People rush into falling in line because they want to get to their destination faster and they feel being first on the plane will give them just that. Columbia University Professor David Maister argued in his paper entitled The Psychology of Waiting Lines that ?occupied time feels shorter than unoccupied time?.

Lining up early for boarding—often jokingly called "Gate Lice" behavior—is driven primarily by the scarcity of overhead bin space. As airlines have increased checked bag fees, more passengers are traveling with "max-sized" carry-on rollers. On a typical narrow-body aircraft, there is only enough bin space for about 60% to 70% of the passengers to store a standard bag. Therefore, those in later boarding groups risk having their bags "gate-checked," which can cause significant delays upon arrival at the baggage carousel. Psychologically, lining up also provides a sense of control over a stressful environment; it allows passengers to secure their seat, organize their personal items, and settle in before the narrow aisles become congested. In 2026, while many airlines have installed larger "Space Bins" that allow bags to be stored on their sides, the "first-come, first-served" anxiety remains deeply ingrained. For some, it is also about ensuring they aren't separated from their travel companions if the flight is overbooked, though the primary motivator remains the strategic battle for the precious real estate located directly above one's assigned seat.