Boarding planes early has several perks, including first dibs at overhead bin space and dodging long lines at the gate. With gate crowding becoming more common, American Airlines is implementing new technology to prevent unauthorized early boarding for travelers in later boarding groups. Here’s what American Airlines early boarding changes to expect.
American Airlines Early Boarding Technology Passengers who try boarding American Airlines flights ahead of their assigned boarding group will hear two audible beeps when scanning their boarding pass at over 100 U.S. airports in time for Thanksgiving travel week.
This sound requires the traveler to wait for the respective group to thwart unauthorized early boarding. The gate agent asks the passenger to rejoin the line as the software won’t accept the boarding pass yet. A notable exception is when a travel companion has the appropriate group.
In this situation, the agent can override the restriction so both customers can board simultaneously. American Airlines began testing this modern technology in October 2024 at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and Tucson International Airport (TUS) as a pilot project. This initiative helps protect the airline's nine distinct boarding groups to moderate gate crowding and reward loyal flyers with AAdvantage elite status, premium cabin fares, or a co-branded American Airlines credit card.
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