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    • How American Airlines is trying to stop line cuts
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    How American Airlines is trying to stop line cuts

    Eira Gwyneth Posted on

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    A major U.S. airline is considering how to prevent scary predators from impeding the boarding process.

    Fortunately for the traveling public, “gate lice” are not real lice. But these people crowding the boarding area before their group is called — and even trying to board out of turn — are causing headaches for gate staff and travelers trying to board in the correct order.

    American Airlines is testing new boarding processes and technology to combat gate lice at three airports, including Tucson International Airport. The technology would alert gate staff if a passenger tries to board when it is not their turn.

    Here’s what gate lice is and how American Airlines is trying to solve the gate crowding problem.

    What does the term gate lice mean?

    “Gate lice” is a derogatory phrase that refers to airline passengers crowding an airport gate before their group is summoned. According to Thrillist, the term supposedly comes from a 2005 post on the online discussion forum FlyerTalk.

    Travel experts say the behavior of such passengers can delay boarding, as too many people crowding the gate area can prevent people from getting on and off the plane.

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    Why do gate lice line up in a row?

    It is believed that torn lice want to be the first on board the plane, with a space in the overhead compartment for their hand luggage.

    Overhead compartment space in the overhead bin has become increasingly sought after in recent years as more people travel with carry-on luggage only, whether to avoid airline checked baggage fees or to avoid losing a checked bag.

    What is American Airlines doing to deter gate lice?

    American Airlines is testing a new boarding enforcement system to ensure passengers can only board when their group is called. If someone tries to board out of line, an audible signal will sound that the group of passengers cannot board yet.

    The airline is testing the system at three airports: Tucson International Airport, Albuquerque International Sunport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. American hasn’t said when it might roll out at other airports, including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

    “We are in the early stages of testing new technologies used in the boarding process,” an American Airlines spokesperson told The Arizona Republic. “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.”

    Staff at Tucson International Airport were not immediately available to answer questions about American Airlines’ new boarding process.

    Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who has been covering travel and tourism since 2014. His work as the Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers manage the stress of travel and get the best value on vacation. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.

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    Eira Gwyneth
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