Forming a Queue

[JustFiveMoreMinutes]

I travel for work quite a bit.

I find it amazing that lines to the fast/snack food places and at the gates will actually form a STRAIGHT line across the hallway where people are trying to pass to get to their destinations or baggage claim.

Is there some scientific reason why people do this instead of wrapping the line down the side of the wall, aisle, to leave room for others to pass freely?

This past Sunday, I stepped in line but to the back/right of the person in front of me in order to try to force the line to the side.
The next person that came up stood directly behind the person in front of me but left enough space so I could move ahead of her when it came my time.

I've tried repeatedly to do start wrapping a line but to no avail.

Do they really have to have those barriers in place to KNOW how to form a queue or to leave room for other people?

Simply amazing!

(Also, the people who have to stop at the end of an escalator to get their bearings when other people are being 'deposited' on top of them confuse me too.. but that's another posting)

[Phentex]

1. I have noticed it too...

It seems people generally choose to line up in such a way that makes others have to break through them to pass. I've also noticed if you are short and leave more than 6 inches between you and the person in front of you, THAT is where every person will try to pass.

Getting a line to wrap? Next to impossible!

[JustFiveMoreMinutes]

2. Thank goodness procreation doesn't take any thought n/t

[petronius]

3. I would say it's because people want to be in front of the counter so that they

can see the menu and decide what to order before they get there. Then, I remembered how many people only think about the menu when they reach the counter. So, I have no idea...

[JustFiveMoreMinutes]

6. Well some are so far back they can't see it anyway....

.. and totally agree they dont look till they get up there! hahaha.

[SmokingJacket]

4. If you stand off to one side, some freak will come from the OTHER side

and steal your place. It's true.

People have a tendency to think about themselves rather than the good of the group. Now, why does that sound familiar...

[JustFiveMoreMinutes]

5. I think someone has tried that in the past.. but...

I have a killer glare and not-so-subtle-clearing-of-throat followed by an sarcastic 'excuse me'. :0

[NMDemDist2]

7. I used to see the lines in the Base Exchange go all the way down the aisles

but they'd leave the walkway open