A first-class train passenger declined to give up her seat to an older woman. The internet praised her decision.
The woman had booked a first-class seat and paid extra for the upgrade to ensure she had a quiet, reserved seat to work during the long journey. An older passenger asked her to move, even though the woman was traveling on a crowded train.
She found that her seat was also a priority one. These seats are for those with mobility issues. The older woman still asked to sit there, even though she had noted that her seat was priority.
The traveler shared her story on Reddit, noting that the train ride lasts seven hours and first-class tickets in the UK can be costly. She needed space for work, so she splurged on a single seat, not facing anyone, to let her focus better.
She boarded the train in London, and the woman in her 60s challenged her, claiming that her assigned seat was marked “priority” for elderly or disabled passengers and wanted the seat because of her age.
Despite this, the first-class passenger stayed put, suggested the woman speak to staff since the train was full, and refused to move from her booked spot. A train guard tried to help, noting that the older woman had a ticket, however, she had not reserved a seat.
A ticket lets you travel, but without a reservation, a seat isn’t guaranteed and is given only if available. The guard offered standard class seats, but the first-class passenger refused again, needing her reserved seat, so eventually, the guard found the older woman a seat.
