American Airlines tries new technology to shame line cutters

NEW YORK – American Airlines is testing a new technology at three airports across the country aimed at reducing the number of passengers who try to cut lines during the boarding process.

The technology, which is being tested at Albuquerque International Sunport Airport in New Mexico, Tucson International Airport in Arizona and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Crystal City, Virginia, alerts gate agents with an audible sound if a passenger tries to scan a ticket in advance. their designated group.

In a statement emailed to The Associated Press, American Airlines said, “The new technology is designed to ensure customers have easier access to priority boarding facilities and helps improve the boarding experience by providing greater visibility into boarding progress for our teams.”

American Airlines said a gate agent politely informs the customer that they are unable to accept the pass and asks the customer to rejoin the line when their boarding group is called. In some cases where a customer might be able to go out of order, such as when traveling with a high-ranking companion, the agent has a quick way to override the warning and accept the pass, American Airlines said in the statement.

Although the technology is still in the experimental stage, the airline said it is pleased with the results so far.

– By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO, AP Business Writers