There is a reason airlines board people in groups, but no good reasons to ignore the boarding process and crowd the gate.
Still, a lot of people do just that. Airlines have a name for them: Gate lice — people who swarm around the gate or cut in line, usually long before their boarding group is called.
Airline boarding is in groups for efficiency and so that those who need extra time can get on the plane safely.
Inexperienced travelers and anxious passengers are likely to become gate lice, according to Reader's Digest. But there are also gate lice among frequent fliers who just don't want to wait.
American Airlines is testing a system that will emit an audible (and embarrassing) signal if someone tries to board early. That person is then sent back to the waiting area.
Best plan: Just wait until your boarding group is called.
