American Airlines is testing a new boarding enforcement system that sets off an alarm when passengers try to board ahead of their assigned group.
Boarding group jumpers are an issue around the world these days, as flights are full, more travellers are choosing not to check bags, and carry-on space is limited.
If you’re Group 5 and pulling a roller along with a second piece of carry-on, it might be tempting to try your luck boarding with Group 3 or 4. But there’s also a minority who just brazenly try to board with the premium passengers.
USA Today quoted a Reddit user who noticed something different when embarking from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
PHOTO: Before you ever get a boarding pass, United now wants to know if you’re willing to be bumped. (photo via Flickr/camknows)
"As usual, Group 1 was flooded with people but several people ahead of me when trying to scan their boarding pass got an error beep," the post said. "The gate agent proceeded to tell them 'Sir/Ma’am you are Group 5, please step aside'. Was awesome to see this enforced and looked like it was system driven vs gate agent having to make that call."
AA confirmed to USA Today that it is “in the early phase of testing new technology used during the boarding process.” In a statement, the airline says the new technology is designed to ensure customers receive the benefits of priority boarding and provide greater visibility into boarding progress for gate agents.
The trial has been active in Albuquerque and Tucson, Arizona, for a few weeks. The airline plans to expand to more airports soon, including Washington Reagan National Airport.
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