Originally Posted by
elCheapoDeluxe
It is a simple geometry problem. The circumference of a circle grows as the radius increases. If we step back a few feet and increase that radius, more people can have a front row view of the carousel!
This won't make enough space to matter.
The real difference is that you need a lot less space to eyeball your bag than you need to retrieve it. If it's heavy and there are a lot of bags on the belt you're going to have to swing it somewhat along the line of motion of the belt and if there's someone beside you it's going to be hard not to clobber them with the bag as you lift it clear.
I have seen the lines and *SOMETIMES* enforcement at international arrivals in SFO.