Stuck on the 7:15 express because someone's bag took a seat

So I'm on the morning train into Chicago, packed like always. This dude in a suit has his giant backpack on the seat next to him, just scrolling on his phone. The conductor comes through, points right at it and says, 'That needs to go on your lap or the floor, sir.' The guy just nods but doesn't move it. Three stops later, people are standing in the aisle glaring at this empty seat. I finally leaned over and said, 'Hey man, people need to sit.' He gave me this annoyed look but moved it. The whole car felt tense for the next 10 minutes. Why do people think that's okay during rush hour? What's the most ridiculous thing you've seen someone try to claim a seat with?

3 comments

3 Comments

jake3771mo ago

Ever notice how some folks act like a backpack is a paid passenger? I've found the best move is to stand right next to them and ask directly, "Is this seat taken?" while looking at the bag. It forces a clear answer. If they say no, you just wait silently for them to move it. The public pressure usually works. The worst I saw was a guy using a single, dry-cleaned shirt on a hanger to save a whole seat.

thea7041mo ago

Totally agree, that direct question works every time. Saw someone use a half empty coffee cup to save a seat on a packed train once. What's the weirdest thing you've seen someone use?

the_wyatt1mo ago

Oh man, that dry-cleaned shirt takes the cake. I do the exact same thing, just point at the bag and ask. Works like a charm. One time this person had a whole grocery bag of oranges saving a seat, and @thea704 is right, you just have to ask. They mumbled something but moved it. The silent wait after they say no is key, makes them actually do the work.