A new airport phenomenon has emerged: more and more anxious travelers are posting messages about their “gate anxiety.”
The term, short for “gate anxiety,” refers to the act of obsessively checking gate information, even when it’s listed on the airline app.
Other “symptoms” include the need to verbally confirm with gate agents or other passengers and repeatedly making sure you still have your ticket.
While the habit may be irritating to fellow travelers, experts say it is advisable since gate information can often change at the airport.
Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet, told Fox News Digital that “it’s rarely a bad thing” to arrive early and verify information in person.
A new airport phenomenon has emerged: more and more anxious travelers are posting messages about “airport anxiety”
“This gives me peace of mind that I won’t miss my flight, and at the same time allows me to enjoy a great meal and catch up on work,” he said.
Unsurprisingly, the phenomenon is linked to widespread anxiety around airport travel, according to MK Clarkin, LMSW and executive clinical director of LifeStance Health.
“Air transport exposes us to a host of factors beyond our control: weather delays, aircraft breakdowns, airport traffic, gate changes, long security queues or the risk of lost luggage,” he explained.
‘Humans are hardwired to want to be in control for the sake of our own well-being and survival, so by nature, air travel removes many factors that are under our control, leading to distress and sometimes anxiety.’
In an attempt to combat this anxiety, some travelers may compensate by arriving several hours early.
But Clarkin warned that this could actually result in increased stress as passengers are left waiting.
“While this is a guaranteed way to get to the gate on time, it can lead to thoughts and anxiety as you wait for your boarding time,” she said.
Symptoms of the phenomenon include an obsessive need to check gate information, a desire to verbally confirm details with airport staff, and a need to check that you still have your ticket.
‘Ironically, it can also cause an accident where you don’t realize the door has been changed and you end up in the wrong place.’
He said the best way to combat anxiety is to “control the controllable,” such as “arrival time, luggage, check-in, getting the boarding pass.”
While it may be tempting to head straight to the bar to try to relax, colleague Matthew A. Solit advises avoiding alcoholic beverages, which can make things worse in the long run.
“Download a few episodes of your favorite relaxation show, create a playlist, listen to a podcast or bring a book,” she recommends.
TSA recommends checking with each airline how far in advance you should arrive at the airport.
Typically, guidance is two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
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