American Airlines Tests New Tech to Stop Passengers From Boarding Early

American Airlines is in the early phase of testing out a new technology that should stop passengers trying to boarding early, before their zone is called. 

American’s initiative aims to reduce crowding and line-jumping that soared as people seek to avoid paying steep fees to airlines that charge both for checking bags — and for the privilege of boarding early.

It’s also putting a new spotlight on “gate lice,” a creature that’s been discussed for years, but one with which few seem to self-identify, at least publicly. The term was popularized as early as 2010, shortly after airlines started charging passengers for checking a suitcase.

Critics say passengers who try to board out-of-order add to delays and frustrations that many travelers hope to avoid — anxieties that can be amplified by complicated hierarchies that can include a half-dozen or more boarding zones and groups.

According to the airline, which has been happy with the testing so far, “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.” 

It’s currently being tested in Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ), Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). 

ABC News reported that the new technology makes a noise that alerts a gate agent to a passenger trying to board early, allowing them to ask the person to step aside to allow for travelers in the correct boarding zone to enter the plane. 

American Airlines is considered the first to begin testing a technology of this kind in an attempt to stop passengers from boarding Early. It’s unclear what sort of technology is involved. 

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.