Page 10 | People on their own sitting at a table on a train

Theelephantinthecastle · 2023-02-15T11:59:57+00:00

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?

MrsHamlet · 15/02/2023 17:53

I've got a pile of marking to do

SleepingStandingUp · 15/02/2023 17:55

Theelephantinthecastle · 15/02/2023 15:19

I don't understand what the rearranging comment is about.

I expect to be able to use the table if I have joined someone - obviously they can use their 1/4 of it.

My kids are both under 6, so I am not going to seat either of them separately from me unless there is no other option. I certainly wouldn't do it so that someone else gets to have two seats to themselves.

I make efforts to keep the kids quiet on trains generally but particularly when sharing a table.

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Well as I wasn't relying to you, you don't need to understand or take umbrage with when I said.

MissMarplesbag · 15/02/2023 18:01

I booked a table with my 2 kids to find a couple and their 2 dogs occupying it instead. The woman gave me filthy looks when I showed her my reserved tickets. She told me to sit elsewhere so I said would you like me to get the train manager. Then her husband told her to shut up and move 😂

thedogsmababy · 15/02/2023 18:03

Topsyturvy78 · 15/02/2023 17:41

Yes they were in other seats a few seats back. We struggled to get two seats together and each child needs a carer with them. Son was a runner daughter has epilepsy but they both can sit too close to strangers. I had sat at the table let my auntie know there was a table so there was me and son sat down already. Auntie and daughter were just coming to join us literally behind us but someone else got there first. So am I expected to sit opposite this stranger even though we were sat at the table first. I just said I'm sorry but there's four of us. I got the table so the four of us traveling together could sit together for the first time on our journey. Do I really need to spell it out?

Someone else got there first though?

Topsyturvy78 · 15/02/2023 18:03

So your saying a mum with young children should have to sit on two seats between the three of us? The other choice is I sit them in two seats and I stand. They have special needs so can't sit alone. So your table is the only one with 3 seats together and there's 3 of us we need 3 seats. You say single people get slated. What about single parents through no fault of my own. I'm single because they're dad died ok.

AaaaaandBreathe · 15/02/2023 18:04

SybilWrites · 15/02/2023 15:13

I'd be pissed off if a family joined me on a table of 4. I wouldn't mind a grown up, but snacking, bickering, children - I have enough of those of my own.

And no, I wouldn't give up a space for a family if I'd booked it. (I might if it was a mother with twin toddlers possibly).

I do find parents with young children are often really entitled though - maybe I was the same when mine were young - but you're not entitled to any space any more than I am I'm afraid. (and don't get me started on bowling down the pavement at me on scooters while mum looks on adoringly). .

But you're the one acting entitled. No one said you couldn't have a seat, you're saying families can't. One seat per person, all entitled to their one seat equally.

Topsyturvy78 · 15/02/2023 18:08

Did I not explain enough no they weren't pissin sat there first. We me and my son had sat in the two seats on one side first. As far as I'm concerned it's ours. You can't tell me he never heard me shout oh there's a table. But he obviously thought he would try. I sat there for no other reason than to sit together. It's bad manners for someone to come along and sit there and split the four of us up when we want to sit together. Ok FFS.

SinnerBoy · 15/02/2023 18:08

MissMarplesbag · Today 18:01

I booked a table with my 2 kids to find a couple and their 2 dogs occupying it instead.

I had that (travelling alone) about 20 years ago, Newcastle to London. Two obnoxious couples got really nasty with me, so I asked the conductor to shift them, but he shrugged and said he couldn't do anything. He told me to find another seat.

There weren't any at all, so I went and sat in 1st Class. He came up and told me to move and I refused. He said he'd get the Police at York, which I agreed with, as they could move the obnoxious tossers. Nothing came of it.

SinnerBoy · 15/02/2023 18:10

Topsyturvy78 · Today 18:08

Did I not explain enough no they weren't pissin sat there first.

If I sat down at a table with two empty seats and you told me you were there with your family / someone's sitting here, I'd move without questioning it!

Seymour5 · 15/02/2023 18:11

Theelephantinthecastle · 15/02/2023 15:07

I totally get that. That's kinda my point - if I am on my own, I wouldn't sit at a table to avoid sharing with a family.

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I pick an airline seat when I’m on my own. Families and other groups are welcome to the table seats. Fortunately I don’t need to work when I’m travelling. Far more annoying, IMO, (and in others, judging by comments) is the lack of quiet in the so called quiet coach. Out of two long distance outgoing, and two returns, (four journeys) recently, only one was anywhere near quiet. Not children, but adults who should know better.

One man facetimed, loudly, for over an hour. Another man had a ridiculously loud ringtone that went off constantly.

Topsyturvy78 · 15/02/2023 18:12

Thank you that's my point exactly.

Topsyturvy78 · 15/02/2023 18:21

I'm pretty sure we were sat opposite Jeremy Corbyn once he was on a laptop. The train was packed. There was a hen and stag do on. I sat my disabled daughter down and and stood next to her for 20 minuits. Someone eventually asked why I was standing when there's seats. Told them she needs a carer there was no spare seats next to or even opposite and she needs a carer at all times. So they offered to let us sit in they're seats opposite who looked like JC Honestly if I'm doing a long journey again I'll be using her PIP to pay first class.

larchforest · 15/02/2023 18:24

FadoFado · 15/02/2023 13:58

of course they do. They have the right to choose A seat.

