Airlines are experiencing an outbreak of “gate lice.” According to USA Today, gate lice is the term used to describe passengers who line up early and try to board the plane before their group is called.
It’s become so commonplace that American Airlines is implementing a new platform designed to improve the boarding experience. An article by The Washington Post explained that when a passenger tries to board with the wrong group, the platform’s software gives an “audible signal” and shows the gate agent a message with the correct group.
An American Airlines spokesperson explains, “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.”
American has been piloting the program at airports in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tucson, Arizona, and at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near Washington D.C. Although it is still in the early phase of testing this new technology American says so far, it’s been a success. Travelers seem to agree calling it “awesome” on Reddit and travel blogs.
Have you ever been bothered by “gate lice?” Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and let us know what you think about airlines using technology to flag passengers who won’t wait their turn.
