Zhang Haiyun | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Line cutters, be careful. american airlines The airline is rolling out new technology across the country to crack down on travelers trying to board planes before boarding groups are called.
The airline said customers who try to scan their boarding passes before their group is called will hear a two-tone sound and be turned away.
American Airlines has nine boarding groups, ranging from first-class customers and elite frequent fliers to basic economy fares and travelers who purchase the cheapest tickets. Airlines are trying to maintain exclusive perks by offering perks like early boarding to high-paying elite frequent fliers.
American Airlines said the new technology was tested last month at Albuquerque International Sunport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Tucson International Airport, and as of Wednesday the new technology had been rolled out at more than 100 non-hub airports across the country. It is said that there is.
The company plans to introduce it to its hub airports later.
The technology comes at a time when American Airlines expects 8.3 million people to board its planes between November 21 and December 3, which is considered the Thanksgiving travel period. This is an increase of 500,000 customers from last year.
Other airlines are experimenting with new ways to prevent gate congestion, allowing people to board planes sooner while also protecting early boarding for a growing elite group of frequent flyer loyalty program members. .
united airlines Send a text message to your customers when it’s time to board and provide live updates to their iPhone and Apple Watch with a countdown clock until boarding. There is also a digital sign indicating which boarding group has been called.
