Scientific studies explain why some security lines move faster than others. Passengers can leverage these findings to make informed decisions, significantly reducing their time spent at the airport.
According to Jamol J. Pender, a professor at Cornell University specializing in queueing and human behavior, choosing the correct line can make a significant difference. He is also a frequent traveler. "I often travel with my family, and typically my line moves quite slowly. Every time I travel with children, I have three car seats, all sorts of luggage, and stuffed animals. There's always a child crying," he said.
Based on his research and personal experience, Pender shares advice on how to choose a line at the airport. This advice is specifically for economy class passengers without any priority status.
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A few small notes will help passengers pass through security quickly. *Photo: RD* |
Prioritize the left line
Studies indicate that left lines are often shorter. This is because most people are right-handed and naturally tend to turn right. Additionally, due to the habit of reading from left to right, people's eyes often settle on the right side, leading fewer individuals to notice the lines on the left.
Avoid central lanes
The middle lanes are usually the busiest because they are directly in the line of sight. This phenomenon stems from a psychological "central focus bias," causing people to unconsciously perceive the middle position as the most obvious or important choice.
Observe fellow passengers
The shortest line is not always the fastest. Instead, look for a spot behind frequent flyers, such as solo business travelers or those with minimal luggage. Avoid standing behind slow-moving groups like families with small children, large tour groups, or passengers with multiple rolling suitcases, as they typically require more time for bag checks.
Disregard wait time boards
Airport wait time boards are often only updated periodically, meaning the data may be outdated by the time you see it. Therefore, instead of relying on electronic displays, directly observe the security staff's processing speed and the actual flow of the line.
Avoid passengers with excessive luggage
Passengers who have checked their luggage usually clear security faster because they have fewer items to be screened. Prioritize standing behind someone with only a backpack or a small handbag. Conversely, those with rolling suitcases often take longer. Furthermore, observe the screening personnel: note if they are working efficiently, which lines are being processed continuously, and which ones are frequently stalled. While waiting, observe the entire flow of movement rather than just counting the people in your immediate line.
Personal preparation
The speed at which you clear security largely depends on your proactive preparation. According to terminal regulations, passengers should have their boarding pass (paper or on a phone) and identification documents readily available:
- Wear simple clothing and easy-to-remove shoes, avoiding garments with metal fasteners that could trigger detectors.
- Proactively place phones, keys, and coins into your carry-on luggage before it's your turn.
- If carrying a personal water bottle, empty it before passing through security, placing the empty bottle in the inspection tray or in your luggage.
- Finally, if you are carrying any special items, check the regulations before arriving at the airport.
Tam Anh (according to Reader's Digest)
