American Airlines is testing a boarding alert system to combat lice at the entrance

American Airlines’ new boarding pilot program is a line cutter’s nightmare. A Fort Worth-based airline is testing new technology that publicly shames passengers who try to cross the line.

When a passenger tries to board a plane ahead of their assigned group, the new system makes noise to alert the gatekeeper that the passenger is trying to board the plane early. These travelers are then told to get back in line and wait their turn.

The program is currently used at Albuquerque Sunport International Airport in New Mexico, Tucson International Airport in Arizona and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia. The technology is currently in the testing phase, but American Airlines said in an email that it is pleased with the results.

“The new technology is designed to make it easier for customers to receive the benefits of priority boarding and also helps improve the boarding experience by providing our team with greater visibility into boarding progress,” American Airlines said.

Airlines have long sold the idea of ​​“priority boarding”—that earlier boarding is better. This benefit is available to business class and premium economy passengers, as well as travelers with frequent flyer status or a co-branded credit card. either buy cheaper tickets or don’t fly regularly on the airline to wait until you board. However, there are some workarounds for travelers flying with a companion who is of higher airline status and can board earlier, such as boarding agents may allow them to do so. follow along with the partner who previously boarded. Families traveling with younger children, travelers needing extra assistance, and military personnel can also board earlier.

But what is the motivation for those who try to board before the group on their boarding pass is called?

“Travelers who fly in early are likely doing so for one thing: coveted overhead bin space,” says Katie Nastro, travel expert at Going.com, an airline ticketing app. “With limited overhead space, boarding a plane earlier means a better chance of keeping your carry-on luggage with you rather than having to check in and claim luggage. Some of us don’t mind being checked at the gate, but for others it defeats the whole purpose of bringing carry-on luggage.”

And if passengers have to wait for their bag to be taken to the jetway after a flight (as opposed to checking it in to their final destination), and they have a close connection, then carrying carry-on luggage overhead can be convenient. the difference between flying or not.

However, studies have shown that passengers crowding the gate (so-called gate lice) and queuing too early cause congestion around the gate and on the jetway, which in turn leads to general confusion, slower boarding in general, and sometimes to flight delays.

However, Gary Leff, travel expert and blog founder View from the wingsaid that while he would prefer to wait to board, there is a reason many travelers are eager to secure their seats.

“Why spend more time in an airplane seat than necessary?” Leff says. “However, I think people are trying to get on board earlier – and earlier than expected – because they feel more confident when they are firmly in their seat. They did everything they could to make their trip go smoothly. Everything that is under their control, from arriving at the airport to going through security and boarding the plane, is done.”