Why is American Airlines removing ‘gate lice’ at airports? What it means for DFW travelers
New airport technology will crack down on travelers who cut lines.
American Airlines is developing technology that will audibly inform the gate agent if a “gate lice” has infested the boarding process.
Gate lice is a new term used to describe those who jump their queue in the line.
“The new technology is designed to ensure customers receive the benefits of priority boarding with ease and helps improve the boarding experience by providing greater visibility into boarding progress for our team,” the Fort Worth-based airline said in a statement.
The gate lice detector has already been implemented in three airports: Albuquerque International Sunport in New Mexico, Tucson International Airport in Arizona, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia.
So far, American Airlines says they are pleased with the results. Several passengers said, “About time,” in a New York Times article about the coming technology.
How will ‘Gate Lice’ tracking work?
If a traveler were to board before their group was called, the new gate lice technology would not only notify the gate agent but everyone in the area. The passenger would then be asked to wait until their group was called to board the plane.
American Airlines begins boarding its flights 30 to 50 minutes before departure. Boarding always ends 15 minutes before takeoff.
They board in sections to ease the process of dozens of passengers trying to get on the plane with luggage. The boarding order goes as follows:
Concierge Key members.
Group 1 (Active duty U.S. military with military I.D. and AAdvantage Executive Platinum members)
Group 2 (AAdvantage Platinum Pro, oneworld and Emerald members).
Group 3 (AAdvantage Platinum, oneworld and Sapphire members).
Group 4 (AAdvantage Gold, oneworld, Ruby, AirPass, Premium Economy Citi/AAdvantage, Executive cardmembers and Travelers who bought Priority boarding).
Group 5 Preferred Boarding (Main Cabin Extra– excluding Basic Economy, AAdvantage members who earn 15,000 Loyalty Points, Eligible AAdvantage credit cardmembers).
Group 6 (AAdvantage® members).
Group 7 and 8 (main cabin).
Group 9 (basic economy).
This story was originally published October 24, 2024 at 12:28 PM.