American Airlines Expands Anti-Gate Lice Technology

American Airlines is expanding a new technology aimed at reducing 'gate lice'—passengers who attempt to board before their assigned group—across more than 100 airports in the U.S. The system, which successfully trialed at three airports, alerts gate agents when someone tries to board early by rejecting their boarding pass and sounding an audible alert. This move comes ahead of the busy holiday travel season, with the airline emphasizing that the technology enhances the boarding experience for passengers who have earned priority through their fare or frequent flyer status. Feedback from the initial trials has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating that customers appreciate the enforcement of boarding groups. While the technology aims to streamline the boarding process, gate agents retain the ability to override alerts in special circumstances. American Airlines hopes this initiative will contribute to improved on-time performance as well as passenger satisfaction.