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.
My guy, the line is a status symbol one earn by paying bonuses up front or letting their company pay.
There is no greater good here. Line cutters aren’t somehow immoral.
If everyone boarded in logical patterns of staggered odd window even window odd middle even middle odd aisle even aisle boarding, with no pairs or groups allowed, you’d be on to something.
But it falls apart the moment you look at how it’s actually done. Status and rewards, and seat class, then whatever is left. Cutting in line because you didn’t spring for an $80 seat upgrade that amounts to “better” padding in the headrest and 1 extra inch in your legroom is insane.