AITA for “cutting” in a line that didn’t need to exist to begin with?
A Reddit user shares a frustrating experience at a Walmart self-checkout. When they saw multiple open registers but noticed a few people standing off to the side instead of moving to available kiosks, they took an open spot. This sparked a muttered complaint from another shopper who believed they had “cut” in line, leading to an uncomfortable encounter. Check out the full story below.
‘ AITA for “cutting” in a line that didn’t need to exist to begin with?’
Just ran to Walmart for one thing, go to the self checkout and there are three open but two people standing there in “line” not moving. So I’m like “alright maybe they have lane closed signs on em”. Nope.
So I go to checkout and a woman from the line goes to the one next to me and I hear her mutter halfway under her breath something about “so you don’t have to wait in line now huh?” and then I’m like “oh s**t she’s talking to me?!” I ignore and then she muttered again “don’t ignore me m**herfucker I know you hear me” but like just quiet enough that I very well could’ve not heard her.
Ignored again and left. There were lanes open and no reason to wait, so I didn’t and got harassed for it 😅 Edit for further clarity: there wasn’t an actual single file line formed, they were standing 20 feet apart at the entrance of the two rows of registers
Here’s what the community had to contribute:
Independent-Length54 − Eh NTA but next time when people are standing there, gently suggest to them that the lines / checkouts are open and ask if they are waiting. Same applies to people waiting to order at a coffee shop etc.
People generally don’t like when someone walks in front of them if they’ve been waiting, and I’m sure you don’t like it either. Her reaction was passive-aggressive and rude but next time give them the chance to go ahead of you.
ShiggnessKhan − NTA
-They could have gone to a empty checkout whenever they wanted. -They did not
-Its not unreasonable to assume they where just standing waiting for something else or talking etc
-by walking to the open register you actually are making them aware that it is open so need to tell them
-the women behind you actually got out sooner because of it(she went to the line next to you)
The people getting all upset because you didn’t tell the women that got out of hand because she didn’t see the 2 open registers until you used one are wild imo. Worst case it would have been just one spot in line for a cash register they didn’t realize was open
2012DOOM − NTA. People who don’t have situational awareness need to stfu. I avoid interacting with most people while shopping, because even just reminding them that a lane is open can cause them to erupt.
Cultural_Section_862 − the polite thing to do would have been to let them know there were registers open. I wouldn’t say you’re a full blown a**hole for this but a little rude, could have been handled better
many_hobbies_gal − NTA, ok so many of us have spaced out, but I have also nicely mention to those in front of me that there was more than one open register, only to have them become almost irate. Like another said… situational awareness, if there were 3 lanes open and 2 in line you did nothing for anyone to question. They soon figured out they had a register to go to vs holding everyone else up because they were distracted. No harm, no foul.
No-Entertainment3435 − My main thing is, if there are two people standing and waiting, why would you not assume that there’s maybe a reason why they’re standing and waiting? The normal thing to do would have been to politely ask if there was a reason they were waiting or if you could go to a till.
Maybe a store employee asked them now to use the other tills or something, you don’t know. Be polite and sociable and just ask. That being said, of course NTA, you weren’t wrong to just go ahead, and she was super rude and inappropriate. Probably embarrassed that she didn’t understand how self checkout works.
Bluemonogi − NTA. They were in line for one self check out. There were two more self checkouts open when you walked up that were visible to everyone. You went to an open self checkout. Muttering woman moved over to another self check out. I don’t see an issue. You were not obligated to go stand behind them while there were empty checkouts or to inform them that there were more checkouts open.
Small_Lion4068 − NTA. It’s not my job to teach people how things work.
Heavy-Quail-7295 − 3 open and 3 waiting, NTA. Why would you have to wait when there’s available ones for all of you? “I’m not ignoring you m**herfucker, there’s 2 more open. I’m just trying to decide if you’re stupid or bored.”
Mommabroyles − NTA I did the same at Lowe’s a couple weeks ago. The self checkout had 5 people waiting. The cashier right next to self check had 0 people at it. I waited long enough to make sure no one was going and passed in front of the self check line (only way through since it was crossing the main row) and went into the empty checkout line.
The lady waiting in front at self check line started grumbling about waiting my turn. I said I’m not standing in line when there’s an empty checkout no one is using. Paid for my items and left. Zero guilt.
Would you have waited in line, even with open registers, or taken an available spot like the Redditor did? How would you handle a similar situation? Share your thoughts below!
