The boarding process is time consuming and generally features a lot of waiting, both in the terminal and on the plane. All in all, it's still pretty straightforward for the most part. Your section gets called, you hop in line, scan what needs to be scanned, and head for the plane. Of course, there are always people who try to jump the line regardless of the section called and board first. Those people are reputedly called 'gate lice' and American Airlines has worked out a way to deal with them.
This new technology will alert American Airlines staff at the gate when someone tries to board outside of their specified group. It's not subtle, either. Apparently, it features a rather loud noise that everyone in the vicinity will be able to hear. The staff will then politely ask the person to sit back down and wait for their group to be called.
What's kind of funny about the situation is that the 'gate lice' in question will basically have to do a perp walk back to the seating area. Anyone in and around the gate will know exactly what has happened, that someone has been caught trying to jump the boarding line and complicated the process for everyone instead of just being patient. This will result in real time walks of shame as they return to the seating area and everyone in line stares at them.
American Airlines rolled out the technology in 100 airports in time for the busy Thanksgiving travel rush in the United States with plans to add more. And it's only a matter of time until other airlines do something similar. Although, this does beg the question of why people are in such a rush to board a plane. Unless you're in business class, your flight is likely to be uncomfortable, cramped, and lacking in legroom. Enjoy the seating area in the airport for as long as possible.