The five foods you should never eat on a train, according to etiquette expert William Hanson – and the three you can
AN ETIQUETTE expert has revealed the five foods passengers shouldn’t eat on a train – and the three slightly more unusual choices that you can get away with.
Food and drink is certainly required for long train journeys but some items are off limits, according to one etiquette expert.
The TikTok famous etiquette expert has partnered with Trainline to release Mind The Manners: A Guide to Train Etiquette.
His new guide details exactly how passengers should travel by train to make those around them more comfortable.
One way to help improve the journey for other passengers is to avoid eating smelly food.
Research from Trainline found that 28 per cent of passengers were frustrated by people eating food loudly or food that smells.
In an exclusive interview with Sun Online Travel, William Hanson revealed the food items passengers should avoid bringing onto a train.
He told Sun Online Travel: “Most train journeys are long train journeys, so passengers will most likely bring their own food onboard.”
“People eating food loudly or eating smelly food is a big no no, you certainly don’t want to be eating things like a lamb balti, fish, boiled eggs, pungent cheeses or any citrus fruits.”
As a rule, William encouraged passengers to avoid eating anything too aromatic on train journeys.
Any passenger who does fancy a slice of cheese, should eat blocks like Red Leicester, cheddar and mozzarella.
This is because these cheeses won’t pong out the carriage, which makes them fine to eat according to the etiquette expert.
Other suitable foods include the “humble sandwich” – as long as the filling doesn’t smell – and other non-offensive foods like a salad.
Those holidaymakers who are travelling by train and checking in to a hotel will be relieved to know that William has previously revealed how to nab a cheap upgrade.
He told Sun Online Travel: “You can ask the hotel staff at check-in as an option, but you’re unlikely to get the best room for free.”
William warned of disappointment as the cheeky request is likely to be declined – and for a good reason.
He said: “The upgraded room might require more housekeeping staff to clean and maintain the room, which may mean the hotel would running at a loss if they gave a free upgrade.”
Never take these items from your hotel room
AT the end of last year, William Hanson went viral on TikTok when he revealed the five items holidaymakers should never take from their rooms.
He told his followers that items like the mugs, cup and saucers, drinking glasses, pillows and robes were off limits.
Meanwhile, smaller, travel size, items like the dental kit, the shaving kit, any miniatures of shampoo or body wash are fine to be taken away.
Instead of angling for a free stay, William explained that the best way to move into a better room, whether that be a sea view or a room with a balcony, is to ask for an on-the-day upgrade.
He added: “Ask to upgrade on the day because you might only be charged €20 per night instead of €50 per night a few days ago.”
“While I wouldn’t ask for a free upgrade, if you get an upgrade on the off-chance that’s very different.”
It has been known for hotel staff to bump up holidaymakers if the hotel is running at a low capacity, but that’s not guaranteed.
HOTEL ETIQUETTE REVEALED
Once you’ve checked into the hotel, William had some advice for holidaymakers looking to be favoured by employees during their stay.
Please and thank you aside, he said: “Eye contact is key along with a genuine smile, and the appreciation of the work they are doing.
“One of my big bug bares is people on the phone when hotel staff come to the table.
“If a server comes up to your table, put the phone down and give them the attention.”
He emphasised the importance of keeping off handsets when communicating with any staff member.
Ask to upgrade on the day
Try and use names where possible too, William said: “Write down their names on your phone.For example, the blonde waiter is called William.
“And then make sure to use their name when you’re talking to them because they are a person too.”
While these tips won’t guarantee an upgrade, you might make someone’s day.
Avoid dining at the breakfast table in your in your pyjamas.
William Hanson told the Sun Online Travel who he believed should get the armrest on the plane.