Jump directly to the content
TAKE FLIGHT

Man slams ‘most annoying’ passengers at the airport – but no-one agrees with him

A MAN has slammed the "most annoying" passengers at the airport - but no-one agrees with him.

In recent years, the term "gate lice" has been slowly gaining momentum on social media.

'Gate lice' are the annoying air passengers crowding the boarding gate
1
'Gate lice' are the annoying air passengers crowding the boarding gateCredit: Getty

And one person took to Reddit to anonymously vent about air passengers who swarm the boarding gates before their seats are called.

They wrote: "Why do people do this? Especially if you're still a couple groups away from being called.

"I fly economy all the time and just sit and wait until it's my turn to board.

"It's also annoying having to squeeze through people when it's your turn to board. It just doesn't make sense to me."

Read more Travel News

However other users were quick to reveal why travellers flock to the gate.

One said: "Securing an overhead spot is 100 per cent the answer.

"Most flights operate full these days, so if you board in a later group there's a good chance your bag will be gate checked.

"It's really annoying when people crowd the gate, but... I get it at least given the above."

Another commented: "Some people want to make sure they get an overhead spot, or otherwise just want to be on the plane quickly.

"Otherwise, same reason people are standing up in the cabin while a plane does a high speed runway exit after landing."

A third argued: "Carry-on space. When you board last, run out of overhead space and they check you bag and lose it, you try to avoid that scenario next time."

It comes as a woman defended holidaymakers who queue at airport gates in a bid to board the plane first.

Meanwhile a flight attendant revealed why they hate "gate lice".

Another travel expert has revealed how to speed up your boarding process.

If anyone is after a drink on a plane, this flight attendant has revealed how to get one for free.

Why do people gate lice?

Dr. Greg Smith, who has a Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology, told Matador Network there are a number of reasons.

He said: "Our society trains us first is best, so if you’re able to get on first, you’ll have better access to something, whether its overhead space, or armrests, or a seat."

He also explained it was "pack mentality".

Greg continued: "People look to their peers to see what to do.

"They see a crowd gathering and think if everyone else is doing it then I should be too."

Topics