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.
Jelentkezéshez jelentkezzen be
EGYÉB POSTS Ebben a csoportban
Sometimes, you need to shake things up in your career. Maybe the job isn’t as fulfilling anymore. Maybe changing circumstances are pushing you toward a new path. Either way, figuring out what to d
Zipline’s cofounder and CEO Keller Cliffton charts the company’s recent expansion from transporting blood for lifesaving transfusions in Rwanda to retail deliveries across eight countries—includin
When Skype debuted in 2003, it was the first time I remember feeling that an individual app—and not just the broader internet—was radically disrupting communications.
Thanks to its imple
It’s spring, and nature is pulling me away from my computer as I write this. The sun is shining, the world is warming up, and the birds are chirping away.
And that got me thinking: What
Wake up, the running influencers are fighting again.
In the hot seat this week is popular running influencer Kate Mackz, who faces heavy backlash over the latest guest on her runni
Are you guilty of overusing the monkey covering its eyes emoji? Do you find it impossible to send a text without tacking on a laughing-crying face?
Much like choosing between a full stop
