A major U.S. airline is figuring out how to keep creepy crawlers from getting in the way of the boarding process.
Fortunately for the traveling public, “gate lice” are not actual lice. But these people who crowd the boarding area before their group is called — and even try to board out of turn — cause headaches for gate staff and travelers trying to board in the correct order.
American Airlines is testing new boarding processes and technology in three airports, including Tucson International Airport, designed to combat gate lice. The technology would alert gate staff when a passenger tries to board when it’s not their turn.
Here’s what gate lice are and how American Airlines is trying to solve the problem of crowding at the gate.
What does the term gate lice mean?
Gate lice is a pejorative phrase that refers to airline passengers who crowd an airport gate before their group is called. The term supposedly originates from a 2005 post on the online discussion board FlyerTalk, according to Thrillist.
Travel experts say the behavior of such passengers can delay boarding because too many people crowding the gate area can block people from getting on and off the plane.
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Why do gate lice line up?
Gate lice are thought to want to be the first aboard the plane to get overhead bin space for their carry-on luggage.
Overhead bin space has grown more coveted in recent years as more people travel with only carry-ons, whether to avoid airlines’ checked bag fees or the chance of a checked bag getting lost.
What is American Airlines doing to deter gate lice?
American Airlines is testing a new boarding enforcement system to ensure people can only board when their group is called. If someone tries to board out of turn, a sound will signal that the passenger’s group cannot board yet.
The airline is testing the system at three airports: Tucson International Airport, Albuquerque International Sunport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. American did not say when it could be rolled out in other airports, including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
“We are in the early phase of testing new technology used during the boarding process,” an American Airlines spokesperson told The Arizona Republic. “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.”
Staff at Tucson International Airport were not immediately available to answer questions about American Airlines’ new boarding process.
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.
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