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Yes. As well as choosing A seat, they are also entirely at liberty to choose A seat with A table if they want to.

People with children do not automatically get first dibs.

thedogsmababy · 15/02/2023 18:38

Topsyturvy78 · 15/02/2023 18:03

So your saying a mum with young children should have to sit on two seats between the three of us? The other choice is I sit them in two seats and I stand. They have special needs so can't sit alone. So your table is the only one with 3 seats together and there's 3 of us we need 3 seats. You say single people get slated. What about single parents through no fault of my own. I'm single because they're dad died ok.

I'm a single parent. Or I was. My kids are adults. Two are disabled.

If I saw a seat at a table that was empty - and given that I'm disabled - I'd sit in it.

I'm sorry you were widowed.

FadoFado · 15/02/2023 18:40

larchforest · 15/02/2023 18:24

Yes. As well as choosing A seat, they are also entirely at liberty to choose A seat with A table if they want to.

People with children do not automatically get first dibs.

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Who said people with children automatically get first dibs?

Are you one of those people who gets their knickers in a knot over something the OP hasn't even been said? Common breed on MN.

tillyandmilly · 15/02/2023 18:42

I don’t mind your family joining me as long as your kids are well behaved!

XenoBitch · 15/02/2023 18:45

Weird thread. She may have wanted the leg space that comes with the table, or wanted to use the table to do things on, or just wanted something other than the back of seat in front of her face. She may have had a reserved seat that happened to be on a table.

I can't remember if it was MN or FB, but I read about someone who was asked to move from a table seat by a mum, so she could sit there with her 3 kids. Bit bloody entitled.

Topsyturvy78 · 15/02/2023 18:46

Well they should at least be considered if they're young children and obviously can't sit alone. Or older children and adults with carers who have learning needs. At least adults on they're own can sit in one seat that's spare not having to worry being able to prevent they're child being abducted and /or assaulted. Which they are vulnerable to sat next to a stranger

XenoBitch · 15/02/2023 18:49

Topsyturvy78 · 15/02/2023 18:46

Well they should at least be considered if they're young children and obviously can't sit alone. Or older children and adults with carers who have learning needs. At least adults on they're own can sit in one seat that's spare not having to worry being able to prevent they're child being abducted and /or assaulted. Which they are vulnerable to sat next to a stranger

Then they should book in advance to make sure they are sat together.

SleepingStandingUp · 15/02/2023 19:06

Topsyturvy78 · 15/02/2023 18:03

So your saying a mum with young children should have to sit on two seats between the three of us? The other choice is I sit them in two seats and I stand. They have special needs so can't sit alone. So your table is the only one with 3 seats together and there's 3 of us we need 3 seats. You say single people get slated. What about single parents through no fault of my own. I'm single because they're dad died ok.

I've looked back Tipsy but you've not said what he said when you explained there was four of you?

thedogsmababy · 15/02/2023 19:29

Topsyturvy78 · 15/02/2023 18:46

Well they should at least be considered if they're young children and obviously can't sit alone. Or older children and adults with carers who have learning needs. At least adults on they're own can sit in one seat that's spare not having to worry being able to prevent they're child being abducted and /or assaulted. Which they are vulnerable to sat next to a stranger

Book seats together then.

You were with your aunt. Can't your aunt have sat with one child and you with the other?

I physically can't manage in the airline style seats. It is very painful for me and I can't easily get in and out.

If the seat at the table isn't reserved, I'm as entitled to it as anyone else and if it's not occupied - im going to sit in it.

ConnieSaks · 15/02/2023 19:46

She took a call on speaker?! Outrageous behaviour! Anyone does that next to me then be warned I start singing ‘Tie a yellow ribbon’ and ask them to join in (telling them I’m mad I am - too right I’m mad at them!) - if they complain I say I’m willing to shut the fuck up if they do too! So far it’s worked - and glorious silence is restored - people are unbelievable (and I hate them!).

I would never sit on a table seat if I was on my own though!

manicthursday · 15/02/2023 21:40

Late to this thread and maybe it's a ScotRail issue but I am often forced to sit at a table alone when I would much rather hide in an airline style double seat because I have an old phone and I need a charging point. These are only at the tables. Used to have the same issue on the west coast main line. Put sockets/USB points everywhere and I bet this would be less of an issue.

sunshineandstrawberryjam · 15/02/2023 22:03

@manicthursday - same. I'll usually book a table seat if I can because it means I can charge my phone, which, you know, is pretty useful when I'm stuck on the train for 5 hours.

Topsyturvy78 · 15/02/2023 22:29

If it's a short journey you don't have that option. Only for longer journeys and have to be booked in advance. There was a pregnant lady a few years ago with her two children. An elderly couple had sat in two of they're seats and refused to move. So even if you do book there's no guarantee. But if there is no other seats available I wouldn't expect an elderly couple to move. They got moved to first class btw.