Too many people travel by train the wrong way: they put their feet and bags on the seats, turn up the music too loud, openly occupy reserved seats and get drunk.
Luckily, etiquette expert William Hanson is on a mission to teach the public the right way to travel by train as part of his partnership with Trainline and the release of his Guide ‘Mind the Manners’.
William says: ‘I’ve seen first-hand what a difference it can make if you consider your personal space.’
In it he reveals everything, including ‘the ultimate travel blunder’, and offers advice on how to deal with the train abuses that can turn an otherwise peaceful journey into an unpleasant one.
Read on for insider information on train travel etiquette, based on Williams’ online guide and comments to MailOnline Travel.
William Hanson is on a mission to teach the public the right way to travel by train as part of his partnership with Trainline and the release of his ‘Mind the Manners’ guide. Here he reveals his do’s and don’ts – and how to politely confront troublemakers
When it comes to alcohol, William (above) notes: ‘Keep it in moderation, and make sure your enjoyment does not become a disruption to others’
Please be patient when boarding
William says, “Allow others to get off the train before you try to get on, and stand to the side of the train doors so that passengers getting off can get off easily. Stand neatly on either side of the door and remember, as with many things in life, it’s first come, first served. Line up in the order you arrived — it’s not a race.
Do the rules of conduct differ per carriage class?
The champion of politeness says: ‘Absolutely not! Good etiquette applies equally whether you are in First Class or Standard Class… consideration for fellow passengers, respect for personal space and politeness are essential and go beyond class. Sure, First Class may offer a quieter atmosphere (and perhaps a free drink), but that doesn’t mean you can let your politeness slide. Etiquette isn’t about where you sit – it’s about how you treat your fellow passengers.’
What is the best food to eat on the train?
The etiquette stickler says, “When it comes to eating on a train, my rules here are simple: choose food that is quiet, easy to handle, and doesn’t sizzle through the entire car. Think a modest sandwich, sliced fruit (except citrus), or a salad—basically anything that won’t make your fellow passengers wish they had a gas mask on hand.”
What’s the worst food to eat on the train?
The politeness crusader says, “The worst food to bring on board is anything noisy, messy, or particularly smelly. Do everyone a favor and stay away from crunchy snacks, sharp cheeses, or anything too fishy. Keep it tidy, keep it quiet, and, for everyone’s sake, keep it odorless!”
Is drinking alcohol on the train a bit inappropriate?
William notes: ‘You don’t have to, although many people get it wrong. Having a drink on the train can certainly help to while away a long journey, but do check the rules to see if you are allowed to have a drink on the train, as some companies do not allow it.
‘Trainline’s research found that almost 60 per cent of people would buy an alcoholic drink for their train journey, and indeed it can be a lovely experience to sip a glass of wine or a gin and tonic as the scenery passes by. However, it is important to be respectful and aware of those around you.
“Keep it within limits, so that your enjoyment does not become a disturbance to others! Know your limits and stick to them. Do not go beyond the point of becoming a little noisy.”
What to Do When Someone Leaves Their Bag on the Seat Next to Them – and You Want to Sit in It
If you need a seat that has someone’s bag on it, William suggests asking, “Excuse me, is this seat still available?”
William notes: ‘The best approach is to be polite but assertive. This is where British passive aggression can really come into its own. You could say something like, “Excuse me, is this seat free?” This should gently nudge them into moving their bag without causing any awkwardness.’
No manspreading
William notes, “Manspreading is never acceptable, no matter how busy the train. If you are the victim of a neighbor’s intrusion, you have every right to ask him or her to make more room. Or, if you prefer nonverbal communication, a gentle nudge will do.”
Pet Protocol
William says: ‘Your Bichon Frise may be the apple of your eye, but that doesn’t mean everyone is a fan – and some may even be allergic to them! According to data from Trainline, one in four people said they felt uncomfortable sitting next to someone’s dog. Next time you’re on a train, be considerate of others. And if it’s busy, try to enter the lobby with your furry friend.’
What to do when someone plays loud music
William says: ‘Imagine sitting by the window and enjoying the peaceful scenery, only to have your quiet moment interrupted by a fellow traveller’s impromptu DJ session.
‘In this situation, a polite but direct approach is often the best way to deal with it. You could simply ask, “Can you turn the volume down a bit?” Most people will respect a straightforward request like this. Keeping the atmosphere on the train peaceful will help everyone enjoy their journey.’
What to do if someone has their feet on a chair
Chairs are for sitting, not stretching, says William
The etiquette expert notes, “If you get irritated when you see someone treating a chair like their personal footstool, you’re not alone. As someone who travels a lot by train, I can’t tolerate this behavior.
‘A polite but pointed remark, “Excuse me, is that chair taken?” can do wonders. It’s a gentle nudge that reminds them that chairs are for sitting, not stretching out.’
What is the worst behavior to exhibit when traveling by train?
William replies: ‘I’d say the gold medals for rail misconduct go to people who treat the carriage like their own kingdom – by putting a phone call on speakerphone, taking up multiple seats or ignoring a fellow passenger in need.
‘I truly believe that the ultimate blunder in travel is forgetting that the train is a shared space where with a little attention you can go a long way, so that everyone can have a comfortable and enjoyable journey.’
William’s new Mind the Manners guide can be found here. He can be found on TikTok here.