BrianV

You know the Priority Access people who jump the gun and clog up the boarding area during 1st and PLT/EXP boarding? I understand some noob fliers doing it and getting corrected at the gate, but frequent fliers should know better...

I partially blame it on AA for creating those lines which I think do more harm than good, to which I nearly always board through the general boarding since the gate lice aren't plugging it up.

Additionally, I've noticed gate agents rarely enforce Priority access people boarding in PLT/EXP groups.

I've seen other PLTs and EXPs call out Golds who are jumping the gun, but I never have. I think I'm going to start getting more aggressive and start saying, "Excuse me, excuse me, excuse me" and just barge through them as I trip my way to the jet bridge.

Has anyone noticed it getting increasingly worse (maybe more elites lately). Any strategies or do most people take the high road like I have in the past?

videomaker

I guess the first thing I'd do is search for the dozens of other threads that discuss the same thing.

pinniped

I think there are topical medications that can control gate lice.

BnHrk718

+1 ^

It's nice to hope that AA is monitoring this forum and taking steps to correct the negligence of some of their GAs, but the reality is that some people deliberately jump the line and will continue to do so. Not much for it, I'm afraid...

platboy

I yell "Executive Platinum! Outta My Way!" Then push and shove my way through.

nyflyerboy

Just a word of warning (particularly to those at the DFW hub)...

With their several flights to visit the grandkids this fall, my Mom and Dad just reached GLD (*first time*) with the DEQM promo I signed them up for.

They'll roll you over to get in that jetway now they're "priority access" .

ESpen36

I usually just say, very politiely, "First Class?" (or "Business Class?") When they look sheepish or say no, I then say "excuse me" and slide past them.

It seems to be a particular problem at MIA, and especially on flights to Latin America.

DrPSB

I'm absolutely outraged to read of this terrible behavior. Such people shouldn't even be allowed to fly and should be forced to take a bus.

I'll probably toss and turn all night thinking about how upsetting this must be.

pinniped

That's a little harsh. I think these people should be allowed to fly so long as there's room in the pressurized part of the cargo hold.

photodave

I also make sure to run my carry on over their feet, or make it bash their ankles as I pass.

Dan_E

Hmm, I thought gate lice were those without status who pushed up to the front of the line, I didnt realize Golds were considered among that group, too?

exc3ll

I am going to start doing this from now on! LOL

BrianV

Anyone who clogs the boarding area well before their group is called is gate lice in my opinion. Priority Access who are standing 5ft away from the gate agent when 1st is boarding is a problem. People who knowingly and intentionally board ahead of their group are beyond lice.

As EXP and back as PLT, I would be standing in the general area, but wouldn't actually start moving towards the immediate boarding area until my group was called or it was evident that the group prior to me had completed their boarding.

BrianV

Actually I did, and I always do search before I start something. In this particular case I searched this forum (titles only) for "gate lice" and it said no threads.

I searched by post and only saw posts that were based on other topics. I started this to talk about the particular breed of boarders called "gate lice" and how other people on this forum handle it.

MiamiAirport Formerly NY George

Since have spent much time in MIA, land of extreme gate lice, I just say "excuse me but are you also in F/J" and of course when they give me that dumb look I just say excuse me loudly.