American Airlines announced it is expanding new technology to end a process known as “gate lice,” where passengers cut lines in hopes of boarding an early flight.
If a passenger attempts to board the plane before their assigned assignment is called, the system will audibly flag and automatically reject the ticket.
American Airlines first piloted the technology last month at Albuquerque International Sunport in New Mexico, Tucson International Airport in Arizona and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The plan is to expand to more than 100 airports in time for the holiday season.
American Airlines steps up measures against 'gate lice' as airport passengers skip lines during check-in process
Julie Russ, American's senior vice president of airport operations, reservations and service recovery, said in a press release that it is important that customers are able to board in their assigned groups.
American Airlines continues to roll out technology that alerts staff if a passenger attempts to board a plane before a designated time. (St. Petersburg)
“The initial positive response from customers and team members has exceeded our expectations, so we're excited to leverage this technology and offer it to our customers ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.” Rath said.
Travelers who board with a companion who has a boarding group ahead of them may continue to board. According to the press release, agents will disable alerts to accept boarding passes.
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American Airlines initially tested the technology at three airports and announced on November 20 that it would soon roll it out to more than 100 airports. (St. Petersburg)
According to American's site, the technology “gives team members additional insight into the number of customers in each boarding group” and “displays expected arrival times for incoming flight connections.”
Airports listed in the expansion program include Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia.
The term “gate lice” has gained attention on social media in recent years. It's unclear who came up with the term, but “gate lice” is discussed at length on several travel blogs and Reddit forums.
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“The new technology is designed to ensure our customers receive the benefits of priority boarding,” an American Airlines representative told Fox News Digital in an email in October.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are among the 100 airports rolling out the program this holiday season. (St. Petersburg)
“This will give us a clearer picture of our team's flight status, which will help us improve the flight experience,” the spokesperson added.
Jacqueline Whitmore, a former flight attendant and etiquette expert based in Mount Dora, Fla., told Fox News Digital in an email that she supports American Airlines' latest strategy.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to American Airlines for additional comment.
