American Airlines tests boarding technology that audibly shames line cutters

recent YORK — American Airlines is testing a recent technology at three airports across the country during the boarding procedure that aims to cut down on passengers who try to cut the line.

The technology, which is being tested at Albuquerque International Sunport Airport in recent 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 ahead of their assigned throng.

“The recent technology is designed to ensure customers receive the benefits of priority boarding with ease and helps enhance the boarding encounter by providing greater visibility into boarding advancement for our throng,” said American Airlines in a statement e-mailed to The Associated Press.

American Airlines said that a gate agent politely lets the customer recognize they’re unable to receive the pass and asks the customer to rejoin the line when their boarding throng is called. In some instances where a customer may be able to board out of order, like when traveling with a partner of higher position, the agent has a quick way to override the alert and receive the pass, American Airlines said in the statement.

Although the technology is just in a trial phase, the airline said it has been pleased with the results so far.