Rude ‘gate lice’ trend is plaguing airports and needs to be stopped

So-called “gate lice” have been riling up airport passengers, causing anger and irritation among countless weary travellers. Getting to the airport usually sparks a mix of excitement and frustration – many are eager to jet off to a new location for a much-needed holiday but the lengthy queues and security measures can feel like a bit of a chore.

When it’s finally time to board the plane, the majority of airlines often call people up in groups depending on their seat number. However, there’s been a rising trend among some overzealous passengers which sees them gather near the boarding area and get in the way of those whose turn it is to get on the plane.

Some theorise this is because they hope to be able to board early, despite their group number. A woman named Auburn, who posts content online under the username Tiny Traveler, shared a video to TikTok taken at the airport ahead of a recent trip.

In it, a crowd of passengers can be seen waiting in the boarding area – but Auburn asserted it wasn’t their turn.

In text added over the top of the footage, Auburn penned: “These are gate lice. Gate lice crowd a boarding area even if they’re the sixth group to board. They are then in the way and hold up the boarding process.

“Don’t be a gate lice – stand back and wait your turn. No one wants to be on the flying metal tube longer than needed, right?”

Alongside her video, Auburn elaborated in the caption: “Don’t be a gate lice. And before you say anything – I was Group 1 and all of these people were not Group 1.

“What’s your opinions on being the first to board and holding up the lines?”

In the comments section, fellow TikTok users were keen to share their thoughts. One person said: “As a gate agent I hate that and I don’t allow it”.

Another said: “I don’t care what group I’m in, I will keep my happy a** in [the] bar until the last group is called.”

A third agreed: “I board last anyway. Why rush to sit and wait on a tiny hot plane.”

Others theorised why this trend is happening. One TikTok user commented: “Gate lice became an issue when airlines started charging for checked bags.

“Now everyone has a carry-on but there isn’t enough room. So people crowd the gate hoping to get on before all the overhead space is taken. This is a problem airlines created to make more money.”

Another said: “Well, when people are too cheap to pay for a checked bag and try to put a week’s worth of luggage in a carry-on, they use up the overhead space. People want to be the first of their group to try and get a spot for their carry-on.”

Someone else was unimpressed with Auburn’s use of the term “gate lice”. They said: “‘Gate Lice’? These are just people. Please choose kindness.”

Another said: “Some people just like to stand to stretch their legs, they could be sitting for the next 10 hours or so”.

Many agreed it was the airlines creating this issue. One said: “It’s honestly the airline’s fault!!!”

And another commented: “Flying has deteriorated to absolute misery. Buses are more enjoyable. I miss the 90s”.

While someone else added: “The last couple of times I’ve flown I’ve said someone needs to write a book on airplane etiquette.”