Gate Lice: What is it? Are You One Yourself?

So what is gate lice? Is it something you get while traveling? Like a parasite or bug. Nope it’s none of that. This term had recently come to light after American Airlines rolled out a new system that identifies these sneaky creatures.

A gate lice is a term for passengers that crowd the boarding area and attempt to board before their designated boarding group. I’m sure you’ve seen this while traveling. The Group 4’s and 5’s attempting to board with the Group 2’s and 3s. The latter groups are usually the ones that will be out of overhead bin space. So understandably you see why they attempt to board earlier.

However many passengers including flight attendants find this behavior very rude. Your Group 2’s and 3’s may have paid a higher price for their seats. Such as a premium economy or extra leg room. So to be fair to them they should be able to board and get the overhead space. Again they paid for it so they are deserving of it.

The new system American Airlines rolled out apparently alerts agents of gate lice. It’s quite embarrassing if you ask me to be called out if you’re caught. It’s like the lunk alarm at Plant Fitness.

What if you can’t help but be a gate lice? Here are some tips to be less obtrusive.

1. If you crowd the boarding area. Be mindful of the folks boarding. You can still hold your spot but be aware and move aside.
2. If you want to be the first in your group to board. Wait until the majority of the group ahead of you finishes lining up. Begin lining up behind them. If the line is moving slow and others starting lining up behind you. Kindly ask if they are the boarding group currently boarding. If so, let them move ahead you.
3. If the airline offers early boarding for gate checked bags. Gate check your bag as you make your way down the jetway take off the bag tag and board with your luggage. I do not recommend this. Some airlines have ways to monitor this.
4. Try boarding with the pre-boarders. Usually these are the passengers requiring assistance or need more time. Perhaps you can say you have a disability. But morally speaking you shouldn’t do this.

So now you know what is a gate lice. Are you one yourself?

Comment and give me your thoughts. I’d like to hear about your experiences.