American Airlines to Use New ‘Gate Lice’ Technology
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American Airlines has expanded its new boarding process technology, which sounds an alarm if a passenger attempts to board before their designated group is called. Initially tested at select airports last month, the system is now being rolled out to more locations, including some in North Carolina, as part of a broader expansion.
According to WBTV, the technology was developed in response to complaints from passengers who paid for earlier boarding privileges. It aims to address the issue of “gate lice”—a term used in the industry for travelers who board early, bypassing their assigned group. When someone tries to board ahead of schedule, the system triggers an alarm and rejects their boarding pass, instructing them to return to the queue until their group is called.
Gate agents can override the alert in cases where passengers are traveling with others in an earlier boarding group. The system also helps agents track the number of passengers in each group and monitor connecting flights.
