Mods, I haven't been able to find a thread on this, so please forgive me if there's an existing thread, and please merge if necessary.

At ATL, particularly gate T3 (not sure if there are more of them), Delta is testing out automated self boarding "fare gates" not unlike the ones at public transit stations. (I'll mention them as fare gates henceforth, as "gate" can be misinterpreted) These appear to be identical to the ones that United tested in BOS (which were deemed a failure, but are still in use at the GA's discretion)

As a DL kettle (who flies DL on a WFBF basis ) and is normally a UA flyer, here's my take on them:

Pros:

- The ability to board two (theoretically three) passengers at a time with one (but preferable two) gate agent(s).
- (if implemented) the ability the enforce boarding groups

Cons:

- They're slow. Very slow. There's a 10-12 second delay after the closing of the "fare gate's" doors before it will accept the next boarding pass.

Differences between UA and DL:

- UA has screens above the fare gates that will display a big red X and emit a noise when a passenger tries to board ahead of the current boarding group. DL does not have the screens, and does not appear to enforce the current boarding group.
- UA's boarding announcements are automated and integrated into the system. DL still has the GA make announcements.
- UA will board preboards and premium cabin/top tier elites through the GA at the podium for sake of speed. DL boarded the preboards at the podium, but made Prem board via the fare gates. The fare gates are also at the opposite end of the gate from the Prem pillar, so any shred of structure that the Prem line had breaks down.
- UA's fare gates don't have much of a delay. DL's fare gates have a 10-12 second delay AFTER the fare gates close before it is ready to scan the next boarding pass.
- UA tested these and have declared them to be a failure due to the benefit not outweighing the cost. I'm curious to see how Delta thinks they can do better.

Thoughts? And yes, I did send DL my feedback, suggesting that they remove the delay, and board Prem via the GA at the podium.