Embodiments are provided for identifying transitory WiFi users and providing a differential treatment of such users in terms of delaying associating steps between user stations (STAs) and an access point (AP). A transitory user refers to a user or user device that connects to a WiFi AP but does not run applications that require association or assigning IP addresses, such as short-term or temporary connected WiFi users that are on the move. In an embodiment, a STA connects to an AP. Upon the STA indicating its transitory behavior to the AP or the AP detecting criteria of transitory behavior of the STA, the STA obtains a delay time value from the AP. The STA then delays sending an association request to the AP, or alternatively, the AP delays handling the association request from the STA in accordance with the delay time value.