7 things you should never do when traveling by train, according to an etiquette coach

Summer is in full swing, and no matter where you plan on traveling this season, one thing everyone can agree on is that inconsiderate passengers can add unnecessary stress to your journey.

To make sure you’re not one of them, Business Insider spoke with British etiquette coach William Hanson through his partnership with Trainline, a European train booking app, to learn what travelers should stop doing on trains.

From placing bags on empty seats to blasting music, here are the top seven things travelers should avoid doing.

Don’t talk on speakerphone.

Hanson told BI in a 2024 interview he understands not wanting to keep your phone pressed to your face for long periods of time, but that it doesn’t excuse talking on speakerphone.

“It explains it, but it doesn’t excuse it,” he said.

Hanson added, “If we were all doing that, let’s think we were all on our phones, on the speakerphone making calls in a carriage, it would be a cacophony. You wouldn’t be able to hear anything.”

Although Trainline said its research found that only one in 10 people reported feeling bothered by others on their phones, it’s more polite to just wait until you disembark to catch up on your calls.

Be careful not to play your music too loudly in your headphones.

“Some headphones leak when they’re too loud, making your favorite playlist a public nuisance,” Hanson wrote for Trainline’s “Mind the Manners” guide to train etiquette. “I hate to say it but not everyone will be a fan of your audio tastes.”

Trainline reported that loud music is the most uncomfortable train issue for travelers.

Please, don’t place your feet on the seats.

And no, it’s not better if you take your shoes off.

“Your socks — or heaven forbid you’re not even wearing socks — your feet still have germs,” Hanson told BI. “And it is not your own personal seat. It is a seat that is shared by numerous passengers on numerous rail journeys.”

Bags don’t belong on seats, either.

Trainline reported that over a third of people think spreading out over multiple seats is the most annoying behavior when traveling.

Hanson recommends keeping your purses or small bags in your lap, on the floor in front of your seat, or in designated luggage areas.

“The only time you can have a bag on the seat next to you is if you’re basically on an absolutely deserted carriage and there are clearly numerous seats for people to go and sit on,” he said.

If you do come across a passenger’s bag occupying your designated seat, Hanson recommends keeping the conversation reasonable.

“If you are reasonable, they will be able to move their bag.”

Try to avoid eating overly fragrant foods, like oranges.

Eating on a train is perfectly fine, especially during long journeys, but Hanson recommends being mindful about your snack choices.

One option he discourages people from bringing is oranges.

“However delicious an orange is and full of vitamin D, it can actually be quite objectionable as a smell if you are not the one eating it,” he said.

Instead, try to stick to options like sandwiches, baguettes, chocolate, sweets, or chips.

If you’re traveling with a pet, don’t expect everyone to be comfortable.

Although there’s nothing wrong with traveling with your pet, the important thing to remember is that others may not love your furry friend as much as you do.

Trainline research found that 25% of people are uncomfortable sitting next to a dog.

Hanson recommends that those traveling with their dogs be proactive in opening the lines of communication and asking fellow passengers about their comfort levels.

“If you do see some hesitancy and there are many other empty seats to go and sit in that are not reserved, you’re going to move,” he said.

He added that context in these situations is important, too. If the dog owner is the second to arrive, it would be their responsibility to move; but if the dog owner is already seated and someone new comes along, it would be their choice to sit or go elsewhere.

The simplest advice? “Talk and be reasonable,” Hanson said. “We as humans, we mood match. So, if you go in all guns blazing, then you’re going to get a similar reaction back.”

And finally, try to let people off the train before you board.

This tip doesn’t need much explanation, and yet it remains a common nuisance for travelers, commuters, and locals alike.

“There will be more room for people when you get on if the people have come off the train first,” Hanson said.

He added, “If you’re standing by the doors anyway, you can get on, and there’s often a beep or a signal before those doors close. So everyone just needs to just remember: It will be fine.”

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