### American Airlines Implement New Boarding Procedures Nationwide

American Airlines will tighten its boarding procedures nationwide, just ahead of the busy Thanksgiving travel period. The airline is expanding its new technology designed to prevent out-of-turn boarders to more than 100 airports across the US. This development comes after earlier trials at select airports were reported by The Points Guy (TPG) last month.

The innovative software emits an audible beep to alert gate agents when passengers attempt to board ahead of their designated group. Gate agents also receive a visual cue and will instruct those passengers to wait until their correct group is called. Interestingly, passengers flying with companions in a higher boarding group can still board early; the system will sound an alert, but agents can override it manually.

Kim Cisek, American Airlines' vice president of customer experience, emphasized the importance of an orderly boarding process for their customers. "Boarding is really important to our customers," she said. The boarding groups are a crucial component of the airline’s value proposition, especially for higher-tier ticket holders, AAdvantage elite members, and co-branded American credit cardholders. Certain credit cards offer higher-priority boarding as a benefit.

The new technology was initially trialed at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) in New Mexico, Tucson International Airport (TUS) in Arizona, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in recent weeks. Tests were also conducted at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), American’s home base. According to Cisek, the trials indicated that the technology not only discourages unauthorized boarding but also reduces crowding near the boarding area.

American Airlines currently utilizes nine boarding groups. Generally, passengers without elite status but who are part of the AAdvantage loyalty program board in Group 6. With the implementation of this technology, American Airlines aims to offer a calmer, more seamless boarding experience for all its passengers.