American Airlines is rolling out its innovative boarding technology to over 100 US airports this Thanksgiving and Christmas, combating the issue of passengers crowding the gate before their boarding group is called. The technology, successfully trialled in Albuquerque, Washington, and Tucson, uses audible alerts and on-screen messages to manage gate congestion and ensure smooth boarding.
The phenomenon of ‘gate lice’, passengers who crowd the gate before their boarding number is called, is a common sight at airports. Psychologists offer insights into why people engage in this behavior, citing factors like a need for control, social conformity, and a desire to secure overhead locker space. While it may seem like an unnecessary rush, it ultimately boils down to individual anxieties and the desire to be prepared.
