With the holidays quickly approaching, American Airlines is implementing a new platform that would stop the recurrence of “gate lice.”
“Gate Lice” is a term used to describe passengers who block the gate in the expectation that they will be able to board the plane before their group is called.
Although American Airlines doesn’t call their passengers “gate lice,” the airline has implemented a new platform to improve the boarding experience for their passengers and staff.
“We are always looking for ways to make the boarding experience easier for our customers and also for our team members,” Rachel Warner, a spokesperson for American Airlines, told USA TODAY.
“There’s so much a team member has to do at the gate, so we’re constantly looking at ways we can use technology to make that easier for both groups,” she said.
Here’s what you need to know about American Airlines’ new boarding platform.
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Where did American Airlines start testing its boarding platform?
Warner explains that the platform is currently being tested at the following airports:
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ABQ: Albuquerque International Sunport
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TUS: Tucson International Airport
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DCA: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
“Things went really well in Tucson and Albuquerque,” Warner said. “We recently rolled out to DCA and we’ll see where it goes next.”
When did American Airlines start doing this?
Warner didn’t tell USA TODAY an exact launch date for the platform, but she did say it started a few weeks ago.
“We are pleased with the results of the test so far,” she added.
American Airlines’ new platform will improve the boarding experience
Warner explains that passengers are American Airlines’ top priority and that improving the boarding process is part of a positive flying experience.
“It’s a privilege that comes with where (a customer) sits on the plane, or their benefit status, or if they’re a credit card holder,” she said. “We want to ensure that our customers have the opportunity to board in the order in which they should do so.”
Ahjané Forbes is a reporter for USA TODAY’s National Trending Team. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, food recalls, health stories, lotteries and public policy. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfinest.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gate lice: American Airlines tests new boarding platform
