American Airlines is testing new technology aimed at cracking down on what some call “gate lice.” But what is it and will it mean for travelers?

“Gate lice” is a term used to describe passengers who board before their assigned group is called, often crowding the gate as early as possible to get on board early and get space in the Secure luggage compartment. Another term used is “Boarding Group Jumper”.

“Flight crews and gate agents try to make the boarding process as smooth as possible, emphasizing efficiency, safety and accessibility,” according to a Reader’s Digest article. “Gat lice are a nuisance – and can delay your flight.”

The article went on to quote a “long-time flight attendant” who said, “When passengers crowd the boarding area, it is difficult for people with a legitimate need for pre-boarding to get to the boarding door.”

NBC News reports that American Airlines is in the early stages of testing its new technology and says it will alert gate agents with a tone and a boarding pass message if a passenger attempts to scan their ticket before their assigned group.

“We are in the early stages of testing new technologies that will be used during the boarding process,” the airline said in a statement to NBC News. “The new technology is designed to ensure customers can easily take advantage of the benefits of priority boarding and will help improve the boarding experience by giving our team greater insight into boarding progress.”

According to NBC News, the system has already been implemented at Albuquerque International Sunport in New Mexico, Tucson International Airport in Arizona and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia. The airline said it was “satisfied with the results to date.”

The launch comes at a time when travelers are taking to social media to vent their frustrations with the boarding group.