Passengers who spread over two seats

[Springs Branch]

I dislike the seat hoggers as much as anyone, and if my bus or train is fairly busy I'll make a point of asking to sit in the seat with the bag on it.

But my pet seat-related niggle is the feet on seats brigade.

My local trains (which happen to be in Australia) have a mix of airline / bus orientation and 2+2 facing seats (without tables). A significant proportion of younger people sitting in the facing seats seem to feel the need to put their feet up on the opposite seat. And I'm not talking about resting your stockinged feet, shoes off, on a 2 hour intercity journey, this is dirty soles of the shoes which people cannot keep on the floor for a 15 minute local trip.

I can't actually see why this is any more comfortable than keeping your feet on the floor, but I'm an old geezer and maybe I'm missing something. Can anyone on the forum enlighten me exactly what the attraction is of putting your feet on the seat (apart from the fun of dirtying the next person's clothes with the muck from your shoes, of course).

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

On our return journey on a Class 185 from Poulton-le-Fylde to Manchester Piccadilly yesterday, my wife and I were fortunate to obtain two seats next to each other at a table seat position and opposite to us was sat a young business-woman in her mid 20's (worked for a legal practice from what was scattered over the table) who sat in the aisle seat and had stowed her leather business document case and coat on the seat next to the window, despite the overhead luggage section being totally empty. She then compounded matters by opening up a rather large sized laptop on the table which filled the table opposite to me and proceeded to fill the rest of the table with her paperwork.

Needless to say, when the refreshment trolley arrived, my wife and I ordered hot drinks and something to eat and the young female opposite really looked put-out when I said that we needed the space to place the food and drink on the table and insisted that we were allowed space to allow this to happen. A comment to the effect that "Don't you realise I have important work to prepare" was one that I found no difficulty in responding to in my usual scathing verbal method that was honed to perfection in dealing with the young professional staff that were under my benign dictatorship in the last thirty years of my business life, which always seems to have the desired effect of pricking the bubble of pomposity exuded by those young professionals who tend to assume an air of superiority.

I have the feeling that the blushes that suddenly invaded her cheeks betrayed her acute embarrassment after my verbal riposte and the sudden closing of the laptop and the use of the overhead storage facility by her showed that my point had been well made and a lesson in politeness had been well learnt. She left the train at Preston, never uttering another word to us.

 

[dannypye9999]

Reminds me of time on a busy evening train from Manchester to Stoke. Some guy had his legs sprawled out across the isle so you couldnt walk down the train without having to ask him to "excuse me". Yet he decided to extend his ignorance further by not even bothering to move when they can see you waiting to pass. It took about seven seconds until he slowly grunted and moved. If I'd had a wet fish in my pocket I sure would've slapped it across his fat ignorant face.

 

[Bald Rick]

.... A comment to the effect that "Don't you realise I have important work to prepare" was one that I found no difficulty in responding to in my usual scathing verbal method that was honed to perfection in dealing with the young professional staff that were under my benign dictatorship in the last thirty years of my business life, which always seems to have the desired effect of pricking the bubble of pomposity exuded by those young professionals who tend to assume an air of superiority.

I have the feeling that the blushes that suddenly invaded her cheeks betrayed her acute embarrassment after my verbal riposte and the sudden closing of the laptop and the use of the overhead storage facility by her showed that my point had been well made and a lesson in politeness had been well learnt. She left the train at Preston, never uttering another word to us.

Brilliant prose!

 

[alastair]

On our return journey on a Class 185 from Poulton-le-Fylde to Manchester Piccadilly yesterday, my wife and I were fortunate to obtain two seats next to each other at a table seat position and opposite to us was sat a young business-woman in her mid 20's (worked for a legal practice from what was scattered over the table) who sat in the aisle seat and had stowed her leather business document case and coat on the seat next to the window, despite the overhead luggage section being totally empty. She then compounded matters by opening up a rather large sized laptop on the table which filled the table opposite to me and proceeded to fill the rest of the table with her paperwork.

Needless to say, when the refreshment trolley arrived, my wife and I ordered hot drinks and something to eat and the young female opposite really looked put-out when I said that we needed the space to place the food and drink on the table and insisted that we were allowed space to allow this to happen. A comment to the effect that "Don't you realise I have important work to prepare" was one that I found no difficulty in responding to in my usual scathing verbal method that was honed to perfection in dealing with the young professional staff that were under my benign dictatorship in the last thirty years of my business life, which always seems to have the desired effect of pricking the bubble of pomposity exuded by those young professionals who tend to assume an air of superiority.

