Readers have responded to a recent guide on travel etiquette, challenging some advice and adding their own pet peeves. Helen Walker from London disputes the suggestion that passengers should stop offering seats to women, citing hidden health conditions like menstruation, early pregnancy, and endometriosis. She urges gentlemen to continue offering seats, as women often endure routine pain and discomfort.
Seat Offers: A Matter of Health and Kindness
Walker argues that women may be menstruating, in the exhausting first trimester of pregnancy, or suffering from conditions like endometriosis, which causes excruciating pain. She notes that while men can have specific ailments, these are not as pervasive, and a simple act of kindness can make a difference.
In contrast, Paul Wesley from Totnes, Devon, shares a positive experience: during a three-day visit to London, he was repeatedly offered seats, which made him feel cared for rather than old. The 80-year-old, who is six-foot and healthy, appreciates the politeness, noting that Londoners already excel in courtesy.
Sniffing and Snorting: A Nasal Nuisance
Judith Milburn from Hartlepool adds a new annoyance: constant sniffing and snorting on public transport. She finds it nauseating and wishes handkerchiefs and tissues would make a comeback. Without headphones, she resorts to blocking her ears, though she hasn't yet confronted a culprit.
Milburn's comment highlights a broader issue of public hygiene and consideration, which many travellers can relate to.
Backpacks on Crowded Buses: A Simple Rule
Peter Antolik from London points out a major bugbear: passengers keeping backpacks on in crowded spaces. He explains that this reduces available space and causes accidental bumps, making it difficult for others to board. His simple rule: always take the backpack off and place it at your feet.
Antolik also suggests that the etiquette guide could have included advice on intervening in harassment situations, reflecting the times. He acknowledges his middle-aged grumpiness but stands by his practicality.
Modern Etiquette Reflections
The letters show that travel etiquette is a personal and evolving topic. While some advise against seat offers, others see them as essential kindness. The guide, published on 4 August, aimed to cover 36 tricky situations, but readers have expanded the conversation.
As public transport becomes more crowded, these discussions highlight the need for mutual respect and awareness, from offering seats to managing personal space.
