American Airlines tests new AI technology to prevent passengers from jumping in line to board planes

American Airlines is currently testing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to prevent line-cutting during boarding and to enhance passenger flow efficiency. We often see passengers trying to cut in line while boarding, and to address this issue and optimize the boarding process, the airline is implementing innovative AI solutions.

The airline is conducting trials at three major international airports: Albuquerque International Sunport in New Mexico, Tucson International Airport in Arizona, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in D.C.

According to American Airlines, the new technology aims to help passengers easily enjoy the benefits of priority boarding and improve their overall experience by providing clearer updates on boarding progress.

With this new system, if someone attempts to cut in line, the AI will alert the gate staff through an audio signal. The staff will politely inform the individual that they cannot board out of turn and will ask them to return to their rightful place in line.

However, there are instances where a passenger might not need to board in the designated order. For example, if they are traveling with someone of higher status, staff may choose to override the AI’s alert and allow them to board ahead.

Although this technology is still in the experimental phase, American Airlines has expressed satisfaction with the results so far.

The advanced AI software is designed to automatically detect passengers attempting to cut in line and systematically validate boarding priority.

This system offers benefits for multiple parties: it ensures a fair boarding process for passengers, reduces conflict at the gate, and enhances operational efficiency for the airline.

As more passengers disregard boarding order—often in a rush to secure overhead bin space—conflicts between passengers and gate staff have become increasingly common, particularly due to restrictions and rising costs associated with checked luggage. Many passengers now prefer to bring carry-ons, leading to competition for limited bin space.

The airline industry views American Airlines’ new technology as a key step towards addressing these growing challenges and improving the boarding process.

American Airlines has reported encouraging results from their tests so far, suggesting that this technology may soon be adopted at other airports and potentially rolled out across the industry.