- William Hanson has clarified the do’s and don’ts in his book Just Good Manners.
- Which of their rules do you think is the most important? Vote in our poll…
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Foreign tourists in London (and visitors from other parts of the UK) have been misusing the city’s underground rail system.
But it is understandable, since none of the “rules” of using the London Underground (or “Tube”) have been formally written down.
Until now.
Etiquette expert William Hanson has clarified the do’s and don’ts in his new book, Just Good Manners, warning that those who don’t follow them risk experiencing “the chilling wrath of a British idiot”.
William begins by explaining that the first sign of a newbie is to “wait for the entry barriers to close before touching your payment card to the Oyster pad.” This, he says, is an inconvenience for passengers behind.
Etiquette expert William Hanson has clarified the do’s and don’ts of using the London Underground in his new book, Just Good Manners. Above: Westminster station on the Circle/District line
Merlin of Manners: William Hanson
“Be a pro and know that as long as the LED turns orange, you’ll be able to play, regardless of the position of the barriers,” says William.
The next thing, says the Duke of Decorum, is to strictly observe the rule posted on the escalators: “stand on the right, walk on the left.”
“If you don’t, you will be considered a level below that of a serial killer,” William warns.
Once on board, “only talk to people you know in a low voice,” William stresses.
But don’t talk at all if you are “pressured against others.”
Hungry? Extreme caution should be taken when eating on the subway.
“Only make eye contact with people you don’t know if there’s any minor drama,” says William.
William’s new book, Just Good Manners (Penguin Random House), is now available
William says: ‘Don’t eat anything that smells bad. Ideally, nothing larger or more potent than a breath mint.
How about eye contact?
“Only make eye contact with people you don’t know if there’s any minor drama,” says William, like “an over-the-top busker, a drunk, or an argument between other passengers.”
He adds: “Unless such a case occurs, the ground, the telephone and advertisements about sending money abroad are the only acceptable places to look.”
Any other advice?
Yeah.
Music, videos and podcasts “can only be enjoyed with headphones.”
And during busy periods, William says, “watch your luggage.”
He explains: ‘Backpacks should be carried in front of you, rather than conventionally carried, and bags should not be placed on empty seats. Place it on your lap or on the floor.
And finally, “stopping the doors from closing so your friend can reach you and join you doesn’t make you a hero, it makes you an idiot of the highest order.”
“There’s usually always a train behind the one you’re holding up with your kamikaze routine,” William says.
For more information about Mr. Hanson, visit his tiktok and instagram profiles.
Just Good Manners: A Quintessential Guide to Courtesy, Charm, Grace, and Decorum (Random Penguin House), is now available. It is advertised as “a witty and authoritative guide to British etiquette.”