I spent 15 years working in the travel industry, specifically as an airline check-in and gate agent for the majority of that time. During those years, I encountered a variety of amusing, shocking, and often frustrating mistakes made by passengers. As someone who has traveled to over 40 countries, I know how stressful flying can be. However, being courteous to airline agents will actually increase your likelihood of receiving help, ensuring you board your flight and take off seamlessly.

Beyond having some unfortunate interactions with passengers, there are also a host of other mistakes I’ve seen travelers make — specifically in the gate area or while boarding. From fumbling with travel documents during boarding to listening to your phone on full volume, these common blunders will not only frustrate staff and fellow passengers, but they can actually delay your flight. But don’t worry — I have solutions to ensure you don’t wind up being that passenger on your next trip. 

Mistake: Not Having Travel Documents Ready When You Board

Solution: Stay Organized With a Travel Wallet

Nothing slows down the boarding process quite like unprepared passengers. The best thing you can do is have your boarding pass and ID or passport open to the picture page and in your hand. And if your boarding pass is on your phone, have it ready to scan when you step up to the podium, along with your ID. This makes everything move much faster — and trust me, the staff will appreciate it. A passport holder and travel wallet can keep your important documents organized and protected for every leg of your journey.

Consider this: If every passenger on a flight of 150 people wasted just five seconds fumbling for their documents, that adds up to nearly 15 minutes of lost time. Trust me, the staff wants you out of the gate area and on the plane just as much as you do, so help them make it happen.

Mistake: Making Your Essentials Hard to Find in Your Carry-on or Personal Item Bag

Solution: Keep Important Travel Accessories in a Convenient Pouch

Speaking of not having your documents ready when you board, another airport faux pas is being a disorganized traveler. You know the type: bags overflowing, frantically digging through their carry-on, or juggling (and inevitably dropping) too many things as they navigate the airport. I don’t know how many times I’ve been approached at the gate by a frazzled passenger because they lost their ID, phone, or iPad. It’s more common than you think — the Lost and Found counter at the airport exists for a reason, and it is always full of misplaced items which can sometimes end up being the essential ones that can have consequences on your travel plans.

A great solution is to keep your devices and travel essentials neatly organized with a multi-pocket bag. I have a few pouches that keep my contents organized, ensuring they’re safe and making it much easier to grab exactly what I need in a pinch.

Mistake: Not Having Enough Hands for Your Coffee and Food When It’s Time to Board

Solution: Use a Luggage Cup Holder

Airplane food and drinks can be underwhelming. That’s why many travelers grab their favorite coffee and snacks before boarding, only to realize they have just two hands to carry it all. Juggling everything can get tricky — and sometimes messy. We’ve all seen someone spill their hot coffee all over the gate area. Accidents happen, but a little planning can help you avoid the pre-flight chaos.

If you’re bringing food and drinks onboard, make sure you can carry them without slowing down the boarding process or making a mess. Remember, you’ll need your hands free to handle your documents, pull or carry your luggage, and navigate tight spaces to your seat. A simple solution? A travel cup holder that attaches to your luggage, keeping your hands free and your boarding process smooth and efficient.

Mistake: Playing Videos, Music, and Calls at Full Volume

Solution: Use Noise-canceling Headphones

People have gotten really comfortable taking phone calls, listening to music, and watching videos at full volume in public lately — sans headphones. I can confidently say that no one wants to listen to your video or phone call, so whether you’re waiting at the gate or in the air, please use headphones. There are a variety of noise-canceling headphones available, from earbuds to over-ear options, based on your preferences and level of comfort. A good set of headphones will keep your entertainment private, which is a win-win for everyone at an already-loud airport.

Mistake: Having Too Many Carry-ons — or Bringing Bags That Are Too Heavy for You

Solution: Bring a Carry-on Bag You Can Lift

One of the most stressful parts of boarding as a gate agent was finding volunteers to check their bags. On flights more than 80 percent full, we often had to ask passengers to gate-check their carry-ons to prevent what we called a “bulk-out” — when overhead bins fill up completely before everyone is boarded, forcing last-minute bag checks and ultimately delaying the flight. Unfortunately, overhead bin space has never been designed to accommodate one carry-on for every seat, which is why many airlines introduced basic fares with stricter baggage rules. That’s why it’s crucial to check the size limits and baggage allowances for your airline and ticket fare before your trip. In most cases, passengers are allowed one carry-on and one personal item bag, but some still manage to bring far more than their ticket permits.

To keep things running smoothly, follow the baggage limits, and if you don’t absolutely need to carry everything onboard, consider checking it in. Also, please don’t expect the flight attendants to store your bag for you because it’s too heavy. My rule of thumb is simple: If you cannot lift it over your head without assistance, you should check it. One of the most common injuries among flight crews comes from turbulence and repeatedly lifting heavy bags for passengers. I have spoken to countless flight attendants with shoulder or neck injuries, and it is more common than you might think and a liability to the airline when someone gets injured. So if you cannot lift it yourself, check it.

Mistake: Excessively Drinking Before Your Flight

Solution: Stay Hydrated on Travel Days

I understand that flying can make people anxious, and a drink or two might help take the edge off, but there is a fine line between relaxing and overdoing it. There is nothing more frustrating than dealing with an intoxicated passenger who has a much higher chance of causing issues that can delay — or even divert — a flight. You might wonder why airlines take this so seriously. The answer is simple: It’s a safety risk. A plane is a confined space with hundreds of passengers flying 35,000 feet or above. The effects of alcohol become more pronounced at higher altitudes due to cabin pressure, so while you may feel fine at the airport, that can change drastically mid-flight. If an intoxicated passenger becomes disruptive or aggressive, it can lead to an emergency landing, inconveniencing everyone onboard and costing the airline a significant amount of money.

The bottom line? Be mindful of your alcohol intake before and during your flights. Staying hydrated is your best defense against dehydration, ensuring you feel your best when you arrive at your destination. A travel-friendly water bottle, like this Travel + Leisure editor-loved pick from Owala, is a great reusable option for your trip.

Mistake: Clogging the Gate and Not Waiting Until Your Zone Is Called to Board

Solution: Find Fun Ways to (Patiently) Wait and Pass the Time

This is one of the most frustrating things I encountered as a gate agent. Crowding the gate slows the boarding process and increases the risk of a delayed departure. On a full flight, every second counts. The best thing you can do? Be patient, wait for your turn, and only board when your zone is called. Following the airline’s specific boarding process will create a smoother process for everyone, ensuring a timely departure so you can get to your destination.

If you’re trying to preserve the battery on your phone pre-flight, bring along other devices to keep you occupied while you wait, like a Kindle, Nintendo Switch, or Apple iPad. These will also help pass the time on your flight, especially if the airline doesn’t have in-flight Wi-Fi or a seatback screen.

Mistake: Hogging the Charging Stations in the Gate Area

Solution: Bring a Portable Power Bank

In today’s world where we’re all glued to our devices, having a fully charged phone, tablet, or laptop is essential. Unfortunately, many airports don’t have enough charging stations to meet the demand. It’s frustrating when you need to top up your battery before your flight, only to find the few charging spots are taken or broken. As much as airports have evolved, it’s clear that keeping travelers connected still needs some work. So, when you do find a charging station, be considerate of others. Try not to hog the spot for too long, and let others charge their devices, too.

A portable power bank is a great solution that allows you to charge your devices whenever you need to — even if there isn’t a source available where you are. It will also prevent you from running through the terminal trying to find an open charging station. Just remember that this device cannot go in your checked luggage and must be stored in your carry-on due to the lithium-ion battery and FAA regulations.

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