12 Things People Do in Drive‑Thrus That Slow Everything Down
Drive-thrus promise quick food, but sometimes the line drags on forever. Ever wondered why?
Certain habits can turn a fast-food run into a long wait for everyone. Here’s what slows things down the most.
Not knowing your order by the speaker like it’s a pop quiz
You roll up to the speaker and suddenly forget everything about your order. It’s like the teacher just called on you for a pop quiz you didn’t study for.
You start mumbling, “Um… I think I wanted… no, wait…” The person in line behind you is now practicing their best eye roll.
Meanwhile, your order time ticks up like a suspenseful game show countdown. If you actually know your order before it’s your turn, you save time and spare everyone’s patience.
Ordering breakfast at 5 PM because who needs time rules?
You pull up to the drive-thru at 5 PM and ask for pancakes and bacon. Breakfast sounds great any time, but it can slow down the whole line during the dinner rush.
Breakfast food often needs different equipment and prep time. The kitchen has to switch gears and scramble eggs just for you.
Everyone behind you is waiting for their regular cheeseburger or fries. Consider sticking to breakfast hours to keep things moving.
You’re at the window and ask, “Do you have unicorn fries?” The worker blinks and politely explains those fries are a fantasy.
Secret menus usually just mean special combos or tweaks. Asking for mythical items slows things down while staff double-check and clarify.
Order something that actually exists to keep the line moving. Your server and the cars behind you will appreciate it.
Fumbling with cash at the window like you’re auditioning for a magic show
You pull up to pay, but your wallet becomes a black hole. Bills and coins scatter everywhere like you’re doing a disappearing act.
The cashier waits as you dig for exact change. The line behind you grows while your cash plays hide and seek.
Try to have your cash ready or use a card. It saves time and keeps the line flowing.
Ordering for the entire office as if the drive-thru is a catering service
You approach the speaker with a list long enough to feed a small army. The worker is left to decipher who wants what.
Cars behind you start sighing into their steering wheels. Drive-thrus are meant for quick stops, not catering events.
Save big orders for times you can call ahead or go inside. Otherwise, you risk turning a speedy line into a traffic jam.
Making last-minute changes to your complicated sandwich build
At the window, you suddenly decide your sandwich needs more pickles, no onions, extra mayo, and bacon. Every tweak adds time and confusion.
The worker double-checks and repeats your changes. Meanwhile, the cars behind you start eyeing their watches.
Try to finalize your order before you pull up. It keeps your cravings satisfied and the line moving.
Talking on the phone while ordering—hello, can you hear me now?
You pull up and the person in front is deep in a phone conversation. You’re stuck listening to half their drama while the line stalls.
Ordering while on the phone leads to confusion and repeated questions. The worker struggles to get your attention.
Wait to chat until after you order. It saves time and keeps everyone’s lunch on schedule.
Parking in the drive-thru lane to check messages—it’s not a parking lot!
Some drivers stop mid-line to check texts or scroll for a minute. The drive-thru lane quickly turns into an unwanted parking lot.
The car behind you wonders if you’re ordering or just texting. If you need to check your phone, pull into a real parking spot.
Keep the drive-thru moving so no one starts practicing their horn skills.
Some treat the employee like a personal tour guide, asking about every menu item. Menus are meant to be read, not narrated in full.
If you start asking about unavailable items, you slow down the whole line. Workers end up explaining “Sorry, we don’t have that today” over and over.
Save the menu Q&A for another time. Drive-thrus run on speed, not storytelling.
Trying to pay with coupons that expired during the last century
You proudly hand over a coupon from 1998. Staff then has to explain why it’s not valid, holding up the line.
Old coupons cause confusion and turn a quick snack run into a history lesson. The person behind you is not impressed.
Check dates before you go. It keeps things moving and avoids awkward conversations.
Spilling your drink on the employee’s window—extra tip, not appreciated
You hand over your money, and your drink spills all over the window. Now the employee has to clean up your mini disaster.
Everyone behind you waits while the mess gets sorted. Hold your cup tight and keep the soda inside.
A little care goes a long way toward keeping the drive-thru line running smoothly.
Rolling through the lane with no clue it’s your turn to order
You’re cruising in the drive-thru like it’s a Sunday drive. Suddenly, it’s your turn to order—and you have no idea.
That speaker is waiting. The worker’s voice is waiting.
But you? You’re waiting too long to get it together. Maybe you’re staring out the window, thinking deep thoughts.
Or you’re texting your friend about how awesome this burger will be. Meanwhile, the line behind you is growing longer.
Everyone’s tapping their fingers on the steering wheel. When it’s finally your moment, you mumble through the speaker like you just woke up from a nap.
If you rolled up a bit faster and stayed alert, the whole line would move along quicker. The drive-thru isn’t a place for daydreaming.
It’s a fast-food race, and you’re the slowpoke if you don’t order fast.
