Well, being a few days after 9/11 most likely had a lot to do with that. But, in Europe, people tend to queue up with no logical pattern, far in advance of a departing flight. They generally do not pay attention to who goes in which line, so you have coach people standing in the priority flyer line. However, my DH has a big mouth (in a nice way), so he just cuts in front of the people, telling them, this line is clearly marked for first class/business/priority. Then, we have a little talk with the gate agent. But, you have to remember, you are in a different culture and this is what they do. However, I only saw pushing/shoving and huge lines going through customs in Milan, about ten years ago, as well as in the UK, the same year. Nothing like that recently. Ever been on a flight to San Juan? It's the same thing, so there is definitely a cultural component, that you just have to deal with. It certainly wouldn't stop me from traveling.