Don't stand, don't stand so close to me!
 

Over the past few weeks I've noticed an interesting phenomena at airport check-in and boarding queues. In some parts of the world there is no concept of personal space and some people have no issue pressing up right against you in the queue!

Even as I've moved forward to create a gap, the person behind insists on pressing up against me.

It seems to be a particular issue on my current weekly travel as I've not noticed it in other parts of the world. What are your views on how to handle physical contact in queues where it may be the norm for one person but isn't the norm for you.

I've found strategic deployment of my cabin baggage is the best way. People can cosy up to my bags all they want, but I can define what I feel to be reasonable personal space. Of course, this doesn't work if people are at it from more than one side, or if you're in a queue of hundreds of people from all directions. In those situations, I've found it best to try to get to a wall/ one side of the queue.

Nothing of value to add, but damn now I have an ear worm

Me too and I HATE that song (and people who stand too close). I also use carryon baggage to protect my space. Creating a wide stance can also help (feet shoulder width apart, hands on hips).

There are several solutions I can think of, if this is phobia for you:

1) Do not frequent that part of the world, if it is that bothersome, if you work for a company, I Am sure your superiors will understand the reluctance;
2) Find an alternative airport to arrive/depart from where that might not be such an issue for you;
3) Create a force field around your personal space so no one can get close;
4) Find out if there is a VIP area for check in so you would not have to deal with the masses; or
5) Find out if you can video conference to avoid such un-pleasantries...

Have safe travels always!

Many of the people the op describes can also be found here:

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/omni...e-next-me.html

;)

Happened to me and my (ex-) wife in Brussels a few years ago. My mrs almost gave the woman behind a hefty whack but I just got to her in time. The miscreant just tutted "some people!".

I think this is just one of those things that can be really uncomfortable, but you have to learn to deal with it because what is normal to us, is abnormal in other cultures. I definitely will also do the luggage trick and put my bag behind me to create a little bit of space but not be awkward myself by now leaving a gap that everyone in that culture will be bothered by. My other half can be a lot more mouthy about these things and I always have to give him a primer before we go to countries with huge culture differences and explain that he has to not be an ugly American and just relax. Believe me, a person I don't know breathing on my arm is really weird, but you do what you can and get on with your trip. It's not worth getting worked up about something where the other person is just following their cultural norms. I book first (on planes and trains) in places were space is not regarded the same and try to make it comfortable for my standards. It's best to try to self-comfort than to be rude.

The only time I really cannot just relax and be okay with it is elevators. I get extremely claustrophobic if there are a lot of people in one. If I'm in a place where I am generally taller than a lot of the locals, I can just look up the whole time and manage, but in some places I've actually had to wait a bit of time until the crowd died down. I've got a lot of weird looks at a few attractions where huge groups got on and I just stand there shaking my head while they motion for me to get on each time the elevator comes up. Just smile and wait and don't worry about it. Much better than passing out (yes, it happened).

Guess what the world isn't one big homogenous place.
When you have large population densities personal space is not valued as much.
Those same people who "got in your space" may be appalled that you have to tip after a meal, or would be astounded at the levels of tax you have to pay, or might find it horrible you eat pigs...etc etc.
There are some gated communities in America that may appeal to you if homogeniety is your thing.

I find it mildly amusing that economy class fliers would have a problem with personal space issues in airport lines.

:D

The opposite side of this coin are the people who stand in line as far back as they possibly can behind the person in front of them. I see this a lot in 7-11-type convenience stores. Three people like this in line can stretch the line back halfway to the rear wall of the store if they don't want to step up where they belong. Makes for all kinds of confusion when someone walks in and doesn't immediately realize the line ends back there 100 feet behind a man who looks like he's just daydreaming.

The answer is simple, don't travel outside your own comfort zone. ie. your home country. ;)

If you think lineups are bad, what about the places where people do not stand in line but instead form one large mass with everyone pushing and shoving their way to the front! Queues are positevely civilized by comparison when they exist.

You're complaining about this: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/...0335888528.jpg

Try no lines at all, like this: https://oliversegovia.files.wordpres...2/img_3869.jpg

Think of it as a compliment
Perhaps you smell irresistible?

I dislike the day dreamers 10 feet back.
 

I walked into a doubletree to check in. Two women standing 10 feet back talking toeach other. 3 agents and 2 customers checking in. 1 of the customers were leaning on the counter and 2 agents standing there. 1 was just watching. So i walked up, gave my name and was on my way with my cookies and room key in less than two minutes. The two ladies were oblivious.

Flatulence can be used to your advantage if required. Just be aware you may start some kind on one upsmanship contest in some locales.