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.
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.
People cut the boarding line? Why? It’s a fucking plane. Your seat is assigned. What’s the rush? Stay out in the comfy lounge as long as possible. Avoid standing and waiting for people to shuffle on. Enjoy the leg room and aircon as long as possible. There should be ZERO desire in you to stop what your currently doing to go cram yourself into a plane. Get up to board at the very last possible moment. Let the idiots cut. You shouldn’t even be.in line then anyway, only when there’s one person left in it.
Many do it to ensure they get overhead space for their carry-on, a result of airlines charging for checked luggage.
I’ve stopped having carry-on beyond what can fit under a seat, because of this.
If it’s assigned seating last is best. If it’s southwest… Being able to pick your seat sooner is better. (And maybe if you have a carry on and don’t want to be forced to checkout)
Don’t pick your seat in public… Ew!
Southwest are moving to assigned seating next year. I hope they still keep an orderly boarding process where everyone has a number. Maybe they’ll start boarding special people first, then from back to front.