American Airlines has announced it’s expanding its recent technology to finish a process often known as “gate lice,” which is when passengers cut lines in hopes of boarding a flight early.
The system audibly flags when a passenger attempts to board the plane before their designated task known as and can mechanically reject the ticket.
American Airlines first piloted the technology last month at Albuquerque International Sunport in Latest Mexico, Tucson International Airport in Arizona and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia.
It would now expand to greater than 100 airports ahead of the vacation season.
Julie Rath, American’s senior vice chairman of airport operations, reservations and repair recovery, said in a press release the power for purchasers to board with their assigned group is essential to them.
“The initial positive response from customers and team members has exceeded our expectations, so we’re thrilled to leverage this technology to deliver for them ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Rath.
Travelers boarding with a companion who has an earlier boarding group should still accomplish that.
The agent will override the alert accepting the boarding pass, in keeping with the press release.
The technology “provides team members with more insight into the number of shoppers in each boarding group” and “displays anticipated arrival time for incoming flight connections,” in keeping with American’s site.
A few of the airports listed within the expansion program are Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia.
The term “gate lice” has gained traction on social media in recent times.
Though it’s not known who invented the phrase, several travel blogs and Reddit forums discuss “gate lice” at length.
In October, a representative from American told Fox News Digital via email, “The brand new technology is designed to make sure customers receive the advantages of priority boarding with ease.”
The representative added that it “helps improve the boarding experience by providing greater visibility into boarding progress for our team.”
Jacqueline Whitmore, a former flight attendant and etiquette expert based in Mount Dora, Florida, told Fox News Digital via email that she supports American Airlines’ latest tactic.
Fox News Digital reached out to American Airlines for extra comment.
