraft...'   Unfortunately these agents are under so much pressure to 'close the door 10 minutes early'; that they didn't understand as the working outbound crew; we would need 5 minutes to stow our bags and complete our preflight checks. In all their excitement asking how soon they could board; we specifically said we would need five minutes.  They disregarded our request and began boarding before we had our bags stowed. As the #4 I had emergency equipment checks to do which I was not able to accomplish. Because all the agents can focus on is 'closing the door' 10 minutes early and of course their 'on-time' departure; losing any regard/respect for their co-workers/other departments;ie; pilots/flight attendants that also have responsibilities/pressures that are required to achieve the ultimate goal. I wish greatly that I had a suggestion; but since it's such a problem at so many stations; I feel the station managers should be more understanding; and proactive. Unfortunately; they are the ones putting SO much pressure on their agents; and from my experience; most station managers have absolutely no idea of our job responsibilities; and quite frankly; could care less.
Air Carrier Flight Attendant reports that gate agent pressure for early departures is getting in the way of proper cabin preflights.