### American Airlines Implements New Technology to Combat "Gate Lice" During Holiday Travel Season

American Airlines is ramping up its efforts to prevent "gate lice"—travelers who attempt to board flights ahead of their assigned time—just in time for the busy holiday season. The Fort Worth-based carrier announced on Wednesday that it is introducing a new boarding-pass scanning technology at over 100 U.S. airports following a successful trial at Albuquerque International Sunport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Tucson International Airport.

The new system operates by gently shaming those who try to cut the line. If a passenger attempts to board out of turn, the software will reject their boarding pass and emit an innocuous audible alert. A gate agent will then instruct the passenger to wait until their designated boarding group is called. However, agents have the discretion to override the alert in specific situations, such as when a passenger is traveling with someone in an earlier boarding group.

The term "gate lice" originated more than a decade ago in frequent flyer forums like Flyertalk and has recently gained more widespread recognition, even earning its own Wikipedia page. The phenomenon, driven largely by a competitive rush to secure overhead bin space for carry-on luggage, was exacerbated when American Airlines started charging for checked bags in 2008. In 2023 alone, the airline earned approximately $1.4 billion from baggage fees, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

In line with most major airlines, American's boarding order is influenced by various factors including frequent-flyer status, the class of the ticket purchased, and whether the fare was paid with an airline-branded credit card. Typically, the highest spenders and most loyal customers are given priority in boarding.

The airline reports positive feedback from its most valued passengers. According to Julie Rath, senior vice president of airport operations at American Airlines, customers have expressed that adhering to assigned boarding groups is an important benefit linked to their AAdvantage status or fare purchase. Rath noted that the initial response to the new technology has exceeded expectations.

American Airlines' boarding process starts with Group 1, reserved for active duty military personnel, business-class passengers on international flights, AAdvantage Executive Platinum members, and holders of the ConciergeKey status. Following them, Group 2 includes business-class passengers on three-class planes and AAdvantage Platinum Pro members, while Group 3 comprises AAdvantage Platinum members and mid-tier OneWorld Sapphire status holders. Ordinary travelers with a basic economy ticket who are not AAdvantage members board last, in Group 9.

The technology is expected to help enforce an orderly boarding process and reduce the crowd of waiting passengers near the boarding gate. This development is just the beginning, with plans to expand the technology to more hubs and airports in the coming months.

As for whether other airlines will follow suit, it remains uncertain. Major North American carriers like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Air Canada also employ priority boarding. Notably, Southwest Airlines, which has an open-seating policy, is transitioning to assigned seating based on customer preferences but continues to offer the popular perk of allowing two free checked bags.

With these changes, American Airlines aims to create a smoother boarding experience for its passengers, managing the rush more efficiently during the holiday season.