‘Gate lice’ and ‘seat squatters’ amongst 2024’s most viral journey developments

Many People traveled far and extensive throughout the U.S. all through 2024.

Vacationers might have participated in, or observed, a couple of completely different journey developments that emerged in 2024.

As 2024 wraps up and the New 12 months of 2025 quickly begins, here’s a round-up of a few of the largest journey developments of the previous 12 months.

Gate lice

“Gate lice” refers to passengers who reduce strains within the hope of boarding a flight early.

American Airways introduced it’s increasing its new know-how to counter “gate lice” at over 100 airports. 

AMERICAN AIRLINES EXPANDS ‘GATE LICE’ CRACKDOWN TO MORE THAN 100 AIRPORTS

The system audibly flags when a passenger makes an attempt to board the aircraft earlier than his or her designated task is named — and can mechanically reject the individual’s ticket.

Mattress runs

With “mattress runs,” company e-book resort rooms to earn free nights or accumulate standing factors even when they don’t seem to be staying within the resort room. (iStock)

Dubbed “mattress runs,” the fad has folks reserving resort rooms so as to earn free nights or accumulate standing factors.

These vacationers, nonetheless, are apparently not finishing their stays, but they nonetheless reserve rooms within the hope of racking up rewards. 

‘MATTRESS RUNS’ ARE LATEST TRAVEL TREND THAT COULD BACKFIRE WHEN BOOKING HOTEL ROOMS. EXPERT WEIGHS IN

Alston Causey, vice chairman of Travelmation, a U.S.-based journey company, instructed Fox Information Digital, “A ‘mattress run’ is extra for people who find themselves on the cusp and have a tendency to search out themselves there yearly.”

Flying bare

This pattern has allowed folks to have a easy journey day with out worrying about getting caught in safety strains or lacking baggage on the second half of their connecting flight, social media customers say. (AzmanJaka)

“Flying bare” is a pattern by which passengers fly with out checked or carry-on baggage, bringing solely necessities like a telephone, charger, and pockets. 

Advocates recognize the comfort of avoiding baggage charges and the effort of overhead bin house — whereas critics discover the idea too limiting. 

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TikTok customers posted movies exhibiting their participation within the pattern, with one creator sharing a collection of journey movies titled “Touring with No Baggage, Simply Vibes.”

‘FLYING NAKED’ IS THE LATEST TRAVEL TREND DIVIDING THE INTERNET, AND IT DOESN’T MEAN WHAT YOU THINK

In 2023, airways revamped $33 billion in baggage charges, FOX Enterprise reported.

Seat squatters

A journey business professional prompt that as an alternative of stealing seats, flyers can strive their luck on board by merely asking others to swap seats with them. (iStock)

The time period “seat squatters” refers to airline passengers who occupy seats not assigned to them, hoping to safe a extra fascinating spot with out paying further charges. 

‘SEAT SQUATTERS’ ON PLANES ARE LATEST TRAVEL TREND TAKING OVER SOCIAL MEDIA

This pattern has gained consideration on social media, with vacationers sharing experiences of confronting such people.

Journey business professional Gary Leff, based mostly in Texas, emphasised that passengers are entitled to the seat indicated on their boarding move.

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He prompt that these looking for a distinct seat ought to politely request a swap, providing an affordable commerce in return.

Sleep divorce

Extra {couples} are admitting they’re sleeping in separate beds or in separate rooms whereas on trip, in accordance with Hilton. (iStock)

The idea of “sleep divorce,” by which {couples} select to sleep individually to reinforce their sleep high quality, has been gaining in reputation, particularly throughout holidays. 

Hilton’s 2025 Tendencies report signifies that 63% of vacationers sleep higher alone, and 37% want separate beds from their companions whereas touring. 

‘SLEEP DIVORCE’ ON VACATION: TRAVEL TREND HAS COUPLES ‘BREAKING UP’ AT BEDTIME 

Sleep professional Dr. Wendy Troxel, a RAND Company senior behavioral specialist and a licensed medical psychologist in Utah, instructed Fox Information Digital that some {couples} are opting to sleep individually whereas on trip with the “objective of enhancing sleep high quality.”

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“This pattern displays a rising consciousness that sleep is essential not just for private well being and well-being but in addition for relationship well being,” stated Troxel.