I have the feeling that the blushes that suddenly invaded her cheeks betrayed her acute embarrassment after my verbal riposte and the sudden closing of the laptop and the use of the overhead storage facility by her showed that my point had been well made and a lesson in politeness had been well learnt. She left the train at Preston, never uttering another word to us.

Brightened up my morning! Thanks for that

 

[Greenback]

Well done Paul!

I've lost count of the number of times I've seen people of both genders and all ages trying the trick of sitting in the aisle seat and then dumping what cna only be described as their personal detritus on the window seat. The overhead racks are under used on almost every train I travel on. In fact, on some journeys they seem to be completely unused.

But the worst thing, for me anyway, is seeing people treat double seats as a bed, stretching out and putting their feet up, with shoes of course, even if the are only on the train for ten minutes. Grrr, get those fixed armrests in!

 

[Drsatan]

Well done Paul!

I've lost count of the number of times I've seen people of both genders and all ages trying the trick of sitting in the aisle seat and then dumping what cna only be described as their personal detritus on the window seat. The overhead racks are under used on almost every train I travel on. In fact, on some journeys they seem to be completely unused.

But the worst thing, for me anyway, is seeing people treat double seats as a bed, stretching out and putting their feet up, with shoes of course, even if the are only on the train for ten minutes. Grrr, get those fixed armrests in!

On busy services seeing a passenger lying across two seats attempting to sleep annoys me immensely. As someone who cannot doze off on public transport, not only do I wonder how some people can sleep in such an awkward position, but it also means I'm deprived of a seat, and have to stand, meaning my legs get even more tired.

 

[Greenback]

Happily, I can sleep on trains (but not on coaches!) but I do so in a sitting position. Mrs G says I look highly awkward and uncomfortable, but it works for me, and at least I don't inconvenience anyone else by tkaing up two (or more) seats!

 

[Buttsy]

Happily, I can sleep on trains (but not on coaches!) but I do so in a sitting position. Mrs G says I look highly awkward and uncomfortable, but it works for me, and at least I don't inconvenience anyone else by tkaing up two (or more) seats!

I also have that ability to sleep sat up on coahes and trains, though I can end up slumping toward the person next to me.

I always look out for those sleeping across 2 seats when I need a seat and there are no 'doubles' available, or I go for those where the window seat is free and I'm only going one stop...

 

[Greenback]

An excellent strategy, and one I shall consider employing myself, especially when I am in a bad mood!

When I sleep on the train it's sitting up with my head forward almost into my lap. I suppose that's why it looks weird and uncomfortable, but it ensures my head goes nowhere near my neighbour, even if it's my other half! She, however, likes to use my shoulder as a pillow!

 

[LowLevel]

I'm a dog lover. But people who let big hairy dogs sit on seats are a significant wind up as it's inevitable the next person gets covered in it. I had to threaten a woman with removal the other day and her parting shot was 'next time, I'll take the coach!!' - it was all I could do to leave in a dignified manner and not say 'oh good!' back as I noticed the cake her child had ingrained into the carpet and the leaking empty beer can lying sideways on the table.

Some people's custom is not worth having for the mess they make, especially on cheapo tickets!

 

[Hyphen]

Reminds me of time on a busy evening train from Manchester to Stoke. Some guy had his legs sprawled out across the isle so you couldnt walk down the train without having to ask him to "excuse me". Yet he decided to extend his ignorance further by not even bothering to move when they can see you waiting to pass. It took about seven seconds until he slowly grunted and moved.

My usual response to this would depend which way round you and the seats were.

If politeness doesn't work in this situation (and please don't think I wouldn't try asking nicely first), I have a tendency of just continuing to walk down the train, knocking the passenger's legs to the floor. That tends to force them into moving!

Of course, this doesn't work if the seat in question is facing you - those legs wouldn't go anywhere, and would likely trip you up in the process.

On busy services seeing a passenger lying across two seats attempting to sleep annoys me immensely. As someone who cannot doze off on public transport, not only do I wonder how some people can sleep in such an awkward position, but it also means I'm deprived of a seat, and have to stand, meaning my legs get even more tired.

I wouldn't even attempt to try sleeping across two seats - they're not as long as a bed, and I'd probably end up falling off.

