American Airlines cracks down against 'gate lice' as airport passengers skip lines amid boarding process

The system audibly flags when a passenger attempts to board the plane before their designated assignment is called. 

"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," an American Airlines spokesperson told Fox News Digital via email. 

American Airlines is in the early phases of testing the process, piloting the technology at Albuquerque International Sunport, Tucson International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

"If airlines enforced carry-on policies, there would be more overhead bin space and passengers wouldn't be in such a rush to get on the plane," posted a woman on X.

One X user posted, "zoning groups is another form of hierarchy."

 "Wait, they don't already do this? Now it's just the honor system?" questioned one man. 

Another man said, "The only people that will have a problem with this ARE THE PROBLEM."

"I see this new procedure as a good thing. It will help expedite the boarding process and keep people honest," Whitmore said.

Aislinn Murphy contributed to this report.