Bag checks that don't slow your line down
Nobody wants to stand outside in a long line, and nobody wants to skip the bag check either. With a little planning you can do both. This is how we run screening at theaters, museums and events every week.
Tell guests before they arrive
Put your bag policy on the ticket, the confirmation email and the website: what size bags are allowed, what is not allowed inside, and when doors open. Guests who know the rules show up ready and the line moves.
Open enough lanes
One officer can only check so many bags a minute. For a big crowd arriving at once, open more lanes for the first stretch after doors and close some once the rush passes. Doors that open earlier spread the crowd out.
Split the line
A separate lane for guests with no bags moves fast and takes pressure off everyone else. A separate entrance for staff, vendors and VIPs keeps them out of the public line entirely.
Make it quick and polite
Officers ask guests to open their bags, take a quick look and thank them. A friendly tone keeps the line calm. Hand wands at the same table add only a few seconds per guest when the officer has done it a thousand times.
Have a plan for the hard cases
Decide ahead of time what happens to an item that is not allowed: a bag check, a hold table or a polite no. Officers should never argue in the line. Step the guest aside, explain the rule and keep everyone else moving.
Where we come in
Ares screens 20,000+ guests a week at theaters and live venues, restaurants and events. Tell us your crowd size and door time and we will set up a line that moves.
This article is general information, not legal or fire code advice. Requirements change, so confirm the details for your site with the agency named or with us before you rely on them.