American Airlines tests new boarding platform

With the holiday season quickly approaching, American Airlines is implementing a new platform that would stop the reoccurrence of “gate lice.”

“Gate Lice” is a term used to describe passengers who block the gate anticipating to board the plane prior to their group being called.  

While American Airlines does not refer to their passengers as “gate lice,” the airline has implemented a new platform to improve the boarding experience for their passengers and staff. 

“We are always looking at ways to make the boarding experience easier for our customers and for our team members, too,” Rachel Warner, an American Airlines spokesperson, told USA TODAY.    

“There’s so much that a team member has to do at the gate, so we’re constantly looking at ways we can use technology to make that easier for both groups,” she said.  

Here is what you need to know about the new American Airlines boarding platform. 

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Where has American Airlines started testing the boarding platform?

Warner explains that currently the platform is being tested at the following airports:  

• ABQ: Albuquerque International Sunport
• TUS: Tucson International Airport
• DCA: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

“It went really well in Tucson and in Albuquerque,” Warner said. “We recently rolled out to DCA, and we’ll see where it goes from there.”  

When did American Airlines start doing this?

Warner did not tell USA TODAY an exact start date for the platform, but she did say that it started a few weeks ago.  

“We’ve been pleased with the results of the test so far,” she adds.  

American Airlines new platform will improve boarding experience

Warner explains that passengers are American Airlines top priority and improving the boarding process is part of a positive flight experience.  

“It’s a privilege that comes with where (a customer) may be sitting on the plane, or with their advantage status, or if they’re a credit card holder,” she said. “We want to make sure that our customers are getting the opportunity to board in the order in which they should.” 

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, food recalls, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.