American Airlines to use new technology to shame passengers who cut in line

　　Beware of line jumpers. American is rolling out new technology nationwide to crack down on travelers who try to board before a boarding panel is called.

　　If a passenger tries to scan their boarding pass before a panel member is called, they will hear two beeps and be denied boarding, the airline said.

　　American has nine boarding groups, ranging from first-class passengers and top frequent flyers to those who buy basic economy fares or the cheapest tickets. The airline rewards high-paying elite frequent flyers with benefits such as early boarding and has been trying to keep them exclusive.

　　American said the new technology was in use at more than 100 non-hub airports across the U.S. as of Wednesday, after testing it at Albuquerque International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Tucson International Airport over the past month.

　　The airline plans to roll it out to hub airports later.

　　The technology comes as American expects 8.3 million passengers to board its flights between Nov. 21 and Dec. 3, a period that coincides with the Thanksgiving travel season, up 500,000 passengers from the same period last year.

　　Other airlines have also tried new ways to avoid gate crowds, which can help board planes faster while also trying to protect early boarding privileges for members of its growing elite frequent flyer loyalty program.

　　At United, the system sends text messages to passengers when it’s time to board and provides real-time updates to their iPhones and Apple Watches with a countdown clock to board. The system also features digital signage that shows which boarding group has been called.
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