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Gate lice: What are they and how do they affect your airport trip?
See our top tips on how to avoid becoming an airport annoyance
'GATE lice' is a derogatory term used in the air travel community to describe a certain group of passengers.
Here's everything you need to know about what a gate louse is and why they are seen as a nuisance.
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What are gate lice?
People who crowd around boarding gates well before their designated boarding time are referred to by airline workers as 'gate lice'.
The phenomenon has become increasingly common and can significantly impact the airport experience for both travelers and airline staff alike.
Gate lice behavior is characterized by passengers gathering near the boarding gate, often blocking access and creating congestion.
These individuals typically aim to be among the first to board the plane, despite having assigned seats.
The term has gained recognition among frequent flyers and airline employees, who often express frustration with this practice.
Shira Gabriel, a psychology professor at the University of Buffalo, told told : “People will do any weird thing if they think that’s the way to behave.
“When you see people lining up, getting ready, it makes you feel there’s a benefit for that”.
Causes
Several factors contribute to the gate lice phenomenon.
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Some attribute this behavior to inexperienced travelers who may not fully understand airline boarding procedures.
The desire to secure overhead bin space for carry-ons is also believed to be a significant motivator — especially given baggage fees and concerns about lost luggage.
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Queueing early can provide a sense of control and reduce stress for anxious travelers.
When people see others lining up, they tend to follow suit, believing it's the correct behavior.
The phenomenon has reportedly increased following the Covid-19 pandemic, possibly due to heightened travel anxiety.
Psychologist Dr Audrey Tang told : “Queueing for boarding as soon as we are able to can help us to feel in control, which in turn makes us feel less stressed."
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She added: “Maybe some people just like to be first, but it’s largely to do with keeping ourselves calm.”
Impact
Gate lice can negatively affect various aspects of the airport experience:
- Congestion: Crowding at gates can lead to confusion and difficulty moving through the boarding area
- Delayed boarding: The need to clear non-priority passengers from the boarding area can slow down the process for those with priority boarding
- Accessibility: Large crowds can make it challenging for passengers with mobility issues or those in wheelchairs to access the boarding area
- Stress: The competitive atmosphere created by gate lice can heighten anxiety for all travelers
- Inefficiency: The disorganized nature of early queuing can make the entire boarding process less efficient
Response
Airlines have implemented various strategies to address the gate lice problem.
Secret cabin crew phrases
Flight attendants have a special language they use to talk about passengers.
Here are some of the secret phrases used by pilots and cabin crew:
- Cropdusting: If a passenger is being very rude and difficult, then it’s not unheard of for a flight attendant to break wind and 'cropdust' past the offender.
- Code Adam: This is used by airport staff to alert other staff of a missing child, in honour of Adam Walsh, a child who was abducted in a department store in 1981.
- 7500: If a pilot squawks "7500" it means the plane has been hijacked, or a hijacking is a threat.
- Crosscheck: If you hear this phrase, usually made by senior cabin crew, it means that the emergency slides attached to each door have been deactivated.
- ABP: translates to 'able bodied passengers' — individuals that the crew seek out just in case of an emergency.
- Runners: Those who sprint from one connecting flight to another because their first flight was late.
- Spinner: Somebody who turns up late without an assigned seat, with crew dubbing them 'spinners' as they usually look flustered as they search for a seat and space in the overhead lockers.
- Blue juice: Refers to the liquid used to flush the contents of the plane loo.
- Crotch watch: What crew do to check you have got your seat belt fastened before takeoff and landing.
They have created dedicated lanes for elite fliers and introduced priority boarding programs for specific customer groups.
Some have even been testing new technologies to deal with the issue, such as American Airlines' system that alerts gate agents when passengers attempt to board too early.
Recommendations
To avoid being labeled as a gate louse and contribute to a smoother airport experience, travelers should:
- Remain seated until their boarding group is called
- Stand away from the immediate gate area to avoid congestion
- Be aware of surroundings and respectful of other passengers' space and boarding priorities
- Trust the assigned seating system and understand that boarding earlier doesn't necessarily mean a faster departure
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By being mindful of this type of behavior and its impact can contribute to a more pleasant and efficient airport experience for everyone.
As the air travel industry continues to evolve, finding solutions to this counterproductive conduct remains an ongoing challenge for airlines and passengers alike.
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