Queuing psychology: Can waiting in line be fun?

[RatBastich]

(CNN) -- Warning: Standing in line can cause extreme boredom, annoyance and even rage, which is precisely why there is a fascinating science devoted to what makes people tick -- and ticked off -- when forced to wait.

 You may not know it, but the seemingly mundane task of forming a queue at the airport, a fast-food joint or a post-Thanksgiving midnight sale is the subject of careful study by experts in the field of queuing psychology.

The findings may not always reduce wait times, but they can cut frustration and make people feel better, or even happy, about waiting in line, said Richard Larson, who has researched queuing psychology for more than two decades.

[Rick-e]

Wow... people actually research this thing?
I don't mind waiting in line as much when I'm with friends, because we can just goof off and chat while queuing.

The line to one popular attraction at Epcot features cameras and large interactive screens that allow visitors to see themselves and play games, such as trying to burst virtual water balloons to reveal a hidden image, Garlington said.

this is so cool, wish we have those here.

[StreakInTheSky]

He's wrong about the thing about the Thanksgiving deals. It's knowing that you're gonna get a great deal that makes you anxious and stay in that line. You know you're gonna be in that line for hours and you planned for it.

Same thing with video game sales and concert tickets, people don't get pissed off cause they know they're gonna get something they really want to get.

And plus as Rick-e said, they usually have someone there with them to chat with or something.

[JDAckers]

In England, queuing is a past-time, so we do not suffer these problems! Or we just have way more patience.

[StreakInTheSky]

So the English enjoy waiting in line for an hour doing nothing?

[JDAckers]

I know I do 

[shadowstar]

yeah, as long as I'm with a friend or something, I don't mind since we'll talk while waiting. and I don't mind standing in line if what I'm waiting for is something I've really planned to see or get.

midnight book launches anyone? lol.