American Airlines combats ‘gate lice’ with new gate boarding technology

US airlines is testing technology to catch travelers trying to cross borders while boarding a flight.

There’s a name for people who try to board before their boarding group is called; port lice. Unlike travelers who wait for their group to be called, Port lice try to get on board with an earlier group or priority group.

American Airlines is using the power of technology to literally tackle these gate lice. The airline is testing a new system that makes a loud noise if a passenger tries to board during the wrong group, the agency said.

The airline typically boards flights in nine groups. First Class passengers and frequent flyers are the first and economy flyers who buy the cheapest ticket are the last.

Enforcing a boarding order preserves the travel hierarchy, but more importantly makes the process more efficient. Airlines often board window passengers earlier so that people in center and aisle seats don’t have to get up and move around when they board.