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?

Are you trolling?

That's understandable for you but I can't imagine that everyone talking about leg room has a disability that means a table seat is easier. I still think that the majority of people enjoying the extra leg room are probably taking up some of the leg room of the people opposite.

The aisle seat on the left would still mean your right leg could be in the aisle so I can't picture what you mean really.

too many people with public transport budgets but private jet levels of entitlement.

When I book solo train trips I often find the booking system has automatically put me at an empty table, which could have easily have been left free for a group. I always change it to an airline style seat because I check when I make the booking, but it's an annoying default.

What?!

I'd sit on the table just to piss you off OP, you sound a right pain in the arse.

prime example

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.

Are you trying to sound like a bit of a cunt?

She obviously wanted peace and quiet to get some work done and assumed with your arrival that was out of the window. I don't blame her for feeling irritated, natural reaction. Her mistake was to let her thoughts show on her face as that was rude.

Literally can't work in the airline seats, the angle of the seat in front means I can't open my laptop screen to vertical. So no choice but to sit at a table if I want to work, and on any journey over 30 mins I'm going to want to work.

Pretty poor reading comprehension being displayed here. OBVIOUSLY the point being made isnt regarding single people sitting at a table - it’s about how some people huff and puff and give evil looks when others have the temerity to sit next to/opposite them.

I like a table seat, the airline ones seem claustrophobic to me. I don’t mind if people sit there too I usually have AirPods in anyway.

Since when did sitting at a table on public transport make it your table? That's bizarre!
Different in a cafe perhaps where it would be weird for someone to impose on another's table, but a train is public transport. Unless you've reserved a seat your ticket doesn't even give you the right to expect to get a seat at all, let alone an entire table to yourself.
I frequently travel alone on the train, I usually get a table (early morning commute) so I can work, but I fully expect up to 3 other people to take the surrounding seats, because they have as much right to be there as anyone else.
I also like going to cafes alone. I don't have a chip on my shoulder about being treated differently because I happen to be alone.

OP YANBU.

@GonnaGetGoingReturns exactly. Can you imagine the level of entitlement. I get a big table so kids can spread out.

Some people are dicks. A table is to be shared

People travelling on their own have as much right as anyone else to sit where they choose.

I have been informed earlier on this thread that it is not a nice thing to give up space for a family as apparently it suggests they are entitled to it. So I am trying to get the lingo right.

Not sure what to call it when I help an old lady with her luggage. Total bitch move probably

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

@ancientgran what do you want the aisle seat on the left?

I have to face forward or I puke.

So I sit on the outside right seat facing forward?

It’s also unreasonable to expect folk to swap seats, been asked from inside window seat for folk working, def a no!!
And your laptop or whatever taking too much of the table up, yes I want to eat and drink in peace and not hear your work calls.
Luggage and bags DO NOT warrant a seat either, if you want first class treatment pay for it

Why is everyone acting like OP thinks she's entitled to the table seat?

READ THE FUCKING ORIGINAL POST.

She wants to know why people sit at a table and then THEY look annoyed that the other seats are then chosen to be sat in.

And to think, you idiots are allowed to vote.....

Calm down dear. OP's subsequent posts have suggested that tables are more suitable for families, with comments such as 'I would move for a family as I think it's a nice thing to do'. That's what other people are commenting on. I'm not sure if you're aware, but posts do have a tendency to evolve.

Totally agree with Seasonofthewitch83 some of the posts on this thread are just stupid - god forbid that the Op is nice and is willing to move/give up a seat because she wants to not because people expect it, And god help us from people working and on loud speaker but that is a whole different thread!

The thing that surprises me with public transport, is that even though it is public, some people seem to want and expect to be treated as the only users. That means they think it’s okay to put bags on empty seats and only resentfully move them if asked, or are resentful at others joining them at a table.

They might be working on a laptop needing space, or wanting some peace and quiet, but no-one is entitled to those things on public transport and the others have as much right to be there as them. But the way some people behave suggests (often very obviously) that they find your presence annoying and resent it, and for whatever reason, feel you have no right to inconvenience them. Of course, it’s rude to huff and puff or to refuse to move a bag. The only conclusion is that it is rude and some people are entitled and selfish.

If you want purely your own space and not to have anyone else ‘invade’ it, do t use public transport. Travel by a different means.

I do it to work on my laptop. That said, if a family with kids sits down, I accept that as tough luck on me. I don't huff and complain about the kids disturbing me.