‘Gate lice’ and ‘seat squatters’ among the most dangerous travel habits of 2024

More Americans are traveling farther and farther across the US in 2024.

Travelers are likely to participate in, or be aware of, several different travel trends emerging in 2024.

As 2024 comes to an end and the New Year of 2025 begins, here’s a roundup of the biggest travel trends of the past year.

Gate lice

“Gate lice” refers to passengers who cut through the lines in hopes of getting on the plane early.

American Airlines has announced that it is expanding its new technology to combat “gate lice” at more than 100 airports.

AMERICAN AIRLINES EXPANDS OVER 100 ‘BREAKFALLS’

The system sounds an alarm when a passenger tries to board a flight before their scheduled assignment is called — and will automatically reject the person’s ticket.

The mattress is running

Called “mattress runs,” the fad has people booking hotel rooms to get free nights or accumulate status points.

However, these travelers apparently do not complete their stay, yet they still reserve rooms in the hope of receiving rewards.

‘RUNNING MATISSIS’ IS THE LATEST TRAVEL TREND TO WATCH FOR HOTEL ROOM BOOKINGS. PROFESSIONAL Scales

Alston Causey, vice president of Travelmation, a US-based travel company, told Fox News Digital, “The ‘mattress run’ is more than people approach and tend to experience every year.”

Flying naked

The trend has allowed people to have a smooth travel day without worrying about getting stuck in security lines or losing luggage on the second leg of their connecting flight, social media users said. (Azman Jaka)

“Flying naked” is a trend where passengers fly with no checked or carry-on luggage, bringing only essentials such as a phone, charger, and wallet.

Advocates appreciate the convenience of avoiding baggage fees and overhead bin space constraints – while critics find the idea too restrictive.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LIFE NEWSLETTER

TikTok users have posted videos showing their participation in the trend, with one creator sharing a series of travel videos titled “Traveling Without Bags, Just Vibes.”

‘FLYING NUDE’ IS THE LATEST TRAVEL TREND TO BREAK THE INTERNET, AND IT’S MINDLESS

By 2023, airlines will generate more than $33 billion in cargo revenue, FOX Business reports.

Squatters on seats

A travel industry expert suggested that instead of stealing seats, fliers can try their luck on board by simply asking others to swap them. (Stock)

The term “seat squatters” refers to airline passengers who sit in unassigned seats, hoping to find a more desirable seat without paying an extra fee.

BIBLICAL ‘SEAT SQUATTERS’ ARE THE LATEST TRAVEL PLACE TO TAKE THE MIND

This trend has gained attention on social media, travelers are sharing their experience of dealing with such people.

Travel industry expert Gary Leff, based in Texas, emphasized that passengers have the right to the seat shown on their boarding pass.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

He suggested that those who want a different seat should politely request a change, offering a reasonable trade-off in return.

Sleep divorce

Most couples agree to sleep in separate beds or separate rooms while on vacation, according to Hilton. (Stock)

The concept of “sleep separation,” where couples choose to sleep apart to improve sleep quality, has become popular, especially during the holidays.

Hilton’s 2025 Trends report shows that 63% of travelers sleep better when they are alone, and 37% choose separate beds from their partners while traveling.

‘SLEEPING CHAPTER’ AT BEDTIME: TRAVEL TREND HAS TWO ‘SEPARATE’ AT BEDTIME

Sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel, a senior consultant at the RAND Corporation and a licensed psychologist in Utah, told Fox News Digital that some couples choose to sleep apart while on vacation “with the goal of improving sleep quality.”

CLICK HERE FOR THE NEWS PROGRAM

“This trend reflects the growing awareness that sleep is important not only to a person’s health and well-being but also to the health of relationships,” said Troxel.