economie

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

September 12, 20240
Hanson doesn’t recommend taking calls on speakerphone.

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While Hanson told BI he understands not wanting to keep your phone pressed to your face for long periods of time, 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.”

While Trainline 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.
Travelers should avoid putting their feet on seats.

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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.”

And remember, bags don’t belong on seats, either.
Hanson recommends avoiding overly fragrant food choices like oranges.

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

Don’t expect everyone to be comfortable if you’re traveling with a pet.
Travelers need to let passengers come off the train before boarding.

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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.”