Health
Travel Experts Reveal How to Beat Gate Anxiety and Enjoy Stress-Free Flights
Clear Facts
- “Gatexiety” refers to the anxiety travelers feel about constantly checking their departure gate at the airport.
- Experts advise arriving at the airport early to reduce stress and ensure you don’t miss your flight.
- Travelers should manage their anxiety by controlling what they can, such as arrival time and packing.
A new term is making waves on social media: “gatexiety,” or “gate anxiety.” This phenomenon describes the nervous habit travelers have of repeatedly checking their departure gate, even though the information is readily available on airline apps.
Experts suggest that this behavior, while nonclinical, is actually a smart move. Gates can change, and verifying your departure details against airport monitors can save you from last-minute scrambles.
However, for some, this anxiety extends beyond just checking the gate. It encompasses the broader stress of when to arrive at the airport and how to manage time at the gate.
One of the most common questions travelers face is whether to arrive early as recommended by airlines or to cut it close and arrive just before boarding. Almost universally, arriving too late is risky.
“AAA always recommends that travelers arrive at the airport at least three hours ahead of an international flight, two hours ahead of a domestic flight,” said Jana Tidwell, a spokesperson with AAA Mid-Atlantic.
She added that this timeframe allows for passing through TSA checkpoints and handling any potential flight changes due to delays or cancellations.
Travel expert Sally French also advises considering the specifics of your departure airport.
“If you’re traveling to an unfamiliar airport, you might want to leave extra time to account for traffic or navigating public transit,” she said.
French also noted that if you’re familiar with the airport and confident that security lines move quickly, you might be able to shorten your arrival time slightly.
The amount of time you need also depends on factors like your mobility, comfort level, and baggage plans. Some airlines have specific rules about when you can check bags, which can vary.
“Those rules can often vary by airline and by airport,” French said.
She also mentioned that arriving early isn’t necessarily a bad thing due to the improved amenities at many airports.
“This gives me peace of mind that I won’t miss my flight while also affording me a great meal and a chance to catch up on work,” French said.
MK Clarkin, LMSW and executive clinical director at LifeStance Health, explained why air travel can be particularly stressful.
“Humans are hardwired to want to be in control for the sake of our own well-being and survival,” Clarkin said.
“By nature, traveling by plane removes many factors within our control, leading to distress and sometimes anxiety.”
To regain some control, anxious travelers might arrive at the gate too early, which can lead to other issues.
“While this is a guaranteed way to ensure you find the gate on time, it can lead to rumination and restlessness while you wait for your boarding time,” Clarkin said.
She also warned that arriving too early might cause you to miss gate changes.
“My biggest recommendation is to take action on the items you can control: arrival time, baggage, checking in, securing the boarding pass,” Clarkin said.
Dr. Joseph McNamara noted that certain behaviors could exacerbate “gatexiety.”
These include talking to the ticket agent to confirm information, asking other travelers questions for reassurance, and repeatedly checking that you have your ticket.
“The best approach is checking your materials once, having everything organized and sitting fairly close to the gate so you can hear any announcements about your flight,” McNamara said.
Lastly, while it might be tempting to have a drink to calm your nerves, experts advise against it.
“Save yourself the ‘hangxiety’ and inflated prices and turn to healthier coping mechanisms,” said Matthew A. Solit, LMSW and executive clinical director at LifeStance Health.
Instead, he recommends downloading episodes of your favorite show, curating a playlist, listening to a podcast, or bringing a book.
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