Recently, a trending term called “gatexiety” has been circulating on social media, describing a new travel experience that is not necessarily pleasant. “Gatexiety” is a blend of “gate” and “anxiety,” also known as “boarding gate anxiety” in Chinese, referring to travelers frequently checking their boarding gate at the airport with a tendency of compulsiveness.
This peculiar behavior is not a genuine medical condition but may indicate a heightened vigilance triggered by air travel. Videos on social media show common signs of “boarding gate anxiety,” including checking the boarding gate’s location before eating elsewhere in the terminal, lingering around the boarding gate before departure while observing the counter for any changes.
Some passengers seek reassurance from fellow travelers, repeatedly checking their airline apps, tickets, or boarding passes, or asking staff to confirm displayed information. In comments, travelers shared several reasons for remaining cautious around boarding gates. Some mentioned the distance to the gate being too far or the possibility of gate changes before boarding, signifying the risk of missing a flight.
One netizen commented, “Once I thought it (‘the gate’) was ‘right there,’ but it was actually across the entire terminal.” Another traveler said, “How can I relax at the (airport) restaurant if I haven’t checked the boarding gate first?”
Experts state that feeling anxious about boarding is understandable since boarding gates at airports can indeed change. Therefore, regularly checking the flight’s status is a prudent move. However, “boarding gate anxiety” for travelers is not only limited to the gate itself but also includes factors like arriving at the airport on time to catch the flight and when to approach the boarding gate.
According to Fox News, arriving at the airport very close to departure carries risks in almost all cases. If you are worried about missing your flight, experts suggest strategies to address such anxieties. With millions of Americans flying daily, allowing ample time to reach the airport is a wise decision. Experts recommend arriving early to reduce stress levels and minimize the chances of missing a flight.
Jana Tidwell, the spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic based in Wilmington, Delaware, stated, “AAA always recommends travelers taking international flights to arrive at least three hours early and those on domestic flights to arrive two hours early.” This allows enough time for TSA security checks, reaching the boarding gate, and adjusting flights in case of delays or cancellations.
When departing from an unfamiliar airport, consider allocating extra time to tackle potential traffic issues en route to the airport and to locate the boarding gate and counter at the airport.
The reserved time for airport arrival also depends on the traveler’s mobility, comfort levels, and luggage plans. Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet in California, noted that some airlines only accept checked baggage up to four hours before departure, while others stop around 45 minutes before takeoff, varying based on the airline and airport.
French told Fox News Digital that arriving at the airport early is not a bad idea. “It gives me peace of mind, ensures I won’t miss my flight, allows me to enjoy a meal, and provides an opportunity to work at the airport for a bit, although airport lounges restrict entry to three hours before departure,” she said.
If you receive a message indicating a slight flight delay of less than an hour, for example, do not alter your airport plans. “Airlines can ‘uncancel’ delays, meaning you might miss your flight,” French advised. It’s wise to continually monitor flights on the airline’s app.
MK Clarkin, the Executive Clinical Director at LifeStance Health in St. Louis, mentioned, “Air travel exposes us to countless uncontrollable factors: weather delays, plane malfunctions, airport traffic, gate changes, long security lines, or the risk of lost luggage.” Clarkin explained that anxious travelers tend to opt to arrive at the boarding gate early to reassure themselves.
However, arriving too early at the boarding gate can also have some drawbacks. “While it’s a foolproof method to ensure you arrive at the gate on time, it may lead to overthinking and restlessness while waiting to board,” Clarkin elaborated. “My biggest advice is to focus on aspects under your control: arrival time, luggage, check-in procedures, and ensuring your boarding pass is secure,” Clarkin added.
To save time, follow the TSA’s guidelines and arrive at the airport two to three hours before departure. Experts further recommend avoiding alcohol to relieve anxiety while waiting to board and opting for water instead.
Other tips include checking in online within 24 hours before the flight, weighing luggage before departure to avoid issues at the airport, allowing extra time if traveling with pets, oversized baggage, or requiring special assistance.
Plan for transportation, anticipate longer travel times to the airport, particularly during rush hours, and avoid last-minute checks of travel documents.
Consider that security lines can be lengthy, so when waiting, have personal electronic devices ready to speed up the screening process.