American Airlines is looking to revamp its boarding process with some new technology that will flag when people board with the wrong group.
The Fort Worth-based airline is in an early phase of testing at Albuquerque International Sunport and Tucson International Airport. Soon, the airline said, it will expand to other locations including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. According to The Washington Post, the system will give an “audible signal” when a passenger boards with the wrong group and alert the gate agent.
“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,” said Andrea Koos, spokeswoman for American.
The airline has been “pleased with the test results so far.”
Another Dallas-Fort Worth airline, Southwest Airlines, is also revamping some of its operations, amid several new changes.
Boarding will look similar to today as customers will still receive a boarding position number and lineup. Southwest customers who purchased at the highest fares will board first. However, assigned seating will be a new change. Seat maps will be provided during the booking process, and seats with extended legroom or a preferred seat in the front of the cabin.
