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Original poster

People on their own sitting at a table on a train

273 replies

Theelephantinthecastle · 15/02/2023 11:59

Can anyone explain why they do this?

Just got on a train with my two kids - we joined a lady on her own at a table, she looks daggers at me. I realise it's not fun sharing a table with two young kids but why then sit at a table on your own? You are so much more likely to be joined by a family group! When I am on my own, I always prefer an airline style seat as I am much less likely to be joined by a family.

Is it just the triumph of optimism?

OP posts:
Corg · 15/02/2023 12:01

I sit on a table on my own on a train as I usually want to get some work done and I need a table for my laptop and usually a notebook. They don't fit on the airline tables. I fully accept I'm likely to be joined by a group, though.

Ted27 · 15/02/2023 12:02

I sit at a table because I like to have the table to use and usually more leg room
I don't care who else sits there

FiveGoMadInDorset · 15/02/2023 12:02

I sit at a table, it’s less claustrophobic

MaverickGooseGoose · 15/02/2023 12:03

Because my laptop doesnt fit on the shitty airline style tables.

MeganTheeScallion · 15/02/2023 12:03

I agree with you. It's fair enough sitting at a table on your own to enjoy the space and/or use the table - you can sit where you like, if it's available - but you can't expect no one else to sit there if they want to.

Original poster
Theelephantinthecastle · 15/02/2023 12:03

If you don't mind being joined, that's fine but the lady I joined absolutely did mind and the majority of the time I get huffed at for joining people when I have the kids with me.

OP posts:
gogohmm · 15/02/2023 12:03

I choose a table. I fully expect to share it (but hope it's not noisy children, I'm being honest!) It's very rare on my route to get families

MamaCanYouBuyMeABanana · 15/02/2023 12:03

I sit at a table when I'm on my own or with my kids because I like the extra space. I've joined other with my kids, and had others join me when I'm alone. Doesn't bother me either way.

Each to their own.

LynneBenfield · 15/02/2023 12:04

More space

CherieBabySpliffUp · 15/02/2023 12:04

Because if it's a long journey and I'm able to book a seat at a table I will 🤷‍♀️

ChaToilLeam · 15/02/2023 12:04

It gives you more space. I fully accept you will be more likely to have company though!

SquigglePigs · 15/02/2023 12:04

I do if I need to work on the train as it's the only way my laptop will fit. I don't mind if people join me as I just put ear phones in anyway. She's being rude to huff or glare at you.

Clymene · 15/02/2023 12:04

Because I'm working

Notsa · 15/02/2023 12:05

I always sit at a table on my own because I need to work on the train. I always expect the other seats to be occupied though.

MeganTheeScallion · 15/02/2023 12:05

The issue isn't a single person sat at a table seat tho, it's their unreasonable reaction to being joined by others who also want to make use of it.

Snailsaresweet · 15/02/2023 12:05

I do this sometimes, when I want to work - there's never enough space for a laptop and additional papers on those tiny back of seat tables. But I tend to do so on trains which are likely to fill up with commuters, not families. If I was aware it was half-term, I'd be heading for an airline type seat in the quiet carriage!

MeganTheeScallion · 15/02/2023 12:06

I had no idea I felt so passionately about this topic 🤣

pawz · 15/02/2023 12:06

Because I'm tall and a normal seat is really uncomfortable for my legs.

I don't expect to not be joined though! Well behaved children wouldn't be a problem.

Twentywisteria · 15/02/2023 12:06

Tables aren't reserved for children/families. Lots of people like to sit at them.

I assume your kids were being noisy and that's what pissed her off.

Bansheed · 15/02/2023 12:06

It would be nice, if you plan to work on public transport, that you can. But you have to accept that Joe Public will be there and you cannot take up an entire table. That is just the nature of train travel

Corg · 15/02/2023 12:07

I have noise cancelling headphones in every handbag, laptop bag and charger cable bag for this precise reason. And I also always book the quiet carriage but there's some sadist at the Train Line who makes a point of booking family groups into the quiet carriage without warning them first. Which is grim for everyone...

Original poster
Theelephantinthecastle · 15/02/2023 12:08

Twentywisteria · 15/02/2023 12:06

Tables aren't reserved for children/families. Lots of people like to sit at them.

I assume your kids were being noisy and that's what pissed her off.

No. She was annoyed before we even sat down. She is now conducting a phone call on speaker while my kids (are quietly watching a film with headphones)

OP posts:
gogohmm · 15/02/2023 12:08

The only time I was pretty fed up was when I deliberately booked the quiet carriage and a family joined my table, whipped out tablets for the 3 kids (adults sat further down the carriage, and didn't disable the sound! Buy headphones for your children! Also they demanded I switched seats, I had booked an aisle seat, so their child could get in and out. Note they had prebooked this arrangement.

MyriadOfTravels · 15/02/2023 12:10

I do my best to avoid any table!!

BUT many times, this is wat the train company 'offered' me when I booked my ticket (despite clearly staing I did NOT want a table). And when I went in the train, there was still many seats available.
Cant win.

caringcarer · 15/02/2023 12:10

I'd much rather sit at a table, less claustrophobic. I prefer sitting by the window too and DC sits in aisl seat. I don't care if others use the table. I would expect them too. I don't think people with children should expect others not to want table too though.