USA travel warning issued after 'chaos' habit banned from 100 airports

A crackdown on a 'chaotic' hack used by countless travellers is under way at more than 100 airports across the USA.

Don't get us wrong, everyone loves a travel hack that can make our journeys through airports smoother or sometimes pick up additional perks.

But some airlines aren't happy with every travel tip going that is exploited by passengers.

Enter American Airlines.

The airline, based out of Forth Worth in Texas, have had enough with people exploiting the system used to manage passenger queues and demands; all because they want to get a head start. A lot of the logic behind it is to secure prime spot in the overhead lockers for your carry on luggage.

Now, in an attempt to cut down on issues caused by people sneaking aboard planes ahead of time, the airline has rolled out brand new boarding technology.

In the States, you are called in boarding groups to get on the plane - something that is exploited by people wanting to sit down earlier than asked to.

Now, gate agents will be given a loud, audible sound if a passenger tries to scan a ticket ahead of their assigned group.

American Airlines has had enough of your queue jumping (Joan Valls / Urbanandsport / NurPhoto via Getty Images)

With the new software at the gate, you will not be allowed through until your group has been called to board. So those skipping queues will be sent to the back of the line where they are meant to be.

Speaking about the issue last month, an American Airlines spokesperson said: "We are in the early phase of testing new technology used during the boarding process.

"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."

Queueing at the gate; something we all have to do (Getty Stock Images)

Henry Harteveldt is an airline industry analyst with Atmosphere Research Group who said that the new policy has actually gone well well with normal travellers who respect the rules of the gate and shun those trying to skip ahead.

He said: "What it is intended to do is bring order out of chaos.

"And I hope it will defuse any potential flare ups of anger from people who simply think they’re entitled to board out of turn. It’s just not fair."

The work of American Airlines follows in the footsteps of United Airlines, which is now giving priority to window and middle seat bookings to make for a smoother boarding pattern.

And Southwest Airlines is now looking to swap its free-for-all seating for a more orderly assigned setup starting next year.

The new system being used by American Airlines was first trialled at Albuquerque International Sunport airport and Tucson International Airport.

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