Gatexiety at the airport is the latest phenomenon among travelers

There’s a buzzword floating around on social media called “gatexiety,” otherwise known as “gateway anxiety.”

It’s when travelers repeatedly check their gate at the airport, even though it’s listed on the airline’s app.

This non-clinical move is advisable, experts say, as checking your departure against airport monitors is a smart move as gates can change at the airport.

But for some travelers, the effects of gatexiety go a little further.

Anxiety centers around the time you have to arrive at the airport to catch your flight, coupled with anxiety at the gate.

So should you arrive early as suggested by your airline or saunter to the gate with 10 minutes to spare?

In almost all cases, arriving too late can be dangerous.

If you tend to worry about missing your flight, there are ways to deal with those worries, according to experts.

Here’s what to do when you arrive at the airport and how to manage anxiety while you’re at the gate.

What is the travel protocol for arriving at the airport?

Since millions of Americans fly every day, it can be smart to leave yourself plenty of time to get to the airport.

This strategy can lower your stress level and reduce the chance of missing your flight, experts say.

“AAA always recommends that travelers arrive at the airport at least three hours before an international flight, two hours before a domestic flight,” said Jana Tidwell, a spokeswoman for AAA Mid-Atlantic, which is based in Wilmington, Delaware.

“Not only does this usually allow plenty of time to get through TSA checkpoints and get to your gate, but it should also allow for making any flight changes due to delays or cancellations.”

If you’re departing from an airport you’re not very familiar with, consider extending the two- or three-hour windows.

“If you’re traveling to an unfamiliar airport, you may want to allow extra time to account for traffic or navigating public transit,” said Sally French, a California-based travel expert with NerdWallet.

“If it’s an airport you’re familiar with, you’re sure the security lines move quickly, and you’re not checking bags, you can cut that time down,” French added.

These recommendations also depend on the specific traveler: your mobility, your comfort level, and your luggage plans.

For example, some airlines won’t let you check bags until four hours before a flight, while others stop accepting checked bags about 45 minutes before departure time, French said.

“These rules can often vary by airline and by airport,” she said.

Is getting to the airport early the best way to go?

French told Fox News Digital that she “rarely sees the bad arrive too early” as airports now have improved equipment.

“It gives me peace of mind that I won’t miss my flight, while providing me with a great meal and a chance to catch up on work, although bear in mind that many airport lounges also limit access to three hours before departure,” she . said.

And if you get a text or email that your flight is subject to a slight delay, such as less than an hour, plan to stick to your original arrival plan.

“Airlines can ‘see the delay,’ which could mean you miss your flight,” she said.

French said it’s wise to constantly monitor your flight on the airline’s app and stay a reasonable distance away so you don’t miss your flight.

Why getting to the airport early is a win for anxiety-prone travelers

“The cruise of air travel exposes us to a myriad of factors beyond our control: weather delays, aircraft malfunctions, airport traffic, gate changes, long security lines or the risk of lost luggage,” said MK Clarkin, LMSW and executive clinical director at LifeStance. Health, based in St. Louis.

“Humans tend to want to be in control for the sake of our well-being and survival, so by nature, air travel removes many factors from our control, leading to anxiety and sometimes anxiety.”

In an effort to regain some semblance of control, travelers who are prone to anxiety may overcompensate by arriving at the gate too early, Clarkin said.

There may also be some drawbacks to getting to the gate too early.

“While this is a guaranteed way to ensure you find the gate on time, it can lead to rumination and worry as you wait for your boarding time,” Clarkin said.

“Ironically, it can also lead to a disaster where you don’t realize the gate has been changed, so you show up at the wrong place.”

Check what is within your reach

The mantra, “Control your controllability,” is a good starting point.

“My biggest recommendation is to take action on the items you can control: arrival time, baggage, check-in, boarding pass security,” Clarkin said.

To save time, plan to follow the TSA’s recommended guidelines to arrive at the airport two to three hours before your flight departs, Clarkin added.

Another tip to reduce worry: Have a standard packing list that you use for every trip so you don’t add “what did I forget?” on your list of concerns, she also said.

Signs and symptoms of gatexiety

There are certain actions associated with gatexiety that can also trigger the problem, according to Dr. Joseph McNamara, associate professor and chief of the division of psychology in the department of psychiatry at the UF College of Medicine in Gainesville, Florida.

So, does any of this sound familiar?

• Talk to the ticket agent to confirm that the information is correct
• Asking other travelers questions to reassure yourself
• Repeated checking of gateway information
• Always check that you have your ticket

The best approach, McNamara said, is to “check your materials once, organize everything and sit close enough to the gate so you can hear any announcements about your flight.”

Try taking deep breaths and talking positively to yourself.

And while you might think alcohol will kick you out, it’s best to stick with water.

“While it’s tempting to stop at the airport bar, save yourself the ‘angst’ and inflated prices and turn to healthier coping mechanisms,” said Matthew A. Solit, LMSW and executive clinical director at LifeStance Health.

“Download a few episodes of your favorite comfort show, curate a playlist, listen to a podcast or bring a book,” he said.