American Airlines' "gate lice" technology not coming to Richmond yet

Driving the news: American tested their new alarm tech at a handful of airports last month, including Reagan, in response to complaints from customers who paid for flights or benefits that allow earlier boarding.

• The tech is meant to combat "gate lice," the derogatory term air travel industry insiders apparently use to describe the people who try to board before their turn.
• You know who you are. And the airlines have always known you're doing it. Now, your fellow passengers will know too.

How it works: If a passenger tries to scan their ticket and board before their group is called, the airline's software will sound an alarm.

• The software will also not allow the passenger to pass through, forcing them to return to line and wait their turn, like civilized travelers.

• Of note: The "alert" is more of a gentle bell than a four-alarm blare, but it's a public shaming nonetheless.

What's next: "There are no immediate plans to bring the new boarding technology to Richmond, but in the coming months we do plan to implement at Lynchburg, Roanoke and Charlottesville," an AA spokesperson tells Axios.