I am capable of obtaining snooze, but only if I have a table to myself - I lean forward onto the table, using my arms as a pillow. Only takes up the one seat (and probably 2/3 of one side of the table). Rucksack sits on the floor between my legs, so I'll be aware if it goes walkies.

I'm usually very keen to wake up at each station, waiting whilst people board. If anybody wants to sit at the table, I won't go back to snoozing.

 

[table38]

Ridiculous, everyone knows this is how you sleep on a train

 

[Lockwood]

I sit taking up two spots, a passenger gives a dirty look and stands in the aisle next to the set of seats I am on.
So, I adjust myself to be in one seat, smile to the person and pat the seat next to me. They give me another dirty look, and continue to stand in the aisle next to the set of seats I am on.

You can't win.

 

[Chrisgr31]

You have forgotten those:-

• That bask keyboards as if they are trying to hammer the keys out through the table
• Those that get on commuter services with full sized bikes when they are barred
• Those that get on with fold up bikes and then leave them by the doors on the side where everyone has to get on and off steooing round the bike
• Those that regale all passengers in the carriage with details of their personal life

 

[FQ]

Ridiculous, everyone knows this is how you sleep on a train

That would be handy for Canadian trains, You don't need to pay lots extra money for a bed!!!

 

[overtonchris]

Ridiculous, everyone knows this is how you sleep on a train

Brilliant!!!......Done that a few times in my misspent "yoof"......at least he isn't inconveniencing anyone until he wants to come down (or falls out onto those below!).... Don't think I could even get up there now:cry:

 

[duncanp]

I can remember once on an East Coast service to London a group of business men had placed some flip chart paper on the floor next to their seat, whilst they held a meeting in the group of 4 seats that they were occuyping, and were expecting people to gingerly step over the pieces of paper that were blocking the gangway. On returning from the buffet car with a cup of tea, I (in grumpy Victor Meldrew mode) stepped right on the flip chart paper and carried on back to my seat without looking. I didn't mean to be stroppy, but it is very arrogant to occupy space meant for other purposes, and expect other people to just lump it.

On a similar note I remember a journey from Port Bou to Figureres (in Spain) about 15 years ago. The train was continuing on to Barcelona, and as it was the start of the summer holidays, it was busy with a mixture of British and American backpackers, who huge rucksacks anywhere but in the luggage space. Once the journey started, the RENFE guard came round to check tickets, and he started having a go at them in Spanish.

I didn't really understand what he was saying, but it was very clear that he wanted them to sit up straight, and make sure that their luggage was only put in the luggage space. If we could only have a bit of that in the UK.

 

[Tetchytyke]

Those that regale all passengers in the carriage with details of their personal life

Which nicely reminds me of the charming gentleman I sat opposite from London to Doncaster, who was loudly and repeatedly ringing all his mates to tell them that he'd "pulled this tidy bird and banged her up the arse".

He looked like a melted crash test dummy, naturally.

I normally wear big heavy Doc Martens. People tend to move their legs when I'm walking down the train, especially as my stride is unfortunately at shin height

I didn't really understand what he was saying, but it was very clear that he wanted them to sit up straight, and make sure that their luggage was only put in the luggage space. If we could only have a bit of that in the UK.

There's a couple of London Midland guards who are great at that sort of thing. Need more of it!

 

[HowardGWR]

The responses here make the views of ex transport minister Steve Norris a decade ago, for which he was much criticised, about the disadvantages of public transport, compared with using one's own car, seem very apt, even now we have these bright new trains. If people can't remember what he said, it was about being in proximity to humanity that he saw as undesirable. I always choose the Quiet area if i can but I still have to tell people off for being unsociable with their noisy gadgets.

 

[duncanp]

Have you read the book "Pains On Trains"

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pains-Trains-Irritating-Travelling-Companions/dp/1841125644

It is subititled "A Commuters Guide To The 50 Most Irritating Travel Companions" and it is quite amusing. The picture on the front cover is of "The Broadsheet" (someone who occupies more than their fair share of space when reading a newspaper)

The one I think that is missing is "The Fidget In The Bag" (Someone, male or female, who is constantly fidgeting with the contents of their handbag/rucksack in a narrow train seat, and who elbows you in the side every time they move - Why can't you sit still for 5 minutes? Grrr....)

Does anyone else care to compile a new edition of the book?

