Gate Campers Are Taking Over America’s Airports—And Atlanta’s in the Top 3

You finally make it to your gate, sweaty from speed-walking through the terminal, a half-smashed bagel in one hand and your boarding pass in the other. You’re hoping for a quiet corner to catch your breath, maybe scroll your phone. Instead, you find a couple fully reclined across four chairs like it’s their personal Airbnb. One’s eating Panda Express. The other’s charging three devices. Stranger Things is playing at full volume.

They’re gate campers. And they’re everywhere.

A new survey from Sudoku set out to identify which U.S. airports are plagued by the highest number of gate campers—aka travelers who not only show up way early, but spread out, hunker down, and clog the gate area like it’s their own personal waiting room.

Who Tops the List?

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) takes the crown with the highest gate camper score in the country. Hot on its heels: Orlando International Airport (MCO), where travelers are most likely to arrive early specifically to charm gate agents into seat upgrades.

And right behind them? Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. That’s right—ATL ranks third, with 99% of regular travelers there admitting they arrive early out of sheer fear of missing their flight. Understandable, considering ATL was the busiest airport in the U.S. in 2023, moving more than 50 million passengers through its halls.

In fact, travelers flying out of JFK and PHL report getting to their gates nearly 1.6 hours early. ATL travelers are right there with them—beating the national average and proving that punctuality (and panic) go hand in hand when you’re dealing with an airport that’s basically a small city.

Why Are We Like This?

Sudoku’s survey reveals the truth behind this very specific traveler behavior: 96% of Americans show up early simply because they’re afraid of being late. That’s it. Plain and simple.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that arriving early means time to grab food, hit the restroom, or lock down one of those prized charging outlets. One-third of travelers admit they’re mostly hunting for a place to plug in. Another chunk just wants a seat near the gate to secure a solid boarding position.

Because let’s be real: Even if your group is boarding third, we’ve all seen that one guy hover near the gate during pre-boarding like he’s afraid he’ll miss his name being called on The Price Is Right.

Only 27% of people take a relaxed approach to boarding. The rest of us are locked in a quiet war of passive-aggressive body language and suitcase barricades.

The Worst Behaviors? We Asked.

Gate campers aren’t just early birds—they’re often chaotic ones. According to travelers surveyed, these are the top three most annoying behaviors:

1. Standing at the gate before your group is called (46%)
   It’s not a race. You have a seat. So does everyone else. Sit down.
2. Loud phone calls
   Almost 1 in 4 people say this is the behavior that grinds their gears the most. No one wants to hear your speakerphone business meeting while trying to zone out with a podcast.
3. Using chairs for luggage
   One in six travelers are over it. If someone’s standing while your carry-on enjoys a window seat, expect the side-eye.

Atlanta: Gate Camper Paradise?

At ATL, it’s easy to see how this happens. Between navigating the airport’s size, tackling TSA lines, and locating your concourse (plus the train ride, because yes, there’s a train involved), showing up early becomes part of the culture. Toss in the fact that finding a charging station or an open seat during peak hours feels like a competitive sport, and it’s no wonder Atlanta ranked so high.

Still, there’s a difference between being prepared and turning Concourse A into your living room. The survey’s bottom line? A little awareness goes a long way. You don’t have to camp at the gate to make your flight on time.

While You Wait…

Whether you’re an unapologetic gate camper or just stuck in the middle of one, Sudoku suggests passing the time with a logic game instead of stress-scrolling. Try a puzzle. Solve something. And please—keep your suitcase out of the aisle.