A comical new nickname has been introduced to the air travel community that describes passengers who attempt to push their way through aisles after the plane lands.
Similar to ‘gate lice,’ the new term, ‘aisle lice,’ refers to travelers who try to push their way to the front of the plane once it hits the runway.
‘Gate lice’ gained national attention last year after American Airlines announced it would be testing out technology in select airports that would attempt to help prevent impatient flyers from boarding before their zone is called.
The new nickname first sparked talk online after a Reddit user started a debate to see which type of ‘lice’ is worse to deal with while traveling.
A user on the r/delta forum said while onboard a Delta flight traveling from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport to LaGuardia Airport, they were ‘pushed’ by a man sitting in a window seat while they sat in an aisle seat in the first class section.
‘Not only did the people next to me decide to stand up but somehow the guy from the window seat shoves his way forward and is the first of all of us to get off the plane,’ they wrote.
‘Serves me right for thinking FC (first class) passengers have more class and would respect some personal space and order.’
Their comments quickly drew others to weigh in online, with some also bringing up their personal flying experiences.
One person admitted that they strongly dislike ‘aisle lice’ compared to ‘gate lice.’
‘Gate lice do not bother me since most people want to get on first for the bin space,’ they explained.
‘I blame the airlines for that. If you don’t have a tight connection or any other “emergency” then wait your turn to get off the plane.’
‘Aisle lice are exponentially worse imo (in my opinion). Who really cares who gets on the plane first, you’re all getting on anyways.
‘Aisle lice slow things down, delay people and cause so much more headaches,’ wrote another.
Another user admitted: ‘Aisle lice all day.’
While many chose the problem on the plane, others shared their hatred for those who crowd the gate before people get on.
‘Gate lice are annoying when it’s an airport where the gates are small and they block your path to seating. I blame the airline on this,’ someone said.
‘Gate lice, for sure,’ another user said, with one adding: ‘Lice are lice.’
One user made it clear that they don’t like either practice, branding them both ‘ridiculous.’
‘The fact we have to choose between these two is ridiculous. Neither is emblematic of appropriate adult behavior,’ they said.
‘Yes, sure, there are exceptions. However, literally everyone does it – watch on your next flights. Everyone cannot be the exception.’
Another user responded directly to their comment: ‘Sure they can. Selfishness knows no bounds.’
DailyMail.com contacted Delta Airlines for comment.
