If you think optimal (in your perspective) hand dryers took this long, contrast this against the wheeled luggage, that took quite a long time to catch on (http:

If you think optimal (in your perspective) hand dryers took this long, contrast this against the wheeled luggage, that took quite a long time to catch on (http://www.travelproluggageblog.com/2010/06/luggage/the-history-of-rolling-luggage/ http://www.travelproluggageblog.com/2010/06/luggage/the-hist...) as late as 1989! Perhaps, it's just as conceivable that regardless of how well the dryers worked, consumers could have just wanted the option for paper towels. And even if the dryers are fast, I am sure the line doesn't help. Of course, I am sure the ladies room would have even worse time with just one effective albeit expensive dryer because of the already nasty wait times on average.