CUE FOR QUEUES

STAND IN LINE" or "wait for your turn" were oft-heard instructions in my school days. These were an integral part of a norm or a cue to form a queue, in many - if not all - parts of the country. If this is yet so, one wonders why it is not imbibed as a habit to be carried forward in later life. In most instances, a queue is formed only when there is enforcement. Instances abound, as evidenced and experienced in daily life.

- Kiran Karnik

Air travel provides an interesting example; more so, because those involved are a particular segment of our population, with an overwhelming majority being well-educated, urban-based, and upper-middle-class.

AT THE AIRPORT

At the point of entry, at check-in counters, and for the security check, there is generally enforcement by guard rails or tapes, ensuring the formation of queues. However, immediately after that, getting one's hand baggage after x-ray inevitably involves jostling, though it is known that the bags arrive on the basis of first-in, firstout. However, this is minor compared to the virtual battle at the gate. Despite announcements of the boarding order (e.g., "only rows 20 to 30 to board now"), everyone is trying to push their way to the counter.

The staff spends half their time examining boarding passes and informing the passenger that his/her turn has not yet come. Possibly, people fear the flight will take off without them, rather like city buses that have no time to wait for all passengers to get in, or trains that depart at a fixed time.

THE SCARCITY SYNDROME