“Sky-High Scrutiny: What Travelers Need to Know About the Disruptive Ban Impacting 100 Airports!”
Ever had that moment at the airport when you realize the boarding group you thought you could sneak into just got taken over by someone who actually waited their turn? Yeah, it’s awkward—and it’s about to get a lot more chaotic! American Airlines is rolling out new tech to put the kabosh on folks trying to pull a fast one by boarding early. With over 100 airports affected, this crackdown aims to end the “grab-a-seat-first” tactics travelers use, all in the name of claiming prime overhead bin real estate. Think you can just slide in and act like you belong? Not anymore! Your boarding pass will be met with a deafening alert if you dare venture ahead of your group… Talk about a game changer! Curious how this tech is about to revolutionize your airport experience? LEARN MORE.
A crackdown on a ‘chaotic’ hack used by countless travellers is under way at more than 100 airports across the USA.
Don’t get us wrong, everyone loves a travel hack that can make our journeys through airports smoother or sometimes pick up additional perks.
But some airlines aren’t happy with every travel tip going that is exploited by passengers.
Enter American Airlines.
The airline, based out of Forth Worth in Texas, have had enough with people exploiting the system used to manage passenger queues and demands; all because they want to get a head start. A lot of the logic behind it is to secure prime spot in the overhead lockers for your carry on luggage.
Now, in an attempt to cut down on issues caused by people sneaking aboard planes ahead of time, the airline has rolled out brand new boarding technology.
In the States, you are called in boarding groups to get on the plane – something that is exploited by people wanting to sit down earlier than asked to.
Now, gate agents will be given a loud, audible sound if a passenger tries to scan a ticket ahead of their assigned group.
American Airlines has had enough of your queue jumping (Joan Valls / Urbanandsport / NurPhoto via Getty Images)
With the new software at the gate, you will not be allowed through until your group has been called to board. So those skipping queues will be sent to the back of the line where they are meant to be.
Speaking about the issue last month, an American Airlines spokesperson said: “We are in the early phase of testing new technology used during the boarding process.
“The new technology is designed to ensure customers receive the benefits of priority boarding with ease and helps improve the boarding experience by providing greater visibility into boarding progress for our team.”
Queueing at the gate; something we all have to do (Getty Stock Images)
Henry Harteveldt is an airline industry analyst with Atmosphere Research Group who said that the new policy has actually gone well well with normal travellers who respect the rules of the gate and shun those trying to skip ahead.
He said: “What it is intended to do is bring order out of chaos.
“And I hope it will defuse any potential flare ups of anger from people who simply think they’re entitled to board out of turn. It’s just not fair.”
The work of American Airlines follows in the footsteps of United Airlines, which is now giving priority to window and middle seat bookings to make for a smoother boarding pattern.
And Southwest Airlines is now looking to swap its free-for-all seating for a more orderly assigned setup starting next year.
The new system being used by American Airlines was first trialled at Albuquerque International Sunport airport and Tucson International Airport.
Featured Image Credit: Joan Valls / Urbanandsport / NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Stock Images
Topics: US News, Travel, Holiday, Hacks, American Airlines , Technology