Since the last article I wrote on the London Underground was very popular – I thought it would be a good opportunity to revisit the subject. This time, I’m going to focus on some etiquette tips so that you don’t make a pillock of yourself on the The Tube.
1. No talking
Never talk to anyone other than in your own party and even that will be frowned upon, if you must, do so quietly. The Tube is not really a place to try to pick up a lady. People live in their own personal bubbles when they ride the Tube and Londoners prefer it that way. Many like to read so don’t disturb their quality reading time.
2. Give up your seat for an old or pregnant woman
If you see a pregnant woman or a woman wearing a ‘I’m Pregnant’ pin, do the honorable thing and give them your seat. This was a lifesaver for my wife when she traveled the underground network while she was pregnant. The same goes for an elderly or disabled person.
Hell, even if you want to be a gentleman, give up your seat for any lady (even if she’s not attractive).
Just don’t try to talk to her after you do.
3. Though it is quite tempting, don’t read over other people’s shoulders
One of my favorite things about traveling on the Tube is you get an idea of what’s popular reading with Londoners. That said, don’t be tempted to read over anyone’s shoulders – people can feel your eyes on their stuff and it will make them uncomfortable. It’s especially tempting if they’re reading the newspapers (most especially Page 3 of the Sun).
4. Let passengers off the train before trying to get on
I know you’re excited to get on the Tube – but please let people get off first before you try to get on. You won’t miss the train and if you do – there will be another one in a few minutes. This gets a little tricky when the train is really busy but try to keep in mind that everyone is trying to get where they’re going. A little courtesy goes a long way.
5. Your bag or suitcase is not entitled to a seat, especially if the train is crowded
This is a biggie. In Chicago (where Londontopia.net is based) it’s pretty common to avoid getting to close to your fellow passenger by using your bag as a seat partner deterrent. Do not do this on the Tube. The Tube is overcrowded and most people have to stand so if you take up a seat with yourself and another seat with your bag – expect steely stares. If you insist on riding the Tube during rush hour with all your luggage – stick to the back of the cabin where there’s room for luggage.
6. Watch out for pickpockets
Pickpockets are everywhere in London but they particularly love Tube stations because they’re loud and noisy and its easy to pick pockets in all the confusion. Keep your valuables in difficult to access places (for thieves that is).
7. Stand on the Right on Escalators
You’ll be reminded of this on every escalator but it bears repeating here – always stand on the right on the escalators. People who are in a bigger hurry than you will speed past you on the left. Best not to get in the way. If you do – you may get a courteous ”Scuse me Love” or a not so courteous “get out of the way.”
8. Wear Deodorant or Cologne. Please.
The Tube is hot and crowded in the summer. The network is 150 years old and was not designed for air conditioning. It gets hot in the fall and the spring too. No one wants to stand in a crowded Tube car or platform near someone who smells. So, wear some odor protection. But don’t overdo it!
9. Have your Oyster Card or Ticket Ready
The novelty of going through a Tube station can be confusing to new travelers in London. That confusion causes much delays for fellow passengers. Always have your ticket or Oyster Card ready when going through the ticket gates. That includes going in the station and out of the station. You have to have a valid ticket to get out – so never throw your ticket away and always have it ready.
10. Don’t Eat on the Train
When surveyed about annoying Tube Habits, Londoners said this was the one that bothered them the most: eating smelling food anywhere on the network. Your lunch or dinner is not a shared experience so avoid turning anyone’s stomach by not eating anywhere on the network unless it’s in a train station in a restaurant.
Did we leave something out? Leave your favorite Tube Etiquette tips in the comments below!
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So true! As an American formerly living in London, I used to hang my head if I saw a group of loud, Yankee tourists on the Tube. Luckily for me, I blended in with the commuter crowd quite well. I could totally appreciate how quiet the Tube was compared to American commuter trains. I miss it terribly!
STEP TO THE SIDE!
You may be a tourist and not know where to go, but most other people will be travelling with speed and purpose. Stepping to the side at key times will qualify you as a ‘welcome’ guest, rather than a ‘bloody tourist’. Getting on a train? Step to the side and let people on behind you. Getting off a train with cases / a big group / no clue which way you’re going next? Step to the side and re-group so that those in a rush aren’t forced to negotiate an obstacle course. And possibly the most important: getting off an escalator. It’s amazing how many people (tourists) step off an escalator and stop dead to look for directions / their families / extend the handle on their suitcase. Seemingly having just stood behind a line of people going up the escalator ahead of them, they instantly forget that there is a line behind them. This incident will probably provoke the most immediate and forceful of exchanges as those behind, being moved along at a steady rate by a machine, pile up behind. It’s dangerous and STUPID. Please don’t do it!
A tip to help so you need to step to the side less: look up. Most signage on the Tube is above head height. Plan your journey before starting, check the line name and colour as you approach your interchange station and as you step off look at the platform wall above head height for directions. Follow the arrows and keep your eyes out for the next sign which will probably be suspended from the ceiling. Once you get the hang of it you’ll be travelling like a local and willing other tourists to ‘step to the side’!
Don’t stop in the middle of traffic to look at directional signs or figure out the map and don’t try to move against the flow. Move out of the way and allow traffic to pass before you stop to gawp at anything, including theatre posters. Just follow along until you get to a platform or entry/exit area and you won’t get run over or elbowed about.
Don’t forget to stand to the right on the Tube escalators. If someone is standing on the left a stern, “EXCUSE ME!” should get them to clear the way so that you can climb the stairs past them.
Ignore the sign that “Dogs must be carried” that graces most escalators. You will find that unless you are already in possession of a dog you do not have to actually find one in order to get on the escalator. If you are in possession of a dog then obey the sign.
These are the BEST suggestions I have read yet! Also make room to let others onto the car when you can. Don’t block the door.
PS: I have never seen a group of loud “yankee” tourists. I would hang my head too! But I have seen rowdy soccer fans escorted out by bobbies a few times. lol!
Hey Visitbritainsuperblog,
Thanks for the info, Nowadays when people visit London all they see is tourists and shoppers for miles ahead of them. It is a bustling capital city that is known worldwide for its fashion, culture and attractions. What very few people know is the historical backdrop to this busy city. For anyone, be you historian or just an interested tourist, London can provide over 2000 years worth of history while still being at the cutting edge of modernity.
Great Job!
Hey There Visitbritainsuperblog,
Thanks you for your post, Tourists and people new to London tend to worry so much about how they should look, talk and act to fit in with the Londoners. To tell you frankly, there’s no need for changing the way you look. Well of course, you need to have thick jackets and layers to help you get through with the freezing cold weather which often blights London.
Nice One!
Hey There Visitbritainsuperblog,
Thanks you for your post, One of the many things I fell in love with during my trip to London was its transportation system, especially the London underground that everybody simply calls “the tube.”
Cheerio