The Rudest Things People Do in Airports

Is your gate blocked by packs of travelers who linger near the jetway like a herd of stubborn bighorns? Of course it is. These characters are collectively known as "gate lice"—as in, annoying people who obstruct the flow of passengers lining up to board. They're as common to the airport experience as long lines, poor Wi-Fi, and outrageously priced water bottles.

We get it—you want to be sure your carry-on makes it onboard. But if you're in zone five and crowding the gate while zone one is still boarding, you're only slowing things down for everyone.

Despite our collective preference for a human-waste-free boarding area, many parents go ahead and change their kids' diapers right there on the seats or on the floor. I've seen this a few times and politely request that caregivers make use of the baby-changing stations that are available in airport bathrooms.

It's understandable that some travelers want to avoid an expensive checked-bag fee or hang onto a four-ounce bottle of conditioner. We've all been there. But there's a line that gets crossed when you've lost the argument, yet your voice volume continues to rise as the line of passengers waiting behind you grows. Just let it go. Don't initiate a blood feud with the gate agent who insists on checking the humongous bag that you know, deep down inside, is not carry-on compliant.

Whether you’re texting, deep in conversation, or watching videos as you walk, it’s easy to lose track of your surroundings. But keep this in mind: many people around you are in a hurry to catch flights, and every second counts.

Those moving walkways? They’re not just there to make you feel like you’re gliding into the future—they’re designed to help people move efficiently through the terminal. If you’re not in a rush, that’s fine—just stay to the side so others can pass. (The same rule applies to escalators.)

If you’re strolling in a large group stretched five people across, try breaking into smaller clusters to make space for others trying to get by. And if you’re texting while walking, do your best to stay aware and avoid drifting into the path of faster-moving travelers.

A little awareness goes a long way. With a bit of consideration, we can all get where we need to go with a lot less stress.

There’s usually plenty of space around the baggage carousel, yet you’ll often see a crowd packed tightly at the front, eager to grab their bags the moment they appear. While the enthusiasm is understandable, it can make it hard for others to reach their luggage. Instead, try standing a few steps back and waiting until you see your bag, then move forward to retrieve it. Giving everyone a bit of breathing room makes the process smoother for all.

There are two types of people who have emotional breakdowns in airports: those who have never traveled before and those who have been traveling so long that they can’t take it any longer. I was operating in the latter category when a front-desk agent made me cry. In short, the icy agent blamed me for missing my connecting flight and charged me a lot of extra money for a ticket home. (As is usually the case, I had missed my connecting flight because my previous flight was late.) The worst part was her bitter attitude, which only made the situation worse. I get that customer service agents are stressed as well, but a little kindness can go a long way.