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.

If you crowd the boarding area. Be mindful of the folks boarding. You can still hold your spot but be aware and move aside.
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.
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.
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.

If Your Airline Was A Politician, What Party Would They Be (Part 1) …

We have our preferred airline(s). We fly them for their prices, services, and conveniences. Those are the obvious reasons. But I also think we choose an airline because they match our personalities and beliefs.

We don’t always agree with what they do but for the most part we will keep supporting them. Just like the political party we support. We like don’t like all polices but most we like. If your airline were a politician what party would they be?

Here are the parties I think these airlines would be if they were to be on the ballot box:

United Airlines – Democrat

American Airlines – Republican

Delta Air Lines – Republican

Alaska Airlines – Democrat

JetBlue – Independent

Spirit – Republican

Frontier – Democrat

Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Election Day!

It is Election Day!

Millions of Americans head to the polls to vote for our 47th President. For those traveling today. It will bring many anxious feelings. Many will look to quickly get connected as soon as wifi becomes available.

When the results come to a close tonight. There will disappoint or happiness. Perhaps some will order a drink or two.

For those traveling today. What means of transportation are you taking?

Air?

Train?

Bus?

Safe travels y’all! 🥃

Gate Check Hack … or is it?

Announcement: We are looking for volunteers to gate check their bags! If you gate check your carry on, you can board with Group 3. Please come to the podium for those who are interested.

You’re boarding Group 7. You made the conscious cost saving decision of booking the lowest fare possible. But this comes with restrictions. You don’t get to pick your seat(s) and you board last. And I mean last.

Back to the announcement. You have a decision to make. Risk running out of overhead bin space. Or if you’re lucky you may find space towards the back of the aircraft. But you’ll have to swim up stream to retrieve your bag after you land. Then you’ll be that person getting death stares for being an inconvenience while deplaning.

Or you can gate check it and board earlier but you will be retrieving your luggage carry on at baggage claim. Decisions, decisions, decisions …

For those that aren’t familiar with how gate checks works. It works like this:

Your carry on will be tagged.
You’ll then leave your carry on at the jet bridge.
Board earlier (if the airline is offering this)

So … now comes the “Hack”. Proceed with gate checking your luggage. They will tag it and when you board with the earlier group (probably 3 or 4) remove the gate tag and then take your luggage inside the plane instead of leaving at the jet bridge door.

Proceed with caution. Cheers! 🥃

Now Boarding, First Class ….

Flying First Class has many perks. You’re first to board, you have personal overhead space, endless leg room, a bed (sometimes a suite), 3 course meals, endless alcohol and first to deplane.

I’ve flown first class many times and it’s an awesome experience. The perks are part of what you pay for. Or for some the free upgrade because of your status with the airline.

Has it ever crossed your mind what the other cabin classes think of you? Yes, it’s an odd ball question but it’s a curiosity I’ve always had.

Think about it, you’re already seated comfortably. Sometimes you may already have a drink in hand. You’re enjoying your drink while the economy passengers pass through your cabin. Some of these passengers may already be stressed to the max because of the hectic boarding process. Or to fight for over head space.

You get the occasional looks. Looks of either “fuck this guy” or “must be nice to be seating here”.

It’s an odd feeling yes but it’s one that I’m sure plenty of first class passengers have felt at least once before. Thoughts?

Flight Attendant: Steak or Chicken?

Cheers! 🥃

JSX vs Everybody

What’s all the fuss about?

If you have not flown yet on a public charter, it is truly an experience like no other. Unlike your traditional travel booking through the major airlines. You can avoid the long checkpoints, over crowded boarding gates, and terminal traffic by flying with a public charter.

That is where JSX comes in. Since 2016, JSX has built a reputation of providing a frictionless and crowd-free air travel experience. During my visit to one of the JSX locations. I noticed that the mood is joyful and less tense. Guests arrive, checkin, drop off their bags then hang out in the lounge until it’s time to board the aircraft.

Occasionally there are celebrities and athletes who fly JSX too. Now one would wonder why not just take a fully private plane. But perhaps some would rather forgo the expensive option and go semi-private. I could see why celebrities would take this option. It’s less of a crowd and they can avoid the hassle and attention they would get if it was at the terminal gates.

Why us versus Everybody?

While JSX has enjoyed success and continued growth. That success has come with challenges as well. Major airlines such as American Airlines and Southwest Airlines is lobby for the federal government to impose stricter regulations on JSX. Since JSX is not considered a commercial airline it operates under a different set of regulations. Which the major airlines are alleging JSX is taking advantage of regulatory loopholes.

What’s next from here?

The FAA and TSA has begun reviewing whether public charters should operate under the same regulations as commercial airlines. A ruling on the matter has not yet been determined and is ongoing.

In the meantime, JSX has its sight set on a new destination. This winter they return to Taos, New Mexico.