WITH millions of Brits set to travel home by train this Christmas, a new survey has uncovered to top DOS and DONT’S when it comes to travelling on the rails.
The poll revealed that talking loudly on the phone (59 per cent) was voted as the nation’s biggest bugbear.
Blaring music or videos out loud (53 per cent) came second in the list of rail faux pas, ahead of leaving rubbish behind (49 per cent).
Being rude to staff also made the list of bad train etiquette (43 per cent).
Other notable habits we dislike include seat hogging (41 per cent), putting feet on seats (40 per cent) and eating smelly food (37 per cent).
However, things we should do include offering your seat to someone who needs it more (64 per cent), always using headphones (53 per cent) and helping people with a pram (52 per cent).
The research of 2,000 Brits was conducted by train operator LNER to mark the launch of their new timetable from December 14.
David Flesher, Commercial Director at LNER, said: “Christmas is one of the busiest times on our route, and with so many people travelling to see friends and family, it’s no surprise that a few little habits can make a big difference to the journey.
“It’s encouraging to see how many are prepared to partake in the season of goodwill, valuing small acts of kindness, whether it’s offering a seat or giving someone a hand with their luggage.
“Those gestures really do help when everyone is trying to get home for Christmas.
“This year, we’ll have even more services with the launch of our new timetable on December 14, and we’re looking forward to welcoming customers and getting them to their destinations during some of the busiest weeks of the year.”
The train operator has revealed they’ve already had 413,000 bookings ahead of Christmas, as the nation gears up for what could be a record-breaking festive season.
December 20 is predicted to be the busiest day of the month, with 43,000 journeys planned along the East Coast Main Line on that day alone.
This news comes as more than half (55 per cent) of Brits say their journey home marks the true start of Christmas.
Meanwhile, over half of those surveyed (51 per cent) say their favourite part of Christmas journeys is watching the winter scenery from the window, listening to Christmas music (32 per cent) and admiring seasonal displays at stations (32 per cent).
What’s more, 43 per cent even say travelling home makes them feel like the lead character in a Christmas film.
TOP 10 TRAIN DONT’S
Talk loudly on the phone (59 per cent)
Blare music or videos out loud (53 per cent)
Leave rubbish behind (49 per cent)
Be rude to staff (43 per cent)
Seat hog with bags/personal items (41 per cent)
Put feet on seats (40 per cent)
Eat stinky food (37 per cent)
Block the aisle (34 per cent)
Kick the seat in front (34 per cent)
Vape (32 per cent)
TOP 10 TRAIN DOS
Offer your seat to someone who needs it more (64 per cent)
Use headphones (53 per cent)
Help people with a pram (52 per cent)
Help people struggling with luggage (51 per cent)
Keep bags off seats (51 per cent)
Respect personal space (44 per cent)
Let others off the train first (38 per cent)
Avoid pushing (37 per cent)
Keep your voice down – 36 per cent
Move so two people can sit together – 32 per cent
Throughout December, as a further treat, LNER customers who are signed up to loyalty scheme LNER Perks also have a chance to win a First Class trip for two in the scheme’s biggest giveaway yet with details on how to enter available on the LNER app.
David Flesher, of LNER added: “The new timetable from LNER, launching on December 14, marks one of the biggest and most exciting improvements to our East Coast services in recent years.
“With more trains, more seats, quicker journeys, and the opportunity for even more great value fares, the timetable is designed to give many customers greater flexibility and choice, during the festive season and beyond.
“We encourage everyone to explore the new timings for their trains, as most are changing, whether it’s an earlier train that makes your day easier, a quicker journey home, or simply a more comfortable way to travel with family and friends.”
