Airport Signage

The UK and Norway have a simple policy: Cater for the terminally stupid.

In other words, put signs everywhere. A good friend of mine arrived at Johannesburg International Airport a week ago. Being new and nice with no signs.

After collecting luggage in the huge baggage hall and following the person in front - looked for the way out. Everywhere else in the world there are big signs in red or green to tell you where customs are. Sadly, not in Johannesburg. However, a fellow walked past at high speed, determination in his gait, and followed by a few other hopefuls, and he seemed worth following only to arrive at the gents toilet together.

Then my friend took the lead as the only South African, and led everybody down the queue which involves strip searching. Luckily a customs official noticed the oncoming mob and wearily waved them in another direction. Seven minutes later was emerged in the arrivals hall, but not before two tourists fainted from dehydration.

The more signs the better, in my humble opinion. And this seems to be something that we're not good at. For instance, most government offices involve joining a queue of staggering length, just to find out which other queue one should start at.

Signage are very important, especially for the tourist we expecting next year.