Etiquette expert reveals how to stop passengers sitting in the seat next to you

AN ETIQUETTE expert has revealed how to stop passengers from sitting next to you on a train.

There is nothing worse than someone opting for the seat next to you, even when the carriage is otherwise empty.

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Liz Wyse, an etiquette adviser at professional coaching company, Debrett’s explained why some people do this.

Liz told the Sun Online Travel: “I think it’s a human interest to sort of cosy up to people and be in close quarters with other people – even on public transport.”

She admitted that this is the minority of people – but that there are a few ways passengers can try and keep the spare seat next to them empty.

She added: “It’s fine to put your bag on the seat next to you if there are plenty of other empty seats available.

“But to do this, you have to be aware of other passengers getting on the train at later stops.

“As soon as the seats start to fill up, you’ll need to be ready to move your bag.”

If a person asks you to move your bag and sit in the vacant seat and there are plenty of other seats available, Liz had some additional words of wisdom.

She added: “It’s a difficult situation because a train that doesn’t seat reservations is ultimately a public space and people are within their rights to sit where they’d like to.

“You could say something like ‘I’ve got some work to do and need some space with my laptop and my arms might get in your way’ but people can react very negatively to this.”

“You have to be the right type of person to ask and be prepared for a negative response or a confrontation.”

While it’s hard to navigate empty seats on trains, Liz previously told the Sun Online Travel the ins and outs of camping etiquette.

She told holidaymakers it was important to be respectful of each other in a communal space and to be aware of noise levels on campsites and caravans.

Meanwhile, etiquette expert William Hanson explained how holidaymakers can charm cabin crew into getting free upgrades on a plane.

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