Key Takeaways
- American Airlines is expanding a trial of a new technology to more than 100 airports after gaining “early insights on ways to improve the boarding process.”
- The trial, which began last month at three airports, produces a sound to alert gate agents when people try to board before their group is called.
- The new technology may help reduce so-called “gate lice”—people who hover around boarding gates well before it’s time for their group to board.
It’s increasingly time for “gate lice” to scatter.
American Airlines (AAL) is expanding a trial of a new technology to more than 100 airports after gaining “early insights on ways to improve the boarding process.”
The trial, which began last month at three airports, produces a sound to alert gate agents when people try to board before their group is called.
The new technology may help reduce so-called “gate lice”—people who hover around boarding gates well before it’s time for their group to board.
American Says Technology Ensures ‘Customers Can Enjoy the Benefits of Their Assigned Boarding Group’
In press release announcing the update Wednesday, American merely said it was expanding the trial “to ensure customers can enjoy the benefits of their assigned boarding group.”
American Senior Vice President of Airport Operations, Reservations and Service Recovery Julie Rath said the carrier had received strong feedback from the initial trial, which launched at Albuquerque International Sunport in New Mexico; Tucson International Airport in Arizona; and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
“The initial positive response from customers and team members has exceeded our expectations, so we are thrilled to leverage this technology to deliver for them ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday,” Rath said.