Finally got GA tix. Tips for getting on the rail?

SHZA

Lifted said:

My advice would be to not waste your time trying to get on the rail. It's really not worth it. You'll have a better view and sound from the back of the pit, and you'll also be much more comfortable. Even short people can get a good view from the back of the pit, assuming it's not oversold. I wouldnt go to the rail even if I could get escorted to it without waiting.

I got front row for a pearl jam show before they started doing the ga pit, and although it was pretty cool, and much better than being smashed up front on a ga rail...even then, I think I would've had a better overall experience 10-15 rows further back.

I dont understand the infatuation people have with being as close as possible. I certainly don't like nosebleeds, and avoid them at all cost...to the point I wouldn't even go to an arena show if all I could pull were nosebleeds....but the best seats/spots in the house are never the closest.

You reached your conclusion about the best seating location after having been in the front row. It's worth doing at least once to have the experience and to decide whether it's worth doing again. Opinions vary 

mace1229

Been GA a couple times, but never tried for rail.
I would have a similar list of questions as the OP had. One not asked or addressed that would be near the top for me, how would I know if there's a pre-line somewhere?
I've heard stories of people not knowing there was a pre-line for shows that don't allow lines, and it wasn't pretty. 
If I didn't know any better and I saw a sign that said no lines, I wouldn't think to go look for one. And if you do know to look, where do you start? Is it obvious?

JR225955

I had GA in Costa Rica. Got there when doors opened and hurried to the front. Was about eight people back. X played. Then PJ came out and the press was extreme. I lasted maybe half a dozen songs. Had to push my way backward to escape. It was extreme. High temps. High humidity. Lots of bodies. I didn’t die. 10 of 10. High recommend. 

BF25394

I've never tried doing this for Pearl Jam, because it entails lining up the night before, but I've done it for Wilco dozens of times. In the early days, it just meant being there when doors opened. In later years, it means getting there early in the afternoon. There's nothing better than having nothing in between you and the band, and I imagine it would be incredible to experience Pearl Jam like this. I just can't do the overnight thing.

People really aren't allowed to have their Plus-One join them in line later? I've never seen a line that operated that way for other bands (but, again, none of those involved lining up overnight). In my experience, it is understood that a person can hold a spot for another person.