Social media users are fiercely debating the phenomenon known as "gate lice."
This term refers to passengers gathering around the departure gate even before it's their turn to board, creating chaotic queues near the ticket counter, making it difficult for airport staff to manage the flow of passengers.
This scene is common at most airports and easily frustrates other passengers. Many people have filmed it and shared it on social media, expressing surprise at passengers' impatience despite their assigned seats.
One traveler shared the video with the comment: "The fact that people line up to board the plane so early, even before the plane arrives, and then end up sitting in their assigned seats, is truly one of the most incomprehensible things."
Another person agreed: “I don’t understand why people have to stand in such long lines. Your seat won’t be taken.” The female passenger said she usually sits and waits “relaxes” until the line thins out.
Lee Thompson, co-founder of the travel company Flash Pack, shared his views on this issue with the Daily Mail .
"I completely understand why. I call it the fear of missing out (FOMO) when carrying luggage," he said.
Lee explained that there are many reasons why passengers want to board a plane and want to secure a good spot in the queue.
According to Mr. Lee, many passengers are worried about running out of luggage space in the upper compartment, so they choose to queue early to secure a seat near their assigned seat.
He also argued that queuing gave him a sense of "calmness" and control. He himself admitted to having this habit in the past.
"When the boarding announcement came, anxiety spread like a wave. Everyone stood up simultaneously, even before the plane arrived," Lee shared.
However, Mr. Lee has now changed his approach after realizing that much of the worry stems from the luggage.
"Now I limit my use of wheeled suitcases and prefer soft bags that can be placed under the seat. That way, you can sit comfortably and relax," he said.
However, experts emphasize that this is not always effective for budget airlines, where space on board is more limited.
"If you board the plane late, in 9 out of 10 cases your luggage will be confiscated and moved to the checked baggage, causing you to waste more time waiting. In that case, queuing early isn't a sign of impatience, but rather a way to protect your rights," Mr. Lee said.
In 2024, American Airlines implemented technology to prevent passengers from boarding in the wrong place. The system will issue a warning when a boarding pass is scanned before the permitted time, helping gate staff to better control boarding.
Staff may ask passengers to turn around and wait their turn.
In an article in Conde Nast Traveller magazine, travel writer Meaghan Kenny also mentioned a similar situation when planes landed, with passengers rushing to get up and retrieve their luggage, pushing and shoving to disembark, creating unnecessary chaos.
