New Term: Gate Lice

[gounion]

WARNING! THIS IS A FREQUENT-FLYER RANT. IF YOU DON'T CARE, DON'T EVEN BOTHER. I REALLY DON'T CARE IF ANYONE READS IT, JUST HAD TO GET IT OFF MY CHEST.

It's a new one on me, but I'm very conversant with it, from when I flew all the time. There couldn't be a better term. Via CNN: https://www.cnn.com/travel/airline-crac ... index.html

This is going to be tough news to hear if you’re someone who likes to gather around the airport gate before your designated boarding time, either because you’re an anxious flyer or you’re really keen on grabbing that overhead bin space. There’s a not-very-flattering term for those exhibiting the behavior: “gate lice.”

It might feel harmless, but swarming the gate can lead to congestion, confusion and longer wait times. To tackle the problem, American Airlines is trialing new technology at airports in New Mexico, Arizona and Virginia. Passengers who attempt to board before their assigned group is called will set off an error beep, alerting the gate agent — and also rule-abiding fellow passengers. The line-cutters are then sent back to board with their rightful group.

“We’ve been pleased with the results of the test so far,” AA told CNN by email.

Before I moved to the DC area, I flew American 99% of the time. HATED IT. American was the worst airline for treating everyone like cattle. Worst was boarding. You were put into one of several groups, 1 being the first to board.

NOW, one would think they'd do it by seating group. I mean, put the people in back on first, right? That would be the most logical. No, there was no logic to it at all, except that for a few more bucks, you could get a group one ticket upon check in. Isn't that great? Not.

But what happened at American is about 15 minutes before boarding, everyone congregated around the gate, as close to the door as possible. When check in started, they'd rush the gate and jostle for position. They'd call by group, but many ignored it. What happened if you weren't up, jostling for position too? What happened if you just sat in a seat until your group was called? Well, you'd be the last on the plane, and, even with assigned seating, and a toward-the-front seat, you'd have ZERO overhead space. People in the back would put their bag in up-front overheads as they went back.

So much for following the rules. Thank you, capitalism.

Maybe this will work. I know American had the worst airport gate experience of the airlines I flew.