Chicago to Paris Travel: Why Gate Campers Are Arriving Too Early – Expert Insights

Published on November 29, 2025

Traveling from Chicago to Paris, or any other popular international destination, can often be a stressful experience for flyers, especially during peak travel times. More and more, travelers are showing up absurdly early to their flights, hoping to avoid delays and potential hassles. This trend, known as “gate camping,” has been especially noticeable in cities with major international airports like Chicago and Paris. But why are passengers arriving so early, and what can be done to make the process easier?

The Rise of Gate Campers: A Growing Trend

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation and insights from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), gate campers are travelers who arrive far earlier than needed—often three or more hours before their scheduled departure. In fact, the TSA recommends arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight, but many are exceeding even these guidelines.

Why Are Travelers Showing Up Early?

Several reasons contribute to this growing trend, all of which reflect heightened anxiety in the current travel environment.

1. Fear of Missing Flights and Long Lines
   A significant portion of travelers, according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, are driven by fear—fear of missing their flight due to potential delays at security checkpoints or long lines. This anxiety is particularly heightened during the busy holiday season when crowds are at their largest.
2. Increased Security Measures
   With airport security checks becoming more stringent, travelers are more likely to arrive early in hopes of avoiding long waits at checkpoints. The TSA advises travelers to remain patient as security protocols may take longer during peak travel periods.
3. Confusion Over Baggage Policies
   Additionally, strict and sometimes confusing rules about carry-on luggage have made travelers feel that arriving earlier may give them a better chance at securing overhead bin space. The fear of not finding a place for their carry-ons drives some passengers to crowd the gates hours before departure.

The Problem with Gate Camping

While arriving early is often well-intentioned, it has some unintended consequences for both passengers and airport staff. As gate campers take over available seating areas with their luggage or even spread out blankets, they create an uncomfortable environment for other passengers. According to experts from the U.S. Department of Transportation, this behavior can block walkways, reduce seating availability, and make terminals feel cramped.

In some extreme cases, passengers claiming multiple seats as their own—what’s referred to as “seat kidnapping”—become a source of frustration. This can add to the already stressful experience of air travel, particularly when trying to find a spot to relax before a flight.

How to Avoid Becoming a Gate Camper

If you’re worried about missing your flight or getting caught in long security lines, here are some tips to avoid becoming a gate camper while still ensuring you make it to your flight on time:

• Check Real-Time Flight Updates
  Airlines offer real-time notifications through their apps for flight delays, gate changes, and other travel-related updates. These alerts can help alleviate some of the anxiety about missing important information.
• Monitor Airport Crowds
  You can check airport crowd levels through the TSA website or Customs and Border Protection site. These resources provide estimated wait times at various checkpoints across airports, which can help you time your arrival more accurately.
• Fly During Off-Peak Hours
  If possible, plan your flight during off-peak hours. This strategy can help avoid crowded airports and reduce the chance of long delays at security.
• Travel Light – Avoid Checked Luggage
  A big contributor to stress at the airport is checking luggage. To avoid long lines at the check-in counter and baggage claim, consider flying with only a carry-on bag. The TSA has guidelines to ensure your carry-on items comply with regulations, making the process smoother and quicker.

The Impact of the Holiday Travel Season

During peak travel times like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, it’s common for people to add an extra hour to their travel time. But how much earlier is too early?

While it’s a good idea to arrive at least an hour earlier than usual during the holidays, experts caution against arriving excessively early, as this can contribute to overcrowding at gates. Jodi RR Smith, a noted etiquette expert, suggests instead taking advantage of the amenities airports offer—whether that’s enjoying a meal, visiting a spa, or even using the time to walk through the terminal.

Here is a quick reference table to help you plan your travel timing:

Final Thoughts: The Balance Between Caution and Convenience

While getting to the airport super early to get the lay of the airport is understandable, there is a balance on getting to the airport early, and actually camping at the gate. There are lots of ways to prepare for a flight, so you do not have to be so stressed about everything that is happening. You can even prepare for the flight on the way to the airport. There will be a lot of amenities you can use to prepare so you do not have to be stressed on the flight or the day of the flight.

If you are flying from Chicago to Paris this holiday season- don’t spend extra time at the airport. Show up to the airport at the recommended time and not spend extra time camping at the gate and getting frustrated. You can honor the policies of the airport and adjust to some new policies to have a better time at the airport and use some tools to have a better time at the airport to have a better flight.