1. The DMV
Part of me wants to call this one a “necessary evil,” but I’m not so sure how necessary it is. Thankfully, apps like Waitbot are working to provide wait estimates for people, so they know what to expect before they even leave the house. Some DMVs are also launching websites with important data to cut down on wait times, so I’m hoping this one will make it’s way off the list eventually, but for now, it definitely deserves a top spot.
2. Roller Coaster Lines
If you’re riding a roller coaster, chances are, you’re on vacation. You don’t want to waste your time waiting in lines – especially when you hear about entitled rich people hiring disabled tour guides to bypass the lines and ride within minutes.
3. Airport Security
This one’s tough, because I know it’s necessary, but it can also cause serious stress, as the wait at airport security can often determine whether or not we catch our flight.
4. Sporting Events
You’ve been tailgating all afternoon, getting ready for the big game. You probably spent the day having fun with friends, indulging in a few adult beverages, and the time just got away from you. Now you’re running late to the gate. Kickoff’s in 10 minutes, but you’ve got about 300 drunken idiots trying to squeeze through 4 small openings, each with a big security guard ready to pat you down. He’s in no rush.
5. Grand Openings
This one is completely avoidable, so unless you’re there for the ceremony, why would anyone want to wait in some ridiculously long line to enter a store for the first time? The deals are usually fabricated, and the store will be there tomorrow, the next day, the next week, the next month, and so on. Show up after the initial buzz has subsided.
6. Black Friday Lines
Any Black Friday line. It’s craziness. Enough said.
7. Sneaker Lines
Personally, I like sneakers. I like fashion, generally, but no pair of shoes is worth my life. I’ve heard of too many shootings over sneakers to wait in a line like that. Plus, my time is far too valuable.
8. Electronic Lines
Most notably, I think of an Apple release. People camp out for days, awaiting the latest phone, tablet, or – in the past – mp3 player release. I’m an Apple guy, but I’m willing to wait a few weeks and skip the long, miserable lines.
9. Bar Bathrooms
As a male, I know I can’t really speak directly to this. It’s always worse for the ladies. But this one’s bad for obvious reasons. When you gotta go, you gotta go, especially if you’ve been drinking. And there’s only one solution – more bathrooms, and that’s up to the bar, club, or restaurant.
10. Cronut Lines
Sure, I’ve never had one, so I’m sure many would tell me that I don’t understand, but I will tell you this: I have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, so I don’t think I could force myself up two hours early to stand in line for a pastry. That’s too much for me, but people are doing it every day, so that’s why this one barely made it on at the bottom of the list.