LIRR seating etiquette question

I had the most bizarre commute this AM. I took an express train that starts in my town. Get on the train-there are maybe 4 other people in the whole car. I sit in a 2 seater. This woman comes by and sits-right next to me. I look around-the car is totally empty(4 people). I'm thinking WTH? So I wait for her to get comfy and then I say excuse me and I move.

The train gets to the 3rd town, last stop before Penn. Again-the car is still fairly empty. A woman gets on and sits right next to me. Mind you, the 3 seater directly next to me is completely empty, as is the 2 seater directly behind me! Again I wait till she gets settled and I say excuse me and move.

Is it just me or is that bad seat etiquette? I totally would understand it if the car is full, but it wasn't. I have only been using the LIRR for 3 months and I thought I had it figured out-I guess not

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

I guess these people are figuring they would sit with you, who looks clean and professional, then have some weirdo join them in a seat.

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

I'm with you. I am a big fan of personal space. I would never sit next to someone unless there was no other choice and even then I usually choose to stand half the time.

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

That's strange. I always prefer to sit by myself than with someone esp. if it's a two-seater.

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

Posted by kimbalina

I guess these people are figuring they would sit with you, who looks clean and professional, then have some weirdo join them in a seat.

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

I agree that it is strange! if there are empty seats, there is no reason to sit RIGHT next to someone else. I could see if you were in a 3 seater by the window and someone sat in the aisle seat but right next to you? yeah definitely bizarre.

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

I'm sorry, but this is something that makes me absolutely nuts. It happens to me all the time. I really dont understand people...I truly feel like its an invasion of my personal space.

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

Was your seat in a primo location? (like near the exit?) That would be the only thing I could think of...

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

I think that is weird and would not like it.

Just a little advice for future trips, I took LIRR for 8 years and I would always sit by the window in a three seater. I found that the middle seat of the three seater is the last spot that most people take and you have more of a chance of having an empty seat next to you.

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

Maybe its your perfume. Kidding. That IS strange. I take the LIRR also, and always scramble to find a seat away from people. If i sit next to someone its a last resort. I don't understand people sometimes?!?!?

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

That is strange. Does the train get crowded? If it does - maybe they figured they'd be sitting next to someone anyway so might as well choose who it is before it's chosen for them.

I also hate it on the ride home when people start getting off and the people next to you don't move over to empty seats (especially when you are in a three seater that's full).

I also agree with the PP - the three seaters at the window are my favorite place to sit!

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

That would annoy me to death! You never sit right next to someone if you don't have to.

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

that is weird.

Today I sat in the seat that is right by the conductor space at the smaller end of the train car.

It was an express but there were other seats.

There was a guy who was following me going through the train to find seats and he was directly in back of me. I spied that the seat wasn't taken and those seats are really cramped for 2 people. I would never sit in that seat if I saw someone else there already. just too cramped. I sat down and he sat down next to me. His azz was butt up against me. He was also reading the Times...come on Jack, sit somewhere else.

I was trapped against the cold wall of that train. I closed my eyes and tried to suspend reality.

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

Weird!
That's like bathroom etiquette to me.....if I'm in there and ALL other stalls are empty...WHY do you choose to go in the one right next to me?? I find that to be annoying as well

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

Very odd. Similar to my train ride last night. It was a 2 facing 2. The train was empty and a woman was already sitting in one of the window seats. A very tall woman gets on (the doors were just closing) and sits right opposite this woman...bumping knees and all. The original woman' once the train got moving stood up and said no need for us both to be cramped. I guess I'LL be the one to move over." I silently aggreed with her!

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

Bottom line: that is just plain ODD!

I always go out of my way to give everyone their personal space as I like mine - only if I absolutely have to do I sit down RIGHT next to someone. I mean, those seats on the LIRR are not very generous -- when you sit next to someone your shoulder and theirs are practically touching!

Re: LIRR seating etiquette question

Posted by DPerotti

Weird!
That's like bathroom etiquette to me.....if I'm in there and ALL other stalls are empty...WHY do you choose to go in the one right next to me?? I find that to be annoying as well