“2024’s Travel Revolution: Meet the ‘Gate Lice’ and ‘Seat Squatters'”

Numerous Americans journeyed extensively throughout the U.S. in 2024.

Travelers may have engaged in, or observed, various travel trends that surfaced in 2024.

As we conclude 2024 and look forward to the New Year of 2025, here’s a summary of some of the most significant travel trends from the past year.

Gate lice

“Gate lice” describes passengers who bypass queues with the anticipation of boarding a flight ahead of schedule.

American Airlines has declared its intentions to broaden its innovative technology aimed at combating “gate lice” at more than 100 airports.

AMERICAN AIRLINES EXTENDS ‘GATE LICE’ INITIATIVE TO OVER 100 AIRPORTS

The system audibly alerts when a traveler attempts to board the aircraft before their designated group has been called — and will automatically invalidate the person’s ticket.

Mattress runs

Through “mattress runs,” individuals reserve hotel accommodations to earn complimentary nights or accumulate status points even if they do not occupy the hotel room. (iStock)

Referred to as “mattress runs,” this trend has individuals reserving hotel rooms to garner complimentary nights or collect status points.

However, these travelers are seemingly not fulfilling their stays, although they continue to book rooms in hopes of gaining rewards.

‘MATTRESS RUNS’ ARE THE LATEST TRAVEL FAD THAT COULD BACKFIRE WHEN RESERVING HOTEL ROOMS. EXPERT OPINES

Alston Causey, vice president at Travelmation, a travel agency based in the U.S., told Fox News Digital, “A ‘mattress run’ is mainly for individuals who are on the brink and often find themselves in that situation yearly.”

Flying naked

This trend enables travelers to have a hassle-free day of travel without the stress of being stuck in security lines or losing luggage on the latter portion of their connecting flight, according to social media users. (AzmanJaka)

“Flying naked” entails travelers flying without checked or carry-on baggage, taking along only essentials such as a phone, charger, and wallet.

Proponents enjoy the convenience of sidestepping baggage charges and the stress of overhead bin space — while detractors consider the idea overly restrictive.

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TikTok users have shared videos showcasing their involvement in the trend, with one creator posting a series of travel clips dubbed “Traveling with No Bags, Just Vibes.”

‘FLYING NAKED’ IS THE NEWEST TRAVEL TREND DIVIDING OPINIONS ONLINE, AND IT DOESN’T SIGNIFY WHAT YOU BELIEVE

In 2023, airlines accrued over $33 billion in baggage fees, according to FOX Business.

Seat squatters

A travel expert suggested that rather than taking seats unlawfully, passengers could try their luck onboard by simply asking others for a seat swap. (iStock)

The phrase “seat squatters” refers to air travelers who take seats that are not assigned to them, hoping to secure a preferable location without incurring additional fees.

‘SEAT SQUATTERS’ ON AIRCRAFT ARE THE MOST RECENT TRAVEL TREND TAKING OVER SOCIAL NETWORKS

This trend has garnered attention on social media, with travelers recounting experiences of confronting such persons.

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

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He recommended that those looking for a different seat should courteously propose a trade-off in exchange for a swap.

Sleep divorce

More couples are confessing they’re sleeping in separate beds or in different rooms while on getaway, according to Hilton. (iStock)

The notion of “sleep divorce,” where couples opt to sleep apart to enhance their quality of sleep, has been rising in popularity, particularly during vacations.

Hilton’s 2025 Trends report indicates that 63% of travelers sleep better alone, while 37% favor separate beds from their partners during travel.

‘SLEEP DIVORCE’ ON VACATION: TRAVEL FAD HAS COUPLES ‘BREAKING UP’ AT NIGHTTIME 

Sleep specialist Dr. Wendy Troxel, a senior behavioral scientist at RAND Corporation and a licensed clinical psychologist in Utah, informed Fox News Digital that some couples are choosing to sleep separately while on vacation with the aim of enhancing sleep quality.

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“This trend denotes an increasing awareness that sleep is vital not only for individual health and well-being but also for the health of relationships,” commented Troxel.