Key Takeaways:
– American Airlines is trialing new technology to deter ‘gate lice’, passengers who skip ahead in queue during boarding.
– The innovative system creates an audible alert when someone attempts to board out of turn.
– The technology has been successful in initial testing phases at airports in Albuquerque, Tuscon, and Washington D.C.
– The system is not currently being used in Ohio, although American Airlines do serve flights there.
– The new technology aims to ensure fairness and transparency in boarding, particularly for those customers who have paid for priority access.
American Airlines Cracks Down on Queue Jumpers
With an aim to prioritize transparency and fairness in boarding, American Airlines is introducing new gate technology to prevent ‘gate lice’ – passengers who attempt to jump the queue when boarding their flights.
How American Airlines Manages Gate Lice
American Airlines has innovated an alert system that comes into action when customers attempt to board their plane prematurely. As soon as a passenger tries to skip ahead in the line before their designated boarding group is announced, an audible sound is triggered. Following this alert, gate agents promptly inform the eager travelers to wait their turn. The application of this technology ensures that boarding procedures are adhered to and passengers attempting to jump the line are promptly identified.
American Airlines Test Runs
The successful implementation of this technology has been observed in three prominent test markets so far – Albuquerque, Tuscon, and Ronald Reagan in Washington D.C. However, American Airlines has clarified that this technology is presently not being tested in Ohio.
Value of the New Technology
Innovations such as these stem from the need to honor the benefits availed by American Airlines customers, especially those who purchase priority boarding. When passengers pay extra for early boarding privileges, it is the airline’s responsibility to ensure that these benefits are duly respected. Besides priority boarding, some passengers may wish to secure the limited overhead bin space for their carry-on baggage.
Insights into Boarding Frustration
The act of ‘gate lice’ often stems from passengers’ desire for convenience. It’s not unusual to find travelers who prefer having their belongings within reach during their flight, rather than checking in their luggage. “They don’t have access to their belongings in-flight and wait for their luggage to be returned to them at their destinations,” Scott Keyes, the founder of flight deals site Going.com, gives insights into this behavior.
Technology Aiding Transparency
The newly invented technology is currently in the first phase of testing. By utilizing state-of-the-art technology to uphold standards of fairness and transparency, American Airlines is striving to create a more relaxing, stress-free boarding process for its passengers. Everyone eventually boards the plane; however, ensuring a smooth and orderly process significantly enhances the customer experience.
This new technology bears testimony to the constant efforts taken by American Airlines to ensure that their passengers’ comforts and privileges are protected. As the testing of this system continues to yield successful results, it can be expected that more airports will soon be implementing this technology, ensuring a smoother boarding experience for travelers, one flight at a time.