Airline companies are cracking down on passengers who try to board their flights before the designated time. These pushy passengers, dubbed “gate lice” by industry insiders, have become an increasing problem as travel demand reaches record levels.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has highlighted the issue of “skip boarding,” where passengers queue up and try to board the plane before their turn. Airlines have started to fight back, with some implementing technology that alerts gate agents when passengers attempt to jump the queue. This triggers a loud alarm, and the offending passenger is then sent back to wait for their permitted boarding slot.
The problem of gate lice is not only disruptive to the boarding process but can also make it difficult for disabled passengers to board safely. Additionally, the industry’s own policies, such as the imposition of fees for checked luggage, have contributed to the issue, as passengers tend to bring more carry-on bags, leading to a shortage of overhead storage space.
