Gate lice: American Airlines Cracks Down on Early Boarding with New Tech

American Airlines is introducing new technology to enforce boarding orders and prevent passengers from boarding before their group is called. Airline employees often refer to those passengers as
“gate lice.” The system, currently tested at Albuquerque and Tucson airports, signals gate agents with an audible alert when someone attempts to board early, asking the passenger to wait until their assigned group.

The trial has received positive feedback and will soon be expanded to other airports, including Washington D.C.’s Reagan National. The goal is to reduce chaos at the gate and ensure passengers who paid for priority boarding or have elite status can enjoy their benefits.

A spokesperson for American Airlines explained that the technology enhances the boarding process by providing agents better visibility and creating a smoother, more efficient experience. The new system doesn’t slow boarding, but rather helps manage gate crowding, often caused by passengers who line up long before their group is called.

American Airlines’ current boarding process prioritizes those with first-class tickets, priority boarding, and frequent flyer status, with main cabin and basic economy passengers boarding in later groups. Travel experts have praised the move, calling it a “simple, yet genius” way to ensure fair boarding and cut down on the confusion and frustration caused by early boarders.