10 Things You Should Never Do At The Drive-Thru

The introduction of drive-thru windows changed the way we dine forever. From McDonald's to Taco Bell, nearly every fast food chain has a drive-thru where you can conveniently order a Big Mac or Crunchwrap without leaving your car. But don't get too cozy. Just like dining at a restaurant, there is still etiquette you should adhere to when in line for a Frappuccino. DRIVETHRUCITY

We scoured Reddit, from SubReddits for all fast food employees to ones dedicated specifically to McDonald's and Starbucks, for what not to do at the drive-thru. And we ended up with a pretty long list. Here are 10 things customer do that drive thru workers hate the most:

1. Smoking Or Vaping

Just don't. Not everyone wants smoke blown in their face, let alone odors that linger. It's important to be considerate of others, especially when you're in a confined space like a car.

2. Being Indecisive When Ordering

We know it can be hard to decide, but please hurry up. The drive-thru is meant to be a quick and convenient way to get food, so holding up the line for everyone else is not fair. If you're not sure what you want, take a few minutes to look at the menu before you get in line. DRIVETHRUCITY


3. Placing A Massive Order

If you're placing a large order, it's probably better to order inside so you don't hold up the line. If you do decide to order through the drive-thru, be prepared to pay a higher price for your food.

4. Placing Orders From The Passenger Seat

The design of drive-thrus already make it difficult to hear, but this makes it even worse for employees. The speaker is located on the driver's side of the car, so it's best to have the person who is ordering be the one driving.

5. Getting Distracted By Your Phone

You might just be killing time by scrolling through Instagram, but you're probably going to get distracted and slow down the line when it's your turn to move forward. Just be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what's going on.

6. Ordering More Food At The Second Window

You guessed it—it holds up the line. Have your full order ready to be placed at the first speaker. The second window is only for picking up your food, not adding more items to your order. DRIVETHRUCITY


7. Not Having Your Payment Ready

Spending time rummaging through your wallet slows down the line. Get your payment or app ready while waiting in line, not at the window. And don't get us started on paying with coins.

8. Playing Loud Music

Perhaps you can hear over the loud music, but it makes it difficult for an employee wearing a headset. The background noise from traffic and other cars can already make it difficult to hear, so turning down your music is a courtesy that will be appreciated. DRIVETHRUCITY


No one wants to handle your garbage. It's also not sanitary. There are usually trash cans near the drive-thru, so please dispose of your garbage properly.

10. Checking Your Entire Order At The Window

It's okay to check that your order is correct, but according to Reddit threads, it's best to pull forward out of the line to do that, in order to keep things moving. The drive-thru is not a place to hold up the line while you make sure you got everything you ordered. DRIVETHRUCITY

Tips for a Smoother Drive-Thru Experience

Be polite and patient.
Have your order ready before you get to the speaker.
Pull forward promptly after you receive your order.
Dispose of your trash properly.
Thank the employee for their service.
By following these tips, you can help to make the drive-thru experience more pleasant for everyone involved.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips for a smoother drive-thru experience:

Know the menu: Familiarize yourself with the menu before you get in line so you can order quickly and efficiently.

Use the mobile app: Many fast food chains have mobile apps that allow you to order and pay for your food ahead of time. This can save you time in the drive-thru line.

Order during off-peak hours: Avoid peak mealtimes like lunchtime and dinnertime to avoid long lines.

Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to the signage and directions at the drive-thru to avoid making mistakes. DRIVETHRUCITY


Be patient with employees: Drive-thru workers can get very busy, especially during peak times. Be patient and understanding if they are taking a little longer than usual.

Double-check your order: Before you drive away, double-check your order to make sure you got everything you ordered.

Tip your employee: If you had a good experience, consider tipping the employee who took your order. DRIVETHRUCITY


Be courteous: Drive-thru workers deal with a lot of customers each day, so be courteous and respectful.

Enjoy your food: Once you have your food, pull over to a safe spot and enjoy it!

By following these additional tips, you can help to make the drive-thru experience even smoother and more enjoyable.  

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