A NEW system could soon stop those annoying passengers who try to board the plane too early.
American Airlines is rolling out the new technology at a number of airports.
American Airlines is testing a new feature that will stop passengers boarding too early[/caption]
Some annoying passengers try to board before their gate is called[/caption]
One frustrating passenger behaviour is those who try to board too early, before their group is called.
Back in 2018, a study conducted by London Stansted Airport and YouGov revealed the top 10 most annoying passenger habits at the airport.
Queue jumpers came out on top.
But American Airlines’ new system will see a loud sound played for passengers who scan their boarding pass at the gate if they are boarding in the wrong group.
They will then be told by staff to wait for their group to be called.
Currently in place at Albuquerque International Sunport airport and Tucson International Airport, it will test it at others including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
A spokesperson told Travel and Leisure: “We are in the early phase of testing new technology used during the boarding process.
“The new technology is designed to ensure customers receive the benefits of priority boarding with ease and helps improve the boarding experience by providing greater visibility into boarding progress for our team.”
And there is a reason airlines board from front to back too, and its to encourage passengers to buy more expensive tickets.
First boarding usually include those in first class and business class, as well as frequent fliers.
Despite this then meaning huge queues in the aisle for economy passengers, experts have said the priority boarding can entice travellers to book tickets in a better class.
In theory, the best way to board a plane would be all of the window seats, followed by middle seat and aisle.
United Airlines currently uses the WILMA system, which stands for “window-middle-aisle”.
Otherwise there is also a boarding technique called the ‘Steffen method’.
This would implement the window-middle-aisle technique, but board all odd rows before even rows.
This means allowing more space between rows for passengers to put bags in overhead lockers and get into their seats.
But until all airlines roll this out, you can expect passengers to still crowd at the gates, especially on budget flights where there is limited overhead locker space.
This annoying airport habit is gate-licing – where passengers congregate at the boarding gate even if they are not called for boarding.
Luggage Rules for Major Airlines
British Airways
- Cabin Baggage: 1 cabin bag (max 56 x 45 x 25 cm) and 1 personal item (max 40 x 30 x 15 cm), total weight up to 23 kg.
- Checked Baggage: Economy allows 1 bag up to 23 kg. Premium Economy, Business, and First Class allow more.
EasyJet
- Cabin Baggage: 1 small cabin bag (max 45 x 36 x 20 cm), no weight limit but must fit under the seat.
- Checked Baggage: Fees apply, up to 23 kg per bag. Passengers can pay for additional weight up to 32 kg.
Ryanair
- Cabin Baggage: 1 small bag (max 40 x 20 x 25 cm). Priority boarding allows an additional larger cabin bag (max 55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10 kg).
- Checked Baggage: Fees apply, options for 10 kg or 20 kg bags.
Virgin Atlantic
- Cabin Baggage: Economy and Premium allow 1 cabin bag (max 56 x 36 x 23 cm, up to 10 kg). Upper Class allows 2 bags.
- Checked Baggage: Economy Light has no checked baggage. Economy Classic, Delight, and Premium allow at least 1 bag up to 23 kg. Upper Class allows 2 bags.
Emirates
- Cabin Baggage: Economy allows 1 bag (max 55 x 38 x 20 cm, up to 7 kg). Business and First Class allow 2 bags (total up to 12 kg).
- Checked Baggage: Economy Class varies by fare type (from 20 kg to 35 kg). Business and First Class allow up to 40 kg and 50 kg respectively.
Brian Hart Hoffman, who was a flight attendant for eight years with told the Thrillist that crew “absolutely hate” gate lice.
He added: “There is no need for it and it absolutely hinders the flow of boarding.”
