The Length of Waiting Lines: Stories from Around the World

Waiting in line is a universally shared experience, often frustrating yet enlightening. Whether due to a health crisis, an airport's administrative challenges, or long-lost memories of childhood amusement parks, the tales of waiting lines span across different stages of life and geography. In this article, we will explore various stories of long waiting lines, reflecting on the experience and lessons learned.

Longest Waiting Line at a Supermarket During Lockdown

One of the most memorable experiences of waiting in line was during the lockdown for the COVID-19 pandemic. Being stuck in a 1-hour queue at the supermarket, I witnessed a stark reality. Despite the long wait, no one could have anticipated the bizarre sight of two individuals doing a drug deal and getting arrested for it a week later. Life, indeed, is full of unexpected twists.

Customs Line at Auckland Airport

About two years ago, while standing in the queue to go through customs in Auckland, the bizarre experience of a long and meticulous queue ensued. The queue took around 40–45 minutes to reach a significant milestone. Strangely, the bottom of my suitcase had some red mud, which could have caused issues with customs due to bio-hazard concerns. I cleaned the mud with bottled water and paper towels, only to realize it still carried under the customs scrutiny. Hence, I had to clean it further, but it cost me half my water supply.

Waiting Line at 6 Flags Over Texas

When I was a young elementary schoolchild in the 1960s, I waited in line for a ride at 6 Flags Over Texas in Arlington, Texas. This instance was mostly about the anticipation and the excitement of spending time with family. However, times have changed. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are fewer waiting lines now, except for those enforcing social distancing norms.

Airplane Waiting Line Due to Bad Weather

One of the longest wait times occurred not as a queue, but while waiting for a plane. The situation arose when we were waiting in a line-up of six planes due to bad weather in Chicago. We stood in the queue for six hours, demonstrating the unpredictability and patience required during severe weather conditions.

Field Training Line

Another long queue experience was during basic training. They had strict lines where we had to stand without moving. Although this was not a waiting line for an event, it teaches the discipline and obedience required in rigorous training.

Las Vegas Buffet Line

Probably the longest physical line I've experienced is at a Las Vegas buffet, which took about 2–3 hours. The communal dining experience at tourist spots can sometimes come with long wait times, adding to the overall experience.

Cancun Airport Wait

A more recent and frustrating wait was at the Cancun Airport. At 76 years old, we were exempt from certain TSA procedures, but the process of getting our bags tagged and boarding passes was a lengthy ordeal. The wait was particularly trying due to the third piece of required paper being in digital form, which we initially didn't receive. The lines, forms, and wait added up to one full hour, and we seriously considered leaving or sitting on the ground. The sheer length of the queue and the tedious process tested our patience.

Conclusion

Waiting in line, whether it's for your favorite ride, a supermarket purchase, or a plane, often becomes a part of our daily lives. These experiences can be frustrating, but they also offer opportunities for lessons in patience, creativity, and reassessment of expectations. Whether you are dealing with a health crisis or a busy travel day, remember that waiting in line is often just part of the journey.