IIM alum says Indians have a ‘scarcity mindset’ after seeing airport lounge queue, internet divided

A social media post by an IIM alumnus has ignited a debate on consumer behaviour and travel culture in India after he described the long queues outside airport lounges as a sign of a "scarcity mindset."

The post, shared on a professional networking platform, quickly went viral, drawing thousands of reactions and comments. While some users agreed with the observation, others criticised it as elitist and disconnected from the realities of modern air travel.

What did the IIM alumnus say?

The viral post highlighted the sight of passengers waiting in long queues to enter an airport lounge despite having access through premium credit cards or airline memberships.

The author argued that the eagerness to avail of complimentary lounge access reflected a "scarcity mindset"—a tendency to maximise perceived free benefits even when it involves waiting for an extended period.

According to the post, many travellers seemed more focused on extracting value from complimentary services than considering whether the wait was worth the time.

Internet divided over the claim

The observation quickly divided social media users.

Many agreed that people often place disproportionate value on "free" services, even if it means sacrificing convenience. Some users said the phenomenon reflects behavioural economics, where consumers are naturally drawn to maximise benefits included with products such as credit cards.

Others strongly disagreed, arguing that lounge access is not actually free. They pointed out that travellers often pay annual credit card fees, airline membership charges or higher ticket prices to receive lounge privileges.

Several users also noted that airport lounges offer a comfortable place to relax, eat and work while waiting for flights, making them a legitimate benefit rather than an unnecessary luxury.

Bigger conversation on consumer behaviour

The viral discussion soon expanded beyond airport lounges, with users debating the concept of a "scarcity mindset" itself.

Some argued that in a price-sensitive economy, making full use of paid benefits is simply financially prudent rather than evidence of scarcity thinking.

Others suggested the growing demand for airport lounges is driven by increased domestic air travel, widespread availability of premium banking products and the expansion of lounge access through credit card partnerships.

Why airport lounges are getting crowded

Over the past few years, airport lounges across India have witnessed a sharp rise in footfall as banks and financial institutions bundled complimentary lounge access with premium debit and credit cards.

The surge in eligible users has often resulted in overcrowding during peak travel hours, prompting several banks to revise eligibility criteria, introduce spending thresholds and limit complimentary visits.

The takeaway

The debate illustrates how a simple airport observation can trigger larger conversations about consumer psychology, financial choices and social perceptions.

Whether viewed as a sign of a "scarcity mindset" or sensible utilisation of paid benefits, the viral post has once again highlighted how everyday experiences can divide opinion on social media.