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'Gate lice' prompts American Airlines to test new technology to stop travel phenomenon

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American Airlines is testing new technology to end a process called “gate lice,” in which passengers skip lines in hopes of boarding a flight sooner.

The system will provide an audible alert if a passenger attempts to board the aircraft before their assigned mission is called.

“The new technology is designed to ensure customers can easily take advantage of the benefits of priority boarding and helps improve the boarding experience by providing our team with a better view of boarding progress,” said a spokesperson for American Airlines told Fox News Digital via email.

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American Airlines is in the early testing stages of the process, testing the technology at Albuquerque International Sunport, Tucson International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The colloquial term “gate lice” has gained traction on social media in recent years. Although it is unknown who invented the term, several travel blogs and Reddit forums discuss “gate lice” at length.

American Airlines is testing new technology that will alert staff if a passenger tries to board the plane before the specified time. (iStock)

Some travelers took to social media to share their opinions about American Airlines' new alert system designed to discourage passengers from skipping lines.

“If airlines enforced carry-on luggage policies, there would be more overhead bin space and passengers wouldn't be in such a rush to get on the plane,” one woman posted on X.

One X user wrote: “Zoning into groups is another form of hierarchy.”

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“Wait, aren’t they already doing that? Now it’s just the honor system?” questioned one man.

People get on the plane

American Airlines is testing the technology at Albuquerque International Sunport, Tucson International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. (iStock)

Another man said, “The only people who are going to have a problem with this ARE THE PROBLEM.”

“It's always been a dirty little secret that boarding zones are not part of the QR code on your boarding pass. “So when you scan your card at the gate, the gate agent has no idea what zone you are in unless they look at it visually,” one X user wrote.

Jacqueline Whitmore, a former flight attendant and etiquette expert from Mount Dora, Florida, told Fox News Digital via email that she supports American Airlines' latest tactic.

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Airplane boarding line

Travelers took to social media to respond, with one X user saying: “The only people who are going to have a problem with this ARE THE PROBLEM.” (iStock)

“I think this new procedure is a good thing. It will help speed up the boarding process and keep people honest,” Whitmore said.

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Aislinn Murphy contributed to this report.

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