American Airways expands its ‘Gate Lice’ throughout the U.S. airports forward of the Thanksgiving journey surge

American Airways is increasing its efforts to handle “gate lice”—passengers who crowd the gate earlier than they’re referred to as to board—by introducing new know-how at greater than 100 airports throughout the U.S. in time for the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas journey seasons.

The transfer follows profitable trials in Albuquerque, Washington, and Tucson final month.

The modern boarding system will stop passengers from utilizing their boarding passes earlier than their assigned group is named.

If a passenger makes an attempt to board early, the system will set off an audible alert for gate brokers and show a message on the display screen, prompting employees to direct the passenger to step apart till their group is named.

For vacationers accompanying somebody in an earlier boarding group, gate brokers can override the alert to proceed the method easily.

Based on American Airways, early suggestions from the trials has proven the know-how not solely improves boarding effectivity but additionally helps anticipate connection occasions for incoming flights.

Main airports akin to Austin-Bergstrom Worldwide and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Worldwide will likely be among the many first to implement the brand new system aimed toward curbing queue leaping.

The airline’s boarding precedence is set by components together with fare kind and AAdvantage standing.

Julie Rath, American Airways’ senior vice chairman of airport operations, shared that the corporate has obtained optimistic suggestions from each prospects and employees, noting that passengers worth the flexibility to board with their assigned group as a perk of their fare or loyalty standing.

“We’re excited to roll out this technology to meet customer expectations and enhance their experience as we approach the holiday season,” Rath stated.