A new buzzword has been circulating on social media called “gatexiety,” also known as “gate anxiety.”
This is a situation where travellers repeatedly check the gate at the airport even though the gate is listed on the airline's app.
Experts say this non-clinical measure is recommended and that checking airport monitors for departures is a sensible move, as gates can change at airports.
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But for some travelers, “gate anxiety” can affect them more severely.
The anxiety is centered around when to arrive at the airport to catch the flight, with attendant anxiety at the gate.
“Gate anxiety” occurs when people feel anxious about things like what time they should arrive at the airport before catching a flight. (iStock)
So should you follow the airline's instructions and arrive early, or should you just ease your way to the gate with 10 minutes to spare?
In most cases, arriving very late can be dangerous.
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If you tend to worry about missing your flight, there are ways to deal with the anxiety, experts say.
Here's what to do when you arrive at the airport and how to manage your anxiety while you're at the gate.
With so many Americans traveling by plane these days, you'll want to allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. (Charabala)
What are the travel procedures upon arrival at the airport?
With millions of Americans flying every day, it may be wise to allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport.
Experts say this strategy can lower stress levels and reduce the chances of missing your flight.
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“AAA always recommends that travelers arrive at the airport at least three hours before for international flights and two hours before for domestic flights,” said Jana Tidwell, a spokeswoman for Wilmington, Delaware-based AAA Mid-Atlantic.
“This should allow enough time to get through the TSA checkpoint and to the gate, as well as allow for flight changes due to delays or cancellations.”
While you can't control whether your flight will be canceled, you can try to arrive at the airport early so you can make any necessary flight changes. (iStock)
If you're departing from an airport you're not very familiar with, consider giving yourself 2-3 hours to spare.
“If you're heading to an unfamiliar airport, you may want to allow yourself extra time to account for traffic and public transportation,” says Sally French, a California-based travel expert at NerdWallet.
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“If you're at an airport you're familiar with, you can be sure the security line will move faster and if you don't have to check your bags, you might be able to cut that time a little bit further,” French added.
Give yourself plenty of time to get through TSA security, especially if you're going to an airport you're not familiar with. (iStock)
These recommendations will vary for each traveler based on their mobility, comfort level, baggage plans, etc.
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For example, some airlines don't allow passengers to check bags until four hours before a flight, while others stop allowing checked bags about 45 minutes before departure, French said.
“These rules often vary by airline and airport,” she said.
Generally speaking, arriving at the airport early is rarely a bad thing. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Is arriving at the airport early the best option?
French told Fox News Digital that because of improvements at the airport, “I don't really see the harm in arriving too early.”
“This gives you the peace of mind of knowing you'll catch your flight, a nice meal and the chance to catch up on some work. But remember that many airport lounges only offer access up to three hours before departure,” she said.
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Also, if you receive a text message or email that your flight may be slightly delayed, say by less than an hour, try to stick to your original planned arrival date.
It's a good idea to arrive early, especially for international flights, so even if your flight is delayed, you may be able to make up for the delay. (iStock)
“Airlines can 'fix the delay,' but that could mean missing your flight,” she said.
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French said it's wise to continually monitor flights on airline apps and maintain appropriate distancing to avoid missing your flight.
Why arriving at the airport early is beneficial for anxious travelers
There's only so much you can control when it comes to travel delays, and it's easy to feel stressed and anxious when things don't go as planned. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
“Traveling by air exposes you to a variety of factors outside of your control, including weather delays, aircraft malfunctions, airport congestion, gate changes, long security lines and the risk of lost luggage,” says MK Clarkin, a licensed clinical social worker and regional clinical director for St. Louis-based LifeStance Health.
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“Humans have an innate need for control for our own happiness and survival, so air travel takes away a lot of that control, which can lead to stress and sometimes anxiety.”
Travelers who tend to become anxious may try to overcompensate by arriving at the gate too early, ostensibly to regain control, Clarkin said.
If you arrive at the airport too early, you may find yourself getting restless at the gate while waiting to board. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
Arriving at the gate too early can also have some drawbacks.
“While this is a surefire way to get to your gate on time, it can cause you to become overwhelmed and restless while waiting for your boarding time,” Clarkin said.
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“Ironically, this could lead to accidents where people don't realize the gate has been changed and end up in the wrong place.”
Control within your capabilities
The best thing you can do to reduce anxiety is, as one expert put it, “control the controllable.” (Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
The mantra “control what you can control” is a good starting point.
“My best advice is to take action on the things you can control, like arrival time, baggage, checking in and securing your boarding pass,” Clarkin said.
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To save time, follow the TSA's recommended guidelines and plan to arrive at the airport two to three hours before your flight is scheduled to depart, Clarkin added.
You can also eliminate the “what did I forget?” questions by creating a standard packing list that you can use for each trip. (iStock)
Another tip to reduce anxiety, she says, is to prepare a standard packing list for each trip so you don't have to worry about, “What did I forget?”
Signs and behaviors of “gate anxiety”
According to Joseph McNamara, PhD, associate professor and chair of the psychology department in the psychiatry department at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, Florida, certain behaviors associated with “gate anxiety” may also be making the problem worse.
Do any of these sound familiar?
- Contact a ticket agent to ensure the information is correct
- Ask other travelers for peace of mind
- Check gate information repeatedly
- Repeatedly checking if you have a ticket
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“The best thing to do is check your belongings, get everything organized and sit fairly close to the gate so you can hear the announcements about your flight,” McNamara said.
There are ways to ease your anxiety when checking in at the airport, but experts say the most important thing is to control what you can control. (iStock)
Try some deep breathing and positive self-talk.
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“While it may be tempting to stop by an airport bar, avoid the 'hangover anxiety' and high prices and focus on healthier coping strategies,” says Matthew A. Sollitto, M.D., a licensed master social worker at LifeStance Health in Michigan.
“Download a few episodes of your favorite soothing show, create a playlist, listen to a podcast or bring a book,” he said.
