People on their own sitting at a table on a train

[Theelephantinthecastle]

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?

Table became free. She moved to the table with her son and thought she had "bagsied" the table. She indicated to the aunt and daughter sitting together to move to the table. Before they got there a man got on the train and perfectly reasonably sat there. She demanded he move.

I don't get the leg room issue. I think you only feel like you've got lots of leg room if you in the person opposites leg space.

It's easier to get in and up out of a table seat when my back and hip hurts. I can also lean on the table to relieve some of the pressure on my lower spine, stretch my legs and usually not be blocked in by somebody with a giant suitcase, as they'll put it on the table. The increased legroom also means that there's less chance of a tall bloke spreading his legs out into my personal space and further restricting my movement.

All very helpful when it's almost guaranteed that there's a bike or more suitcases large enough to have their own postcode taking up the disabled seats (and nobody particularly wants to sit right next to the toilet door if there's a table seat within reach of the door - assuming that isn't also blocked by suitcases, bikes and buggies). The way they're located tends to be with a full window view too, so I can stare out of the window rather than just see the back of the seat in front of me and if the majority of seats are pointing backwards, the table means I can face in the direction of travel, which I find more pleasant visually..

Having access to a charging point can also be handy if there is one on that particular service.

Having wriggling children, their games and snacks all around me isn't exactly my preferred mode of transport, but at least none have ever taken offence at my being there in the first place. I did take offence when a woman with a squealing brood decided they would come into first class and make use of the extra space to stage running and gymnastics competitions on the single occasion I did that, although seeing them booted out for not having a FC ticket made the peace and quiet after they had been ejected all the nicer.

I have one leg slightly in the aisle (I love it when people are passing obviously). It allows be to move my body in a way so that my other leg can get a bit lower down and stretch out more that if my knee was jammed into the seat in front.

I sit at a table and I love it when travelling on a train and a family joins. I once taught 2 under 10s hangman and Old Maid from Oxford to Glasgow. The mum bought me lunch and we chatted about Big Brother (it was yonks ago). It was great fun for us all (plus we watched each others stuff during toilet/bar breaks).

Much to the dismay of the teenagers travelling to school on the 08:10 from my local station. The train was packed and I received a look of disgust when I asked a girl to move her backpack off the only remaining seat so I could sit my old, uncool self down beside her

I meant ‘move it’ not love it. And I’m referring to the airplane style seats that are just 2.

I sit at a table so I can work. I’d rather be joined by fellow commuters looking to work quietly, rather than snacking children, if I’m honest.

I've never actually booked a seat on a train (don't tend to do long journeys), I just have never come across someone who expects to keep a full table to themselves! It has never occurred to me to mind someone sitting in a seat they are entitled to sit at. If I am alone at a table I would fully expect a family or group to also sit there. Why would 3 people travelling together sit in different seats when there are 3 seats together available?

But people still join you in airline seats? So you end up less comfortable, with less space

I'd choose the young child over the drunk anyday. Came home on an early evening train a couple of weeks ago. There were football (or maybe rugby) fans. All drunk, all rowdy, all swearing, all talking about their sex lives. Oh for a 4 year old and Peppa Pig.

I only sit at a table if I need to do a lot of typing for work on my laptop. Otherwise I tend to leave them for people or groups that need them more.

This. Tables are not only for the use of families. Many people need to work on trains.

Were your kids being noisy/moving around a lot?

It's fair enough for you to join someone at a table.

But it's also fair enough for them to be disgruntled if noisy kids sit with them.

HaHa last time that happened I asked once, repeated the question then picked up bag and dumped it on the floor. Cue lots of squealing and filthy language.I just stuck my head in my book and ignored.

would also personally move to accommodate a family group - I don't expect others to or ask them or anything but I think it's a nice thing to do so if I can, I will.

What?! Why? Do you think families should be prioritised over all other humans?

What if you needed the table to work on your laptop on a long journey?

I need to put my leg out in to the aisle (my right leg). I can't sit in the airline seat and do that as my leg is uncooperative

I'm disabled. I also have crutches.

If there was many other tables I'd be miffed you chose mine.
She might just not like children and wouldnt have minded if it was other adults sitting with her. Some people don't like children or assume they will be noisy as let's face it most children are whiney and annoying on trains and planes.

I am not that bothered about where I sit but it's easier for young children to sit with their parents. I also sometimes give up my seat entirely if someone elderly needs it. I don't think families are intrinsically more important, I just sometimes do a nice thing. Sorry very very bad horrible thing that makes other people feel bad about being single.

I don't have an issue working in an airline seat.

The real problem here is that on many trains, the airline-style seats are too cramped. I find this even as a small, able-bodied person so god knows what it is like for bigger/taller people or those with extra mobility needs. It's hard to cross your legs if you want to and the back of the seat in front you is right in your face. If you have the folding tray down you basically have to stay completely still.

When I'm on a train solo I'd always go for an airline style seat. I wouldn't sit at a table and get huffy if someone joined me.

Alas we no longer have trains in the Penine area so don’t need to worry about this.

I know right.

Annoying thing about trains is that you can't reserve an extra seat, if the seat is empty someone can sit in it. I checked as I wanted to book extra seats for my London to Scotland trip but was told even if I purchase another seat passengers can still sit in it.

I sit at one on my own but certainly don't expect to keep it to myself. I wouldn't not sit there.

I generally pick an airline seat if I can when travelling alone unless I want to use my laptop, in which case I have no choice (not enough space to use it comfortably in an airline seat).
Very unreasonable to expect a table to yourself though. If you want that then pay for First Class.