American Airlines is testing our a new boarding system in which they allow passengers without carry-on luggage to board right after first class and elite status passengers. Those who travel light will might be able to board before those who have carry-on bags.
For the past few weeks, American Airlines had been testing this new boarding method at Dulles International Airport, Baltimore Washington International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. So far the method had receive positive feedback.
"This boarding test is one more example of the progress we're making to provide our customers with an exceptional travel experience as we leverage innovation to evaluate and improve every step of the customer journey," said American spokeswoman Andrea Huguely, in a statement, according to CNN. She called this a "limited test."
"Should we decide to modify our regular boarding process, we will be informing our people and our customers first," she said.
Travel blogger John DiScala of JohhnyJet.com was one of the first to notice the new process while he was boarding a flight to Chicago at Fort Lauderdale airport. He tweeted the airline, saying "I wonder if @AmericanAir is testing out a new boarding procedure. They just invited those without carry-on's to board 2nd."
DiScala seems to think that the process makes sense and will be a good thing.
"The plane doesn't make money when it's sitting on the ground," Discala told CNN. "Having people without carry-ons board (first) makes make the boarding process quicker. They're always waiting for people with bags (to stow their bags). And they're always trying to get people to check their bags (for a fee)."
American Airlines isn't the first to use this method. Alaska Airlines had been allowing those who don't have carry-ons to board early since October 2011, but it is a limited service.
"We don't offer this on every flight, but do offer this on our fuller flights," said airline spokeswoman Bobbie Egan to CNN.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
