There’s a term doing the rounds on social media called “getxity,” otherwise known as “get anxiety.”
This happens when passengers keep checking their entry gate at the airport, even if it is listed on the airline’s app.
Experts say this non-medical action is justified, as getting your departure checked through monitors at the airport is a smart move, as gates may change at the airport.
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But for some travellers, the effects of “getxity” go a little deeper.
This anxiety centers around when to get to the airport to catch the flight, and continues at the gate as well.
“Getxiety” is when people become anxious about what time to arrive at the airport before a flight, etc. (iStock)
So should you arrive as early as the airline suggests or just get to the gate 10 minutes early?
In almost all cases, arriving too late can be risky.
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If you get worried about missing something your flight, According to experts, there are ways to address these concerns.
Here’s what you should do when you arrive at the airport and how to manage anxiety while at the gate.
You’ll want to allow enough time to get to the airport, since a lot of Americans are traveling by air these days. (Chalabala)
What is the travel protocol for arrival at the airport?
Since millions of Americans fly every day, it’s wise to allow enough time to get to the airport.
Experts say this strategy can lower your stress levels and also reduce your chances of missing your flight.
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“Always A.A.A. Passengers are advised to “We require you to be at the airport at least three hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic flight,” said Jana Tidwell, a spokeswoman for AAA Mid-Atlantic, based in Wilmington, Delaware.
“Not only does this give you enough time to get through TSA checkpoints and get to your gate, but it also makes it easier to make flight changes due to delays or cancellations.”
You can’t control whether your flight will be canceled, but you can try to get to the airport early enough to make any necessary changes to the flight. (iStock)
If you’re flying from an airport that’s not very familiar to you, consider extending your layover by two or three hours.
“If you’re traveling to an unfamiliar airport, you should leave extra time for traffic or using public transportation,” said Sally French, a travel expert at California-based NerdWallet.
“If you’re familiar with that airport, you’re confident the security lines move quickly, and your bags aren’t getting checked, you can reduce that time a little bit,” French said.
Give yourself enough time to go through the TSA security check, especially if you’re going to an airport that’s unfamiliar to you. (iStock)
These recommendations also depend on the specific traveler: your mobility, your comfort level, and your luggage plans.
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For example, some airlines won’t allow you to Checking the Bag French said some airlines stop accepting checked bags up to four hours before the flight, while other airlines stop accepting checked bags about 45 minutes before departure time.
“These rules can often vary by airline and airport,” he added.
It’s usually very unlikely that arriving at the airport early will turn into a bad thing. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Is getting to the airport early the best way to go?
French told Fox News Digital that she “never feels like arriving too early is a bad thing” because facilities at airports have improved now.
“This gives me peace of mind that I won’t miss my flight, while also allowing me to have a great meal and focus on work, though keep in mind that many airport lounges also only allow entry up to three hours before departure,” she said.
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And if you receive a message or email that your flight might be slightly delayed, like less than an hour, stick to your original arrival plan.
Especially for international flights, you’ll want to arrive early; even if your flight is delayed, sometimes the flight can be “without delay.” (iStock)
“Airlines may ‘delay’ flights, which could mean you miss your flight,” he said.
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French said it’s wise to constantly monitor your flight on the airline app and maintain the proper distance so you don’t miss your flight.
Why arriving at the airport early is beneficial for anxious travelers?
There’s only so much you can control when it comes to travel delays, and it’s very easy to become stressed or anxious when things don’t go as planned. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)
“When traveling by air, we face many factors that are beyond our control: weather delays, aircraft malfunctions, airport traffic, gate changes, long security lines or the risk of lost luggage,” said M.K. Clarkin, MD, regional clinical director and licensed clinical social worker at St. Louis-based LifeStance Health.
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“Humans have a tendency to seek control for their well-being and survival, so traveling by plane inherently takes away many of the factors that are within our control, resulting in distress and sometimes anxiety.”
In an effort to gain control, travelers who are prone to anxiety may increase their anxiety by arriving at the gate too early, Clarkin said.
Sometimes arriving at the airport too early can cause uneasiness at the gate while waiting for the flight. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)
Arriving at the gate too early can have some disadvantages as well.
“While this is a guaranteed way to ensure you get to your gate on time, it can cause anxiety and restlessness while you wait until boarding time,” Clarkin said.
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“Ironically, this can also lead to an accident where you don’t realise the gate has been changed, and you end up at the wrong location.”
Control what is within your power
To help reduce anxiety, the best thing you can do is to “take control of the controllable things,” as one expert said. (Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
The mantra, “Control what you control” is a good starting point.
“My biggest recommendation is to take action on the things you have control over: arrival time, baggage, check-in, securing boarding passes,” Clarkin said.
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To save time, plan to follow the TSA’s recommended guidelines of arriving at the airport two or three hours before your flight’s departure, Clarkin said.
You can also eliminate the question, “What did I forget?” by giving yourself a standard packing list that can be used for every trip. (iStock)
Another tip for reducing worries: He also says to create a standard packing list for each trip so you don’t add “What did I forget?” to your list of worries.
Signs and functions of ‘getxiety’
Certain actions associated with “getxiety” may also contribute to the problem, according to Dr. Joseph McNamara, associate professor and chief of the psychology division at the UF College of Medicine’s department of psychiatry in Gainesville, Florida.
Do any of these sound familiar?
- Talk to a ticket agent to confirm the information is correct
- Asking other travelers questions to reassure yourself
- Checking gate information frequently
- Keep checking frequently to see if you have a ticket or not
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The best approach, McNamara said, is to “check your stuff once, keep everything organized and sit close enough to the gate so you can hear any announcements about your flight.”
Experts say there are several ways to reduce anxiety during airport check-in, and the biggest one is to control what you can control. (iStock)
Try deep breathing and positive self-talk.
And while you might think alcohol will ease the stress, it’s better to just drink water.
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“Although it’s tempting to stop at an airport bar, save yourself the ‘hangxiety’ and inflated prices and adopt healthier coping methods,” said Matthew A. Sollitt, a licensed master social worker at Lifestance Health in Michigan.
“Download a few episodes of your favourite show, create a playlist, listen to a podcast or take a book with you,” he said.
