Flew MIA to SJO yesterday and they were using facial recognition at the gate. I get the idea, but wow was it slow and awkward.
Gate agent kept repeating that we had to listen only to her announcements and anything else over the speakers was “not valid.” Then she went into a long explanation about where to stand, how the camera works, don’t move, don’t lean, etc. At first I thought she was overdoing it, but once boarding started it made sense because people absolutely did not follow instructions.
Best part was her screen. From where I was standing, I could see it clearly. Every time someone tried to board out of their group, a big red X popped up. And she had zero hesitation telling them to step out of line. After a few very public rejections, people magically started respecting boarding groups. Watching folks slowly back away once they saw the red X was peak entertainment.
Ironically, we still left late because the aircraft arrived late. Even funnier, it came in empty from VQQ.
Tech of the future, comedy of the present.
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