The festive rush has descended upon Britain's railways, bringing with it a wave of travel chaos largely blamed on a single, infuriating passenger habit. As millions cram onto services to reach loved ones for Christmas, a phenomenon dubbed 'bulge blocking' is making journeys a nightmare for commuters across the country.
What is 'Bulge Blocking' and Why is it a Problem?
Coined by the Metro Travel Team, the term 'bulge blocking' describes passengers boarding trains with excessive amounts of luggage. This typically includes oversized suitcases and bulging shopping bags filled with last-minute gifts and party outfits. The result is blocked aisles, obstructed seats, and difficulty for others to board, not to mention the hogging of limited luggage racks.
The issue has sparked widespread anger on social media platforms. On TikTok, one traveller posted a video showing themselves precariously balanced against a rack because aisles were impassable. 'Train journeys are not great these days,' they lamented. Over on Reddit, frustration simmers in dedicated threads, with one user sarcastically noting: 'The guard will give you a monumental b******ing if you block the aisle, particularly if there’s trolley service.'
Accessibility Concerns and a Defence from a 'Bulge Blocker'
The problem has serious implications for accessibility. Wheelchair user Eliza highlighted the issue in a viral TikTok video, showing luggage improperly stored in the designated wheelchair space. Her post ignited a conversation, with one commenter stating sharply: 'What part of “it’s in the wheelchair section and needs to be moved” do people not understand?!'
However, not everyone sees themselves as the villain. Metro’s Sarah Bradbury admitted to being a 'bulge blocker' on her journey from London Paddington to Didcot Parkway on December 23, 2025, carrying two heavy suitcases and bags. She explained her need to transport gifts, pleading for seasonal understanding. 'Yes, it’s a nightmare... but what would be better is people actually remembering that it’s Christmas, and leaving the ‘tutting’ and eye rolls at home,' she said.
What Are the Solutions and Rules?
From a passenger perspective, the primary advice is to pack sensibly and consider whether all items are necessary. The golden rule of treating others as you wish to be treated applies strongly on crowded carriages.
Rail companies are also taking note. Last year, Great Western Railway (GWR) introduced airline-style luggage guidance for the festive period, urging travellers to bring 'sensible-sized' suitcases. A GWR spokesperson said the move was a response to seeing 'more and more people struggling... with unwieldy, super-sized luggage'.
Officially, the National Rail Conditions of Travel typically allows three items of luggage per passenger at no extra cost, provided you can carry and store them yourself. However, operators like Lumo enforce strict dimension limits, while GWR emphasises space is only guaranteed for standard-sized bags up to 25 x 40 x 75 cm.
As the holiday exodus continues, the plea from both fellow passengers and operators is clear: plan ahead, pack light, and be considerate to ensure everyone gets home for Christmas safely and with minimal grief.
