NEW YORK — American Airlines is testing a new technology at three airports across the country during the boarding process that aims to cut down on passengers who try to cut the line.
American Airlines tests boarding technology that audibly shames line cutters
American Airlines is testing a new technology at three airports across the country during the boarding process that aims to cut down on passengers who try to cut the line.
By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO
The technology, which is being tested at Albuquerque International Sunport Airport in New 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 group.
"The new technology is designed to ensure customers receive the benefits of priority boarding with ease and helps improve the boarding experience by providing greater visibility into boarding progress for our team," said American Airlines in a statement e-mailed to The Associated Press.
American Airlines said that a gate agent politely lets the customer know they're unable to accept the pass and asks the customer to rejoin the line when their boarding group is called. In some instances where a customer may be able to board out of order, like when traveling with a companion of higher status, the agent has a quick way to override the alert and accept 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.
about the writer
ANNE D'INNOCENZIO
The Associated PressFrench Caribbean island of Guadeloupe starts restoring power after a strike prompted a blackout
The government of the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe said that power has been restored to 160,000 customers Saturday morning a day after a strike by workers left its 370,000 inhabitants in darkness for nearly 24 hours.