A new phenomenon has emerged in airports as more anxious travelers post about ‘gatexiety’.
The term is short for “gate anxiety” and refers to obsessively checking your gate information, even if it’s in your airline’s app.
Other “symptoms” include the need to verbally confirm with gate agents or other passengers and to repeatedly assure yourself that you still have your ticket.
While this habit can be annoying for traveling companions, experts say it’s advisable because gate information at the airport can change frequently.
Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet, told Fox News Digital that it is ‘rarely a bad thing’ to arrive on time and check the information in person.
A new phenomenon has emerged at airports as more and more anxious travelers post about ‘gatexiety’
“This gives me the peace of mind that I won’t miss my flight, while at the same time I get to enjoy a delicious meal and catch up on work,” she said.
According to MK Clarkin, LMSW and Clinical Director at LifeStance Health, it’s not surprising that this phenomenon is linked to general anxiety surrounding airport travel.
“When we travel by air, we are exposed to a multitude of factors beyond our control: weather delays, aircraft breakdowns, airport traffic, gate changes, long security lines and the risk of lost luggage,” she said.
‘Humans are programmed to want to be in control, for our own well-being and survival. Therefore, air travel puts many factors out of our control, which causes stress and sometimes anxiety.’
To combat this fear, some travelers compensate by arriving a few hours early.
But Clarkin warned that this could actually lead to more stress as passengers have to wait.
“While this is a guarantee that you will arrive at the gate on time, it can lead to worry and anxiety as you wait for your boarding time,” she said.
Symptoms of the phenomenon include an obsessive need to check gate information, the desire to verbally confirm details with airport staff, and the need to check that you still have your ticket
‘Ironically, it can also lead to an accident, where you don’t realize the gate has changed, causing you to arrive at the wrong place.’
She said the best way to combat gate anxiety is to “control what is controllable,” such as “arrival time, baggage, check-in, securing the boarding pass.”
While it may be tempting to head straight to the bar to relieve the tension, her colleague Matthew A. Solit advises avoiding alcoholic beverages, as they can actually make matters worse in the long run.
“Download a few episodes of your favorite show, put together a playlist, listen to a podcast or pick up a book,” he advises.
The TSA advises you to check with the airline in question to find out how early you need to arrive at the airport.
Normally, the guideline for a domestic flight is two hours and for an international flight, three hours.