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.
The cause of line-cutting is limited overhead space and charges for checked bags. No one wants to cram into economy class seats early. They want to beat out the other cattle for overhead space. They need the space because they have a giant carry-on with their clothes for a week to avoid checked bag fees.
The airlines used to load the back of the plane first, but now they sell the rights to get on the plane early to frequent flyers and business class.
Not to mention, the low reliability of checked bags. I’m sure many people have had their bags lost, and can’t deal with the hassle even if they’re lucky enough to have an AirTag in it.
With low pay going to baggage handlers, I don’t see them improving anytime soon.
When our kid was 2 we checked her car seat. How could they possibly lose a car seat, I thought. Well that’s exactly what happened and we didn’t get it back for days. Had to buy one in the meantime and they are so fucking expensive.
Actually, I do.
I hate, hate, hate waiting in line. I just want to board the plane and sit.
I usually check a bag (free checked bags) and just have a personal item.
I try to make sure I am first for my group.
If I have a personal item only, then I will board last or last of my group. I’ll have plenty of time in that airplane seat during the flight.
The cause of line cutting is douchebags. But I get your point, and I agree the biggest douchebags are the airlines.
Still, don’t cut in line, everyone.
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.