You've been travelling by train all wrong! Etiquette expert William Hanson reveals the things you should NEVER do (or eat) on a train...
and how to deal with people who misbehave William reveals how to tackle someone who has a bag - or their feet - on a seat He also reveals the best and worst food to eat - and if it's ok to drink alcohol READ MORE: The EXACT amount of time you can work on your laptop in a café By Sophie Foster, Deputy Travel Editor For Mailonline Published: 10:04, 22 August 2024 | Updated: 10:04, 22 August 2024 e-mail View comments Too many people travel by train all wrong, putting their feet and bags on seats, playing music too loudly, brazenly occupying reserved berths and getting raucously drunk. Thankfully, etiquette expert William Hanson is on a mission to teach the public the correct way to travel by train as part of his partnership with Trainline and the release of his 'Mind the Manners' guide. William says: 'I've seen firsthand how being mindful of personal space can make a big difference.
' Here he reveals all, including 'the ultimate travel faux pas' – and offers advice on how to tackle those in-carriage misdemeanours that can make an otherwise serene journey unenjoyable. Read on for the inside track on train-travel etiquette, formed from William's online guide and remarks to MailOnline Travel. William Hanson is on a mission to teach the public the correct 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't - and how to politely confront troublemakers When it comes to alcohol, William (above) notes: 'Keep it within moderation, ensuring that your enjoyment doesn't turn into a disruption for others' Read More EXCLUSIVE You've been drinking Champagne all wrong! Wine expert's fizz tips (and whether bubble size matters) Exercise patience when boarding William says: 'Let others off the train before you try and get on and stand to the side of the train doors to allow disembarking passengers to exit easily. Neatly line up on each side of the door and remember, like many things in life, it's first come, first served. Queue up in the order you arrived — it's not a race.
Do rules of behaviour differ by carriage class? The champion of civility says: 'Absolutely not! Good etiquette applies equally whether you're in first class or standard...
consideration for fellow passengers, respect for personal space, and politeness are essential and bypass class. Of course, first class might offer a quieter atmosphere (and maybe a complimentary drink), but that doesn't mean you can let your politesse slip. Etiquette isn't about where you're sitting - it's about how you treat your fellow passengers.
' What is the best food to eat on a train? The etiquette stickler says: 'When it comes to eating on a train, my rules here are simple: pick foods that are quiet, easy to handle, and won't emit a pong throughout the whole carriage. Think along the lines of a humble sandwich, sliced fruits (except citrus fruits), or a salad - basically, anything that won't make your fellow passengers wish they had a gas mask to hand.' What is the worst food to eat on a train? The courtesy crusader says: 'The worst foods to bring on board are anything that's noisy, messy, or particularly smelly.
Do everyone a favour and steer clear of crunchy snacks, pungent cheeses, or anything overly fishy. Keep it tidy, keep it quiet, and for everyone's sake, keep it odour-free!' Is drinking alcohol on the train a little bit gauche? William comments: 'It needn't be, although so many people get it wrong. Enjoying a drink on a train can certainly help to while away a long journey, although do make sure to check the rules on whether you are able to enjoy a drink on the train as some operators do not allow it.
'The research from Trainline found that nearly 60 per cent of people would purchase an alcoholic drink for their train journey, and indeed sipping a glass of wine or a gin and tonic as the scenery rolls by can be a lovely experience. However, it's important to be respectful and mindful of those around you. 'Keep it within moderation, ensuring that your enjoyment doesn't turn into a disruption for others! Know your limits and stick to them.
Don't get to the point where you begin to get a little loud.' What to do if someone has their bag on the seat beside 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 free?' DEALING WITH MISBEHAVING PASSENGERS The etiquette master notes: 'You must react to any etiquette faux pas while travelling with grace and poise. No one likes a busybody, so if it's not a particularly egregious faux pas, it's usually best to rise above it and carry on with your journey.
'However, if the misstep is particularly disruptive - such as someone speaking loudly in a designated quiet area - a discreet and polite approach is advisable. A gentle, composed remark like, "Excuse me, please could you possibly lower your voice?" is both effective and maintains a sense of decorum and respect.' Some travellers may find this difficult, as Trainline's research suggests many people (60 per cent) shy away from confrontation.
William says: 'It's perfectly normal to feel a bit hesitant about speaking up, but a polite nudge can often make a big difference - not just for yourself, but for everyone around you. The key is to approach the situation with the upmost politeness and a gentle touch, ensuring that the journey remains pleasant for all involved and that there are no bitter feelings between passengers.' Advertisement William comments: 'The best approach is to remain polite yet 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 prompt them to move their bag without creating any awkwardness.' No manspreading William remarks: 'Manspreading is never acceptable, no matter how busy the train.
If you're a victim of encroachment from a neighbouring passenger, you are well within your rights to ask them to make more room. Or, if you prefer non-verbal communication, a gentle nudge will do.' Pet protocol William says: 'Your Bichon Frisé may be the apple of your eye, but that doesn't mean everyone is a fan — and others may even be allergic! According to Trainline data, one in four people said sitting next to someone's pooch was something they found uncomfortable.
Next time you're on the train, be mindful of others. And if it is busy, step into the vestibule area with your furry friend.' What to do if someone is playing loud music William says: 'Imagine sitting by the window, enjoying the peaceful scenery, only to have your quiet moment disrupted by an impromptu DJ session from a fellow passenger.
'In this situation, a polite but direct approach is often the best way to handle it. You could simply ask, "Could you please lower the volume?" Most people will respect a straightforward request like this. Keeping the atmosphere on the train peaceful ensures that everyone can enjoy their journey.
' What to do if someone has their feet on a seat Seats are for sitting, not stretching out, says William The etiquette expert notes: 'If you become irritated when you spot someone treating a seat like their personal footrest, you are not alone. As someone who uses trains a lot, I cannot abide this behaviour. 'The polite yet pointed comment "excuse me, is that seat taken?" can work wonders.
It's a gentle nudge that reminds them that seats are for sitting, not stretching out.' What is the most ill-mannered behaviour one can exhibit when travelling by train? William replies: 'I'd say gold medals for train travel misconduct go to those who treat the carriage like their personal kingdom - blasting a phone call on speaker, hogging multiple seats or ignoring a fellow passenger in need. 'I truly believe the ultimate travel faux pas is forgetting that a train is a shared space where a little consideration goes a long way, ensuring everyone can have a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
' William's new Mind the Manners guide can be found here. He can be found on TikTok here . Share or comment on this article: You've been travelling by train all wrong! Etiquette expert William Hanson reveals the things you should NEVER do (or eat) on a train.
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