Why Is My Line Never Moving? Airport Queue Secrets from an Expert
Creatrip Team
a month ago
Waiting in airport security lines wastes time and many travelers feel they always pick the slowest queue. Experts say the makeup of a line matters more than its length. Cornell queue scientist Jamol J. Fenderson (queue theory researcher) explains that left-side lines often move faster because most people are right-handed and tend to look right, while central lines slow down due to a “center-stage effect” (central gaze bias) that draws attention to the middle. Practical tips: avoid groups with small children, tour groups or sports teams; ignore outdated wait-time signs; watch for booths with efficient staff; steer clear of passengers with lots of luggage. To speed your own screening, wear easy-to-remove shoes, choose simple belts and outerwear, empty pockets in advance, keep your boarding pass in an accessible pocket or open on your phone, and refresh electronic boarding passes before reaching the checkpoint. The article notes these are familiar habits for Koreans who practice “ppali-ppali” (fast-paced culture).
