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American Airlines is testing new boarding platform

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As the holiday season approaches, American Airlines is implementing a new platform designed to stop the re-emergence of “gate lice.”

“Gate lice” is a term used to describe passengers who block the gate in anticipation of boarding the plane before their group is called.

While American Airlines doesn't refer to its passengers as “gate lice,” the airline has implemented a new platform to improve the boarding experience for its passengers and employees.

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

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

Here's what you need to know about American Airlines' new boarding platform.

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Where did American Airlines start testing the boarding platform?

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

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

“Things were going really well in Tucson and Albuquerque,” ​​Warner said. “We recently introduced DCA and will see how it goes.”

When did American Airlines start doing this?

Warner didn't tell USA TODAY an exact launch date for the platform, but said it launched a few weeks ago.

“We have been happy with the test results so far,” she added.

American Airlines' new platform will improve the boarding experience

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

“It's a privilege that comes with where (a customer) sits on the plane, their benefit status or if they have a credit card,” she said. “We want to make sure our customers have the opportunity to get in in the order they should.”

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on USA TODAY's National Trending Team. Ahjané covers breaking news, auto recalls, crime, food recalls, health, lottery and public policy stories. Send her an email at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.

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