Top 10 Annoying Commuter Habits of 2025 Exposed

As the holiday season approaches, millions of Brits are preparing for their annual Christmas train journey home. This year, the excitement is heightened by the launch of LNER’s new timetable, which begins on December 14. To coincide with this change, the rail operator has released a study highlighting the most annoying commuter habits of 2025. The research, based on responses from over 2,000 people, aims to identify behaviors that make train travel uncomfortable and suggest ways to improve the experience.

David Flesher, Commercial Director at LNER, commented: “Christmas is one of the busiest times on our routes, and with so many people traveling to see friends and family, it’s no surprise that small habits can have a big impact on the journey.”

If you're planning to take a train this season, here are some of the most irritating habits that passengers should avoid:

Bare Beaters

The term "bare beaters" refers to individuals who let the sounds of their music or phone conversations echo throughout the carriage. According to the study, talking loudly on the phone was ranked as the most frustrating habit, with 59% of respondents finding it annoying. Blaring music or videos without using headphones came in second, with 53% of participants expressing frustration.

People who engage in this behavior in designated quiet zones are considered the worst offenders. In fact, railway bylaws explicitly prohibit this activity. The government website states: “Except with written permission from an operator, no person on the railway shall, to the annoyance of any person, sing or use any instrument, article or equipment for the production or reproduction of sound.”

Double Baggers

Another common annoyance is "double bagging," where travelers leave their bags on empty seats next to them. While this may not be a major issue on an empty train, it becomes particularly problematic during rush hours when carriages are packed. This behavior, which is also prevalent on buses and tubes, has frustrated many users on social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit.

Edgers

At number eight on the list of most annoying habits are "edgers," commuters who choose aisle seats even when window seats are available. This is often done to prevent others from sitting next to them. On busy trains, this behavior can lead to conflicts, especially when the only available seat is the window one. Edgers are also known as "aisle blockers" due to their tendency to stretch their legs or cross their knees in the communal aisle, making it difficult for others to move.

This behavior is sometimes referred to as "knee knockers," the opposite of "manspreading." While manspreading involves taking up more space with legs, knee knockers block the aisle by crossing their legs. This issue is more commonly reported on the Tube.

Positive Habits

Not all commuters exhibit these negative behaviors. LNER’s study also highlighted positive habits that contribute to a more pleasant travel experience. Offering your seat to someone in need was the top positive behavior, with 64% of respondents appreciating it. Using headphones (53%) and helping those with prams (52%) were also highly praised.

Top 10 Worst Travel Habits

Based on the research, the top 10 worst travel habits include:

• Talking loudly on the phone – 59%
• Blaring music or videos out loud – 53%
• Leaving rubbish behind – 49%
• Being rude to staff – 43%
• Seat hogging with bags/personal items – 41%
• Putting feet on seats – 40%
• Eating stinky food – 37%
• Blocking the aisle – 34%
• Kicking the seat in front – 34%
• Vaping – 32%

As the holiday season approaches, it's important to be mindful of these behaviors and strive to make train travel a more enjoyable experience for everyone.