 

[hassaanhc]

Which nicely reminds me of the charming gentleman I sat opposite from London to Doncaster, who was loudly and repeatedly ringing all his mates to tell them that he'd "pulled this tidy bird and banged her up the arse".

He looked like a melted crash test dummy, naturally.

Unfortunately I have a mate who does that quite often have made it clear to him I don't need to know such details but he doesn't get it (nor does he think there is anything wrong with cat-calling/crude comments about girls or realise his views are misogynistic ). People like that probably need to be humiliated in public so they get the point.

 

[Flamingo]

Best I had recently was the two young ladies taking up 8 seats between them - they had sat at two tables opposite each other, legs over the seat & back against the window, and bags on the seats opposite them.

Needless to say, I was not impressed, the bags went onto the luggage rack, and they ended up on the one table. I was delighted when at the next stop, two business types started sharing the table with them (laptops out, the works!).

 

[Yew]

I'm much more annoyed when someone comes and hogs your table when there are only 8 people on the train. I Once had an incident with a guard where I'd put my ticket on the table, then someone came and put their massive laptop on top of it. (fortunately I had a spare ticket which was valid, due to getting a lift one way the last time I'd done the journey)

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Unfortunately I have a mate who does that quite often have made it clear to him I don't need to know such details but he doesn't get it (nor does he think there is anything wrong with cat-calling/crude comments about girls or realise his views are misogynistic ). People like that probably need to be humiliated in public so they get the point.

With views concerning women such as those he evidentially espouses, it would appear that he would seem to be an ideal recruit for Boko Haram....

 

[dannypye9999]

You have forgotten those:-

• That bask keyboards as if they are trying to hammer the keys out through the table
• Those that get on commuter services with full sized bikes when they are barred
• Those that get on with fold up bikes and then leave them by the doors on the side where everyone has to get on and off steooing round the bike
• Those that regale all passengers in the carriage with details of their personal life

don't forget this one either

 

[stut]

They're allowed, though, that's an Indian train. The doorway is easily the best place...

 

[meridian2]

I don't see what the fuss is about.

If the seats aren't reserved, then they have a right to use them even if they should be limited to one seat. If they're asked to move from the seats they've 'spread' themselves over, then they should move.

People who complain about this need to realise that there is no obligation on the part of the person who's taken the seat to be limited to 'that' seat, and all it takes is a polite question.

Not a bloody moan on a public forum.
:roll:

 

[fowler9]

On our return journey on a Class 185 from Poulton-le-Fylde to Manchester Piccadilly yesterday, my wife and I were fortunate to obtain two seats next to each other at a table seat position and opposite to us was sat a young business-woman in her mid 20's (worked for a legal practice from what was scattered over the table) who sat in the aisle seat and had stowed her leather business document case and coat on the seat next to the window, despite the overhead luggage section being totally empty. She then compounded matters by opening up a rather large sized laptop on the table which filled the table opposite to me and proceeded to fill the rest of the table with her paperwork.

Needless to say, when the refreshment trolley arrived, my wife and I ordered hot drinks and something to eat and the young female opposite really looked put-out when I said that we needed the space to place the food and drink on the table and insisted that we were allowed space to allow this to happen. A comment to the effect that "Don't you realise I have important work to prepare" was one that I found no difficulty in responding to in my usual scathing verbal method that was honed to perfection in dealing with the young professional staff that were under my benign dictatorship in the last thirty years of my business life, which always seems to have the desired effect of pricking the bubble of pomposity exuded by those young professionals who tend to assume an air of superiority.

I have the feeling that the blushes that suddenly invaded her cheeks betrayed her acute embarrassment after my verbal riposte and the sudden closing of the laptop and the use of the overhead storage facility by her showed that my point had been well made and a lesson in politeness had been well learnt. She left the train at Preston, never uttering another word to us.

Ha ha, brilliant Paul. Absolutely love it.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I loved my brothers story (He is a scruffy metalhead like me) about when he sat down in first class and some toff over the aisle pointed out that he was in first class. My brother pulled out his ticket and said he was glad because he was in the right place. It tickled me because I've had the same happen to me.

 

[DiscoStu]

Ridiculous, everyone knows this is how you sleep on a train

That's great, although I'm sure there are some on here that would ask him to get down so they can put their iPad up there.

"How dare he take up valuable luggage space?!" Lol