Gate lice is a pejorative term used to describe a phenomenon observed among air travelers where passengers gather in front of boarding gates before their designated boarding time.[1][2][3] The term has gained recognition within the community of frequent flyers, particularly on platforms such as Flyertalk.[1] This phenomenon may make the boarding process more cumbersome.[2][4] For instance, it can lead to congestion, longer wait times for those who have prioritized boarding, and confusion.[4] To avoid behaving in this manner, it is recommended to stay in one's seat until one's boarding zone is called.[5]
- ^ a b Phillips, Matt (2008-10-20). "Barbarians at the Gate?: Elite Fliers Bemoan "Gate Lice"". The Wall Street Journal.
- ^ a b Bink, Addy (2024-02-04). "'Gate lice': Who are they, and how can you avoid being one". WFLA. Retrieved 2024-02-06.
- ^ Muther, Christopher (2019-03-14). "Avoid gate lice and wear your headphones: The dos and don'ts of airport etiquette". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2024-02-06.
- ^ a b Andrade, Sofia (2023-12-13). "Why do 'gate lice' line up early for a flight? Psychologists explain". Washington Post. Retrieved 2024-02-06.
- ^ "Don't be 'gate lice' lurking near airport boarding zones (and other flying etiquette tips to help you be a model jet-setter this summer)". Toronto Star. 2024-02-01. Retrieved 2024-02-06.