Flying with boomer parents is an experience in itself—complete with overstuffed suitcases, sacred paper boarding passes, and snacks for every hour of the trip. From arriving at the airport hours too early to reminiscing about the “good old days” of air travel, these seven habits will feel all too familiar if you’ve ever shared a flight with them.
Airports bring out everyone’s quirks. But if your parents are boomers, you already know they have their own distinct set of behaviors whenever they travel.
Some are endearing, others a little frustrating—and all of them are incredibly predictable.
Let’s break down seven airport habits you’ll recognize instantly if you’ve ever flown with them.
1) Arriving way too early
Boomers have a very different definition of “getting to the airport on time.” For them, that usually means showing up three or four hours early for a domestic flight.
The logic is simple: better to wait at the gate than risk missing the plane.
For those of us who grew up booking rideshares that arrive just in time, this habit of hyper-punctuality can feel excessive.
But psychologically, it makes sense. Research shows that older generations often value security and routine more than speed and efficiency.
Waiting at the gate calms their nerves, even if it means spending an hour in a plastic chair with nothing but overpriced coffee.
2) Treating printed boarding passes like sacred documents
Even in the age of mobile boarding passes, boomers cling to paper like it’s their lifeline.
They print two copies, tuck one into a travel wallet, and guard the other like it’s the deed to their house.
I’ve flown with my mom enough times to know the ritual: she checks for the paper pass every ten minutes, convinced it might vanish.
Meanwhile, I’m scanning my phone at the gate in two seconds flat.
It’s not stubbornness—it’s habit. For decades, paper was the only way, and the shift to digital never felt quite as trustworthy.
3) Packing snacks like it’s a cross-country road trip
Security limits liquids, but apparently not the number of granola bars boomers can fit into a carry-on.
Trail mix, sandwiches wrapped in foil, maybe even a couple of apples—it’s all coming along for the ride.
There’s a practical side here. Boomers grew up in a time when airport dining wasn’t the flashy, curated experience it is today.
Grabbing overpriced avocado toast just doesn’t make sense to them when they can pack a turkey sandwich from home.
Personally, as a vegan traveler, I can’t say I blame them. I’ve often stuffed protein bars into my bag, just in case.
But with boomers, the snacks are never “just in case”—they’re non-negotiable.
4) Overpacking and checking multiple bags
Here’s a familiar scene: you’re breezing through the airport with a sleek carry-on while your parents are wrangling two massive suitcases and debating whether they should have brought the third.
Boomers tend to pack like they’re preparing for every possible scenario.
Need three pairs of shoes “just in case”? Packed. A full set of backup outfits? Already folded and zipped.
The result is a long check-in line, heavy luggage fees, and plenty of sighing from their millennial or Gen Z kids.
It’s a stark contrast to younger travelers who prefer minimalism, partly for convenience and partly to dodge baggage charges.
5) Clutching passports like they’ll disappear
Watch a boomer go through airport security and you’ll see the white-knuckle grip. Passport in hand, held tightly until the very last moment when the TSA officer waves them through.
It doesn’t matter that the passport is zipped in a secure travel case. The fear of misplacing it lingers at every step.
Boomers often double-check their bags before boarding, convinced it might have vanished in the last five minutes.
The psychology here is fascinating. It’s about perceived risk.
Studies suggest older adults often become more risk-averse, which makes sense when you realize losing a passport abroad feels like the ultimate travel nightmare.
6) Boarding as soon as humanly possible
Even if their seat is assigned and the overhead bin space guaranteed, boomers love to get on the plane at the first possible moment.
Group number three? They’re already standing in line when group one is called.
For them, early boarding feels like securing their territory. Settling in, stowing their bag, adjusting their seatbelt—it all brings peace of mind.
For younger travelers, who often prefer to stretch their legs until the very last boarding call, this eagerness can feel unnecessary.
But to boomers, being seated early is part of feeling prepared.
7) Talking about how “things used to be”
Finally, the classic: comparing today’s travel experience to the “good old days.”
They’ll remind you that flights used to include free meals, checked bags didn’t cost extra, and legroom wasn’t a luxury.
They’re not wrong—but hearing it every trip can feel like déjà vu.
I once sat through an entire flight next to my dad as he explained how flying Pan Am in the ’70s felt glamorous.
Meanwhile, I was silently calculating how many inches of personal space I had in economy class.
There’s nostalgia baked into these comments. And while it might feel repetitive, it’s also a reminder of how quickly travel has changed in a single generation.
Final thoughts
If you’ve flown with boomer parents, you’ve probably experienced every single one of these habits.
Some are rooted in practicality, others in habit, and some just in the comfort of doing things the way they’ve always been done.
You might roll your eyes, but something is reassuring about it, too.
These behaviors reveal a generation that values preparation, security, and routine—even if it slows them down a little.
And honestly, maybe there’s something to learn here.
After all, how many times have you sprinted through an airport wishing you’d arrived just a little earlier?
What’s Your Plant-Powered Archetype?
Ever wonder what your everyday habits say about your deeper purpose—and how they ripple out to impact the planet?
This 90-second quiz reveals the plant-powered role you’re here to play, and the tiny shift that makes it even more powerful.
12 fun questions. Instant results. Surprisingly accurate.
