Jiang Haiyun | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Beware, cord cutters. American Airlines New technology is being rolled out across the country to crack down on passengers trying to board a flight before a boarding team is called.
The airline said passengers who try to scan their boarding pass before calling its team will hear two tones and be denied.
American has nine boarding groups, ranging from first-class customers and top frequent flyers to those buying basic economy fares or the cheapest tickets. The airline rewards its high-paid elite frequent fliers with perks such as early boarding and has worked hard to maintain its exclusivity.
American said the new technology was in use at more than 100 non-hub airports across the U.S. as of Wednesday, after testing over the past month at Albuquerque International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Tucson International Airport. Put into use.
The airline plans to roll it out to hubs later.
The technology will be rolled out at a time when American Airlines expects 8.3 million people to board its flights between November 21 and December 3, the Thanksgiving travel period, an increase of 500,000 from last year.
Other airlines have tried new ways to prevent crowding at gates, which would facilitate faster boarding while also trying to protect early boarding for members of the growing elite frequent flyer loyalty program.
United Airlines Send text messages to passengers when it’s time to board, and provide real-time updates to passengers’ iPhones and Apple Watches with a countdown clock to boarding. It also has digital signage showing which boarding group has been called.
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