Is it rude to linger 30-45 minutes at a table at a restaurant when there are many people waiting for a table?

Yes, very. Especially if it is a smaller place that relies on tables to be turned over frequently. If the restaurant has people waiting for a table it means they overbooked or the customers are over-staying. How aggravated would you be if you had a reservation for 8pm and had to wait a half hour because the people who have been there since 6:30 just won't finish up and leave? Everyone's reservations get pushed back, not just yours.

30 minutes would probably be tops for me. You do have a right to linger and enjoy conversation, but with a wait, I'd leave after 30 min. personally.

Also, I probably agree a bit with Fozzy in that fast food places aren't really appropriate for lingering too long if there is a wait for tables. Whereas, a more upscale place would be more appropriate to linger.

Depends on what type of establishment. If you are in a high end restaurant at which it takes a couple of hours to eat it's probably not all that big a deal.

But if you are at a Steak n 'Shake, a McDonalds, etc. or some local greasy spoon where the average meal only takes about a half hour or so, yes, it seems rather rude to me.

I have seen people remain at a table chatting for 30-45 minutes after eating and paying their bill at a restaurant while there are many people waiting for a table. I know the waitstaff can't ask them to leave and I am sure they are frustrated too because their wages depend on tips and someone remaining at a table for up to two hours reduces turnover.

I don't see the point of hanging around a restaurant if you are not still eating. Even at home, where I can sit there forever, we get up and go into the living or the family room to socialize.

If there are hungry people waiting, I would not linger.

Yes it is rude on business day and you know people are waiting for a table. If you reserved ahead like reservations on the phone, then it is not rude. You need to call ahead for a table to reserve.

Yes, it's rude, by the way the employees don't like it when a customer finish eating and still there for more then 20 mins.

Yes. It prevents the waitstaff, who are probably making less than minimum wage on their paycheques, from making more money via other people's tips. Not to mention, those other people are hungry. Don't be a jerk.

No, because no one has to rush to eat, so someone else will linger at a table.

Wouldn't say that it was 'rude'. Bloody inconsiderate would be a more appropriate description.