Are you tired of dealing with the chaos of “gate lice” when boarding a flight? You know, those passengers who hover around the gate long before their turn, disrupting the boarding process for everyone else. Well, you’re not alone. But fear not, as one airline has decided to take action against these offenders to make boarding smoother and more efficient for everyone.
- American Airlines has introduced a new system to crack down on gate lice, implementing a scanning system that alerts the gate agent when someone is trying to board out of turn. This not only helps enforce boarding zones but also serves as a subtle public shaming for those trying to skip the line.
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By asking these passengers to step aside and wait until their designated zone is called, American Airlines hopes to deter others from following suit. This not only benefits passengers with disabilities, families, and those with priority boarding but also ensures a more organized and streamlined boarding process for everyone.
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The airline is currently testing this system at airports like Albuquerque International Sunport, Tucson International Airport, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Initial reports indicate that the system has been successful in deterring gate lice and maintaining order during boarding.
According to Gary Leff, a writer for View from the Wing, gate lice have been a nuisance for years due to the increase in carry-on baggage and the desire for control over the flying experience. With the rise in priority boarding benefits, passengers are more incentivized to board early, leading to more chaos during the boarding process.
Scott Keyes, the founder of Going.com, agrees that gate lice have become more prevalent in recent years due to the benefits of early boarding. This has created more competition and tension among passengers, leading to a less-than-ideal boarding experience for everyone involved.
So, next time you’re at the airport waiting to board your flight, keep an eye out for the gate lice and remember to board when your zone is called. Let’s work together to make the boarding process smoother, faster, and hassle-free for all passengers.
