American Airlines Targets ‘Gate Lice’ in New Mexico Boarding Test
American Airlines is cracking down on sneaky boarders and they've recently tested it out in New Mexico.
American Airlines recently tested out this new technology in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The new system will target passengers who try to board before it's their groups turn, or what some might call "gate lice".
If you're unfamiliar, the term "gate lice" is a term used in air travel to describe passengers who crowd the boarding gate area at an airport before their boarding group is called.
These individuals often block the gate, creating congestion and making it difficult for those who are supposed to board first to do so. The term likens the cluster of anxious or overeager passengers to lice swarming around a gate. It's a common source of mild frustration among frequent flyers and airline staff.
So how is American Airlines targeting these "gate lice"? By enhancing boarding procedures with new tech. They've implemented digital systems that prevent passengers from scanning their boarding passes before their designated group is called, ensuring a smoother boarding process and reducing chaos at the gate.
This also helps with overhead bin management and reduces frustration from line-jumping. The goal is to improve organization and streamline boarding to benefit passengers and staff alike.
After successful tests at Albuquerque International Sunport and Tucson International Airport, American Airlines say they will soon expand the testing to other airports like Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C.
The new tech might help make your air traveling experience a little smoother; airports are already enough of a hassle to deal with!
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