Queues. Not our favorite idea of pastime.
They are long and slow, and they keep us waiting. Plus, they are everywhere: at the airport, at the convenience store, at Starbucks.
But they are also very important – a system that ensures everyone gets their turn orderly.
So, regardless of our sentiments, we must maintain proper etiquette when waiting in line. What are some of these etiquette?
1. No Skipping the Line
Stay and wait in line. Queues operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and everyone has to wait for their turn.
Skipping a line is akin to giving people the middle finger. It is you saying you have more important things to do and are above everyone. You come off as rude and arrogant.
We understand you may be in a hurry, but everyone else is. Those ahead arrived before you and deserve to be attended to first.
There is only one instance where skipping the line is acceptable and even encouraged, which brings me to my second point.
2. Excuse Priority Individuals
Priority individuals like the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women and school kids may require special considerations.
Some places may have different lines for them, but if they don’t, a simple act of kindness would be to offer them your spot.
3. Social Distance
Don’t be the guy in a queue breathing in the next person’s neck, your eyes on their phone, and crotch on their butt.
Pressing your body against someone is irritating and unhygienic, not to mention a violation of their personal space. Pushing them with your cart won’t make the line faster, either.
With or without the COVID pandemic, respect personal space. A rule of thumb is maintaining two steps or an arm’s length of space between you and the person ahead.
4. Limit Distractions
At the queue, everyone wants to finish ASAP and leave. This isn’t the time to zone out with your headphones, get lost in deep conversation or scroll endlessly on your phone.
If you don’t pay attention and cause delays, you’ll miss your turn. Be aware of the queue’s movement and minimize using phones and talking.
5. Control Your Kids
Waiting isn’t something that comes naturally to children. Some people may be kind enough to allow you and your kids to skip to the front of the line. But when that doesn’t happen, it is your responsibility as a guardian to keep your kids in control.
Hold their hands or keep them by your side. You don’t want them running around, pushing ahead, or disturbing others in the queue. Make sure they are respectful of others.
6. Be Ready When It’s Your Turn
To avoid holding up the line, have everything required of you—shopping, documents, payment—ready when it’s your turn. It is a matter of efficiency and using the least amount of time.
Don’t arrive at the register only to start searching for your wallet, fumbling with the bags or asking a hundred questions that you could have prepared beforehand.
7. Let People Get Off First
The unspoken rule on the subway, bus station, or other public commuter service is to empty before reloading.
If everyone is pushing and shoving, trying to get on and off simultaneously, then we’ll have a jumble of bodies prone to injuries.
Don’t make it harder than it already is for people to get off. Wait for a minute or less for those in to get out, and then you can enter easily.
Sure, you don’t necessarily have to wait for everyone, but at least ensure there is space inside before boarding.
Note:
Some stations will require you to queue at either side of the door and provide sufficient space in the middle for those disembarking.
8. Respect Staff
Cashiers, queue attendants, service workers and security personnel are there to manage the lines.
Don’t yell at them, argue about queue order or ignore their instructions. This will only make things worse.
There is always a calm and respectful way to handle a dispute. Remember, they’re just doing their job, often under stressful conditions.
9. Avoid Holding Spots for Multiple People
It’s one thing to save a spot for someone who stepped out momentarily, but it’s a completely different affair to hold a place for multiple people who show up much later.
I often see this in event queues, food lines, and transportation queues, where one person waits while a group joins them at the last minute.
If others have been waiting patiently, they shouldn’t be forced to move back because a group suddenly appears. If your friends or family aren’t there when the line forms, it’s only fair that they join the queue from the back like everyone else.
10. Remain Calm
Queues can be frustrating, especially when they are long or slow-moving. But losing your temper won’t make things move faster.
Take a deep breath If a delay occurs, and remain patient. Avoid complaining loudly, making passive-aggressive comments, or picking fights with other people in line. Everyone is in the same situation as you.
Keep a level head to help maintain order.
Help Make Everything Easier
The goal is to make the queueing experience pleasant for everyone, including ourselves. Be patient and follow these simple guidelines.
After all, patience and politeness go a long way. In a world where queues are unavoidable, good manners make all the difference.
