American Airlines is expanding its airport ‘gate lice’ crackdown

American Airlines is cracking down on “gate lice” ahead of what’s expected to be a record-setting Thanksgiving travel season.

The company is expanding new technology to more than 100 airports in hopes of keeping passengers from attempting to board a flight before their assigned group is called. It’s meant to curb a wider problem known derogatorily as “gate lice”—that is, passengers swarming boarding areas and gates before they’re actually supposed to get on their plane.

Now, if a customer boards before their assigned group is called, the software won’t accept the boarding pass. Instead, it makes an audible beep (listen here) to alert the gate agent and customer that they cannot yet board. They’ll be sent back to wait their turn. Customers who are traveling with someone who is already on the plane can still board, however.

“We’ve heard from our customers that the ability to board with their assigned group is important to them because it’s a benefit associated with their AAdvantage status or fare purchase,” Julie Rath, American Airlines senior vice president of airport operations, reservations, and service recovery, said in a statement. The airline has been testing the tech for the past month at Albuquerque International Sunport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Tucson International Airport.

“The initial positive response from customers and team members has exceeded our expectations, so we are thrilled to leverage this technology to deliver for them ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday,” Rath added.

AAA projected nearly 80 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. Air travel is also expected to set a new record, according to the company. AAA estimated 5.84 million people will fly domestically this Thanksgiving, up 2% from 2023.

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