NEW YORK — American Airlines is testing new technology at three airports around the country during the boarding process that aims to reduce the number of passengers who try to cut the line.

The technology, which is being tested at Sunport Albuquerque International Airport in New Mexico, Tucson International Airport in Arizona and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Crystal City, Virginia, alerts gate agents with an audible sound if a passenger tries to scan a ticket before their assigned group.

“The new technology is designed to ensure customers easily receive the benefits of priority boarding and helps improve the boarding experience by providing greater visibility into boarding progress for our team,” American Airlines said in an emailed statement. -mail The Associated Press.

American Airlines said a gate agent politely informs the customer that they cannot accept the pass and asks the customer to join the line when their boarding party is called. In some situations where a customer may board out of order, such as when traveling with a higher-status companion, the agent has a quick way to cancel the alert and accept the pass, American Airlines said in the statement.

Although the technology is only in a trial phase, the airline said it has been pleased with the results so far.

— By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO, AP Business Writers