Buffer time is protection against uncertainty
Airports are multi-queue systems:
- check-in and bag drop
- security screening
- immigration and document checks
- gate changes and walking time
The buffer is a hedge against variance across these queues.
Why solo travelers experience buffers differently
When you travel alone, there is less redundancy:
- one person handles all steps
- a single delay compounds more directly
Practical interpretation
A buffer is not a “rule.” It is an uncertainty budget.