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Do those boarding group numbers really mean anything when you’re boarding a flight? Turns out they don’t really, at least until now. American Airlines is implementing a new system that will finally call out those “gate lice,” as some people love to call them, who crowd the boarding gate and jump in line before their boarding group is called. Here’s what we know about the new system.
American Airlines is testing a new boarding gate system that will help ensure that people who paid extra for or deserve priority boarding actually get priority boarding. Apparently, those boarding group numbers on your boarding pass didn’t mean anything — you could just get on board in any group.
This new system being tested will actually make a sound when you’re trying to board ahead of your group. In other words, you’ll be audibly shamed in front of everyone if you try to board early, something that other passengers will probably enjoy. Embarrassment and snickering are sure to become the norm with this system.
The new boarding technology is being tested at the Albuquerque and Tucson airports right now. If the company is happy with the results, you’ll probably see the new system popping up at other airports and airlines eventually.
The best way possible: publicly shaming people who try and board ahead of their group! According to flyers on Reddit who’ve seen the new technology in action, people who get beeped at by the system are asked nicely by the flight personnel to step aside and wait their turn. “Was awesome to see this enforced and looked like it was system driven vs gate agent having to make that call,” said u/Rich_Ad6066.
“I saw this in action yesterday. It was great,” said u/Extreme_Classroom952. “I saw about 5 people get punted out of line for trying to board before their group was called. About time!”
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