‘Bare beating’ and ‘double bagging’ are the most annoying commuter habits of 2025

As December 25 approaches, millions of Brits are gearing up for the Christmas train journey home.

To mark the occasion (and the launch of LNER’s new timetable, starting December 14), the rail operator has released new research on the most annoying commuter habits of 2025.

The study, which analysed over 2,000 people, was conducted in a bid to make journeys more comfortable for passengers.

David Flesher, Commercial Director at LNER, said: ‘Christmas is one of the busiest times on our route, and with so many people travelling to see friends and family, it’s no surprise that a few little habits can make a big difference to the journey.’

Intrigued as to which habits were deemed the most irritating?

Let’s find out. And if you’re guilty of any, here’s a warning ahead of your next train ride.

Bare beaters

‘Bare beaters’ took the top spots for the two most annoying commuter habits.

The term, coined by Metro, refers to the act of ‘letting the beats of your music or phone conversation ricochet throughout the carriage.’

Talking loudly on the phone was voted the most frustrating, with an overall score of 59%. Trailing behind with 53% were those who blare music or videos out loud without using their headphones.

People who do this in designated ‘quiet zones’ are the worst kind of bare beaters.

In case you didn’t know, Railway bylaws have actually forbidden this on trains. So, as well as getting on other passengers’ nerves, you’re also technically breaking the law, too.

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 bagging

‘Double baggers’ also made it onto the list.

Landing at number five, with 41% of respondents labelling the habit annoying, it describes people who leave their bags on empty seats next to them.

Granted, this isn’t a huge deal when the train is empty, as you can usually find a seat elsewhere. However, when a carriage is packed (typically during commuter times and rush hours), it’s the epitome of rude.

Double baggers, which is another perfectly innocent term from Metro‘s Travel Team, aren’t just found on trains, though.

They’re also rife on buses and tubes, and have boiled the blood of many TikTok and Reddit users.

Edgers

Just rounding off the list at number eight are ‘edgers,’ who scored an annoyance rating of 34%. These cheeky commuters will sit in the aisle seat, even though there’s a spare window seat, in an attempt to stop someone from sitting next to them.

Again, no biggie if it’s a quiet train. But when it’s busy — and the only available seat is said window one — edgers will actively avoid eye contact with you to block you from sitting down.

Withholding a seat isn’t the only thing edgers are responsible for, though. LNER’s research called these commuters aisle blockers, which also refers to people who stretch their legs or have their knees crossed in the communal aisle.

Metro has a name for these people, too: ‘Knee knockers.’

It’s the opposite of ‘manspreading’, which is when someone sits on public transport with their legs wide apart, taking up more room than needed.

Generally, it’s are more common on the Tube.

Take this testimony from Reddit: ‘Today the Tube was packed and the woman with her legs crossed kept tutting when people banged into them. People standing in the aisle, whilst she was sitting pretty with her legs crossed.’

Thankfully, not all commuters are bare beaters, double baggers, or edgers.

LNER’s study also revealed positive habits. Coming out on top were offering your seat to someone who needs it more (64%), using headphones (53%) and helping people with a pram (52%).

Well, we know who we need to avoid on our Christmas commute.