Airline tests self-service boarding system that scans passes and opens gates automatically, part of broader push to streamline operations and cut costs.
American Airlines has launched testing of automated boarding gates at its Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport hub, where passengers now scan boarding passes that trigger automatic jet bridge access without gate agent intervention.
The self-service technology debuted at Gate A13 for selected domestic flights, marking the carrier’s latest effort to digitize ground handling and reduce staffing requirements, according to footage obtained by The Dallas Morning News.
Fort Worth-based American said the gates will help control boarding flow and lighten the workload for ground personnel. The initiative follows the carrier’s May 2025 operational changes that expanded boarding windows by five minutes and reorganized passenger groups, yielding better punctuality and 25% fewer bags checked at gates.
Airlines across the industry are racing to deploy automation as they seek faster aircraft turns and lower costs. The drive has intensified as passenger volumes surge and labor expenses climb.
Electronic boarding gates join a growing array of self-service airport technologies that now include check-in kiosks, bag-drop stations and automated passport control. Many international airports already use similar gate systems.
Airport automation worldwide has become a $52.13 billion market in 2024, with projections showing growth to $85.12 billion by 2033, research firm Straits Research reports. The sector is expanding at 5.6% annually through that period.
Artificial intelligence is proving particularly valuable in managing passenger flow, according to Straits Research. London Heathrow has deployed AI systems that mine historical travel data to forecast security checkpoint surges and position staff accordingly, cutting queue times.
American’s technology push extends beyond gate operations. The airline has quietly introduced a generative AI booking engine to half its website users that lets travelers search by vacation type rather than specific destinations.
The AI tool allows customers to input preferences like beach resorts or cultural destinations, with the system suggesting appropriate flight options. American intends to roll out the feature across its entire website and mobile application.
The carrier has also activated an automated connection-management system that monitors real-time flight data to identify passengers facing missed connections. When feasible without cascading delays, the technology flags departures for brief holds to accommodate connecting travelers.
The automation investments come as American and rival carriers confront the operational demands of historically high travel demand while managing cost pressures.
Key Takeaways
- American Airlines launched electronic boarding gate trials at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, where passengers scan passes that automatically open jet bridges.
- The gates support the airline’s strategy to manage boarding flow and reduce ground staff workload, following May 2025 changes that decreased gate-checked bags 25%.
- Airport automation globally has grown to $52.13 billion and projects to reach $85.12 billion by 2033 as carriers deploy AI and digital systems.
- American’s technology initiatives include generative AI booking tools deployed to 50% of website users and automated systems managing tight passenger connections.
