Let’s be honest: airports can bring out the best and worst in all of us. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or just heading off for a well-deserved holiday, the chaos of travel can turn even the calmest among us into a bundle of nerves.
But have you ever stopped to wonder if you might be one of those travellers who (without even realising it) make the airport experience a little more stressful for everyone else?
From ‘pocket pilers’ at security to ‘luggage loungers’ at the baggage carousel, let’s take a light-hearted (but honest!) look at the travel behaviours that drive everyone up the wall. And don’t worry; we’ve all been there at some point.
So, before you pack your bags for your next adventure, let’s take a light-hearted look at some of the most common airport faux pas and how to avoid them. Who knows, you might spot a habit or two you’re guilty of!
The Security Shuffle: Are You a ‘Pocket Piler’?
We all know the drill: shoes off, belts off, laptops out, liquids in a clear bag. Yet, somehow, there’s always that one person who gets to the front of the security queue and suddenly remembers they have a pocketful of coins, keys, and who-knows-what-else.
Enter the ‘pocket piler’: the well-meaning but forgetful traveller who holds up the line while frantically emptying their pockets at the last minute.
Travel expert Lee Thompson says it’s not rudeness, just absent-mindedness. By the time we reach security, our minds are already on a holiday, not on our belt buckles. But here’s a tip: use your time in the queue wisely. You’ve got 20–30 minutes to get yourself sorted, so do a quick check for metal and electronics before you reach the scanner. Your fellow travellers will thank you!
‘By the time people get to the front of security, their brains are already on the plane or mentally sipping their first cocktail on the beach,’ Lee insisted.
‘Belt Bumping’: A Tricky Tray Situation
Once you’ve made it through security, there’s another hurdle: the trays. Some people grab their belongings and leave the tray right there on the belt, causing a backlog that slows everyone down. Others make it to the unloading table, but don’t bother stacking their tray with the rest. This is known as ‘belt bumping’, and it’s a surefire way to annoy both staff and passengers.
Now, to be fair, not everyone who leaves a tray behind is being thoughtless. Some are wrangling kids or helping older relatives, and some are just worried about germs (who wants to start their holiday with a cold?).
But if you’re able, take a few seconds to stack your tray. It’s a small gesture that keeps things moving smoothly for everyone.
Beware the ‘Gate Lice’
You’ve checked in, made it through security, and now you’re at the gate. Boarding hasn’t even started, but already there’s a crowd forming. These are the infamous ‘gate lice’. They’re the ones who hover near the gate, ready to pounce the moment boarding is called, even if they have assigned seats.
Why do people do it? Sometimes it’s anxiety about overhead locker space, wanting to sit together, or just the excitement of getting on with the holiday. But unless you’re in a rush or have special needs, there’s no need to hover. Your seat is reserved, and the plane isn’t going anywhere without you!
‘People are tired, anxious, often travelling with kids, and desperate for the holiday to start perfectly,’ Lee explained.
The Rise of the ‘Aisle Lice’
You’ve survived the boarding process and finally landed at your destination. The seatbelt sign is still on, but suddenly half the plane is on its feet, reaching for the overhead lockers and jostling for position in the aisle. Meet the ‘aisle lice’, the passengers who can’t wait to disembark, even if it means blocking the way for everyone else.
Flight attendants say this isn’t just annoying, it can actually slow things down and create safety issues. As flight attendant Cecily Anderson said: ‘We have rules about deplaning for a reason.’
The proper protocol is simple: wait for the seatbelt sign to go off, gather your belongings, and exit row by row. Not only does this keep things orderly, but it also helps those with tight connections get off quickly.
The Final Hurdle: ‘Luggage Loungers’
You’ve made it off the plane, through passport control, and now there’s just one thing standing between you and freedom: the baggage carousel… and a wall of people pressed up against the belt, making it impossible to see (let alone grab) your suitcase.
These are the ‘luggage loungers’, or travellers who stake out a spot right at the edge of the carousel and refuse to budge.
It’s one of Lee’s biggest airport pet peeves. There’s no benefit to crowding the belt; it just makes it harder for everyone to get their bags. Instead, take a step back, keep an eye out for your luggage, and only move forward when you spot it. You’ll make the whole process smoother for everyone, and maybe even make a new friend or two while you wait.
Why Do We Do These Things?
It’s easy to point fingers, but the truth is, most of us have been guilty of at least one of these habits at some point. Airports are stressful, and when we’re tired, anxious, or just excited, our manners can slip. Sometimes, we’re just not thinking, or we’re worried about missing out.
But a little awareness goes a long way. By being mindful of our actions, we can make the airport experience smoother and more pleasant for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Many airport travellers display annoying habits such as being ‘pocket pilers’ who hold up security by emptying their pockets at the last minute, and ‘belt bumpers’ who leave trays lying around after security, causing delays for others.
- ‘Gate lice’ refers to passengers who crowd around the boarding gate long before their group or row is called, often due to worries about overhead locker space or simply being eager to get on the plane.
- On arrival, ‘aisle lice’ are those who jump up and grab their bags before the seatbelt sign is off, pushing to be first off the plane and often blocking others who may have tight connections.
- At baggage reclaim, ‘luggage loungers’ clog up the carousel by standing too close or leaning on it, making it difficult for fellow passengers to access and collect their luggage efficiently.
We’d love to hear from you, members! Have you encountered any of these travel habits on your journeys? Do you have your own pet peeves to add to the list? Share your stories, tips, and travel gripes in the comments below and let’s help each other make travel a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable!
