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Woman Pays A Lot Of Money For A Comfortable Seat On The Train, Elderly Woman Wants Her To Move
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Woman Pays A Lot Of Money For A Comfortable Seat On The Train, Elderly Woman Wants Her To Move

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Having a nice seat during a long journey where you can feel comfortable often feels like winning the lottery. So it’s no surprise that some people decide to treat themselves and book one in advance. Which is exactly what Reddit user Optimal_Promotion did when she had a 7-hour trip in the United Kingdom.

However, when she got on the train, it turns out that the operator had sold her a priority seat that is usually reserved for people with special needs. So when an elderly lady started demanding the traveler give it up, she found herself facing a tough decision.

Unsure about the way she handled the situation, Optimal_Promotion reached out to the online community ‘Am I the [Jerk]?‘, asking them to evaluate her actions. Here’s what she wrote.

This woman booked a first-class train seat, but the operator gave her a priority one, which is usually reserved for people with special needs

Image credits: Lucía Régules (not the actual photo)

So when an elderly woman who had nowhere to sit approached her, she found herself facing a tough decision

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Image credits: Leslie Toh (not the actual photo)

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Image credits: Optimal_Promotion879

Seat reservations for UK trains can usually be booked as soon as tickets are released for sale.

Unless specified otherwise in fare conditions, passengers’ tickets are valid without a seat reservation. They can sit in any unreserved seat in the appropriate class of carriage that they’ve booked.

Most UK train operators leave seats available for customers without reservations (there is usually at least one carriage with unreserved seating). However, if there aren’t any seats available, people are required to stand.

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“The trouble with trains in England is that everyone’s so stressy by the time they get on,” Vicky, who is a writer, adventurer, and creator of the travel blog Vicky Flip Flop, told Bored Panda. “Whether it’s because of the timings, the journey to get there, the station, seating or just the stress of buying a ticket, the average train traveler in England seems to already have their back up. You need to be prepared, get there in good time and stay calm.”

Vicky has spent quite some time on trains, and shared some really valuable insights about this on her blog. “When you travel by train abroad – depending on where you are – it can be a much more relaxing experience. [Just] make sure you have some good snacks with you, and look up from your device to enjoy the effortless view once in a while!” she said.

Paul of Global Help Swap, a website that aims to protect the world and its inhabitants by promoting responsible traveling, also enjoys trains as he believes they offer the most social form of transportation.

“Motorway journeys are pretty boring, and air travel is mainly interesting at the start and end,” Paul told Bored Panda. “Trains [cross] some spectacular scenery so put the mobile down and just be. If you are on a long journey and will be sleeping on the train, book 2nd class. You will share your room with other travelers. It is a great way to learn about a place.”

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Vicky loves overnight train journeys. “One of my best experiences was in India, where the locals in our carriage were very friendly,” she recalled. “All that time and close quarters opened us up to some fun and insightful chats we’d have never had in the busy day to day. In a huge country like India train travel is great for getting around. In smaller countries like Vietnam they’re a great way to cover the country, but with a scenic view. I’ve traveled from north to south twice by train in Vietnam and I’d do it again!”

Another one of her favorites is Japan. “[The trains there are] incredible and just so precise. It’s fascinating to watch them clean them in between routes, you can book food in advance to be delivered to your seat, and they’re so comfy and fast, it really is the best way to travel.”

Interestingly, conflicts like the one in this post are probably becoming rarer in the UK. Its first-class commuter carriages could be on the way out after officials gave an operator the green light to axe them and free up seats.

With demand still below pre-pandemic levels, the country’s Department for Transport (DfT) ordered train companies to find cost savings, and last week, Southeastern (the operator that runs more than 1,500 services from Sussex and Kent into London every day), said it would scrap first-class tickets entirely.

The decision came after rail chiefs revealed just 28 annual first-class season tickets were bought.

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The DfT welcomed the move, with its spokesman saying: “Commuters have often been vocal when forced to stand overlooking empty first-class seats in packed trains. Southeastern has taken action to ease crowding and increase comfort.”

Greater Anglia, West Midlands, East Midlands, and the Stansted Express have all quietly phased out first-class seats in recent years on “non-intercity” routes too.

Northern, the train operator that stretches from Liverpool in the west to Newcastle in the north-east also no longer has first-class fares.

Great Western Railway, which removed first-class seats from the majority of its local train services back in 2016, said it made the move after “businesses changed their travel expense policies in response to economic conditions”.

Only a handful of operators, such as Thameslink and Transpennine, continue to offer first-class tickets on commuter routes.

Here’s what people have been saying about the incident



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shylabouche_1 avatar
Shyla Bouche
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm 54. I see you brought a lunch. I forgot to bring one, and I'm hungry. I demand that you give me your sandwich. I'm older than you, so I deserve it. What? You're really going to make me starve all day just because I forgot my lunch? You heartless monster!

tamaragray avatar
Tamara Gray
Community Member
1 year ago

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laura_ketteridge avatar
Laura Ketteridge
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was shocked to see someone trying to play the 'elderly card' when they were only 60 years old. That's middle-aged, not elderly.

bobvanwijk avatar
bob van wijk
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes I once asked a woman if she wanted my seat. She said: No silly! I'm only 75.

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guineveremariesmith avatar
Gwyn
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If that's how the train company manages it, it's possible the older lady has talked people out of their first class seats before using this priority seating as an excuse. Could be she doesn't buy a reserved seating ticket knowing she can scam a seat this way. There are some people who will take advantage of things like this to benefit themselves.

brianbell avatar
Brian bell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This! Absolutely crossed my mind. The "old" lady just wanted a nice first class seat and probably does this a lot to get one. Good scam. Didn't work this time.

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laceneil avatar
Lace Neil
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have an invisible disability which means i need a seat. I have had elderly people demand I relinquish my priority seat and I have refused. I have also gotten on a crowded train and sat on the floor cuz there wasn't a seat free. I would never demand that someone else give me their seat, tho when I sit on the floor, occasionally a person will offer me a seat. I thank them but if no-one does, I don't throw a strop.

verahilman avatar
Vera Hilman
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup, I did that too. I can't stand idle (not moving) for more than 15 minutes without fainting. On a not so crowded train, usually I walked to another carriage after some minutes. But if the train is crowded and I can't move, I sat on the floor or wait for another less packed train.

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kathrynbaylis_2 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ll be 62 next month, and in NO way consider myself elderly. I am also in excellent health, so do not qualify for handicapped seating. If I didn’t book a special seat—-and pay extra for it—-there’s no way I would expect someone who did pay for special seating to move so I could sit in their seat. I would just sit my a*s down in a seat that cost whatever I paid, and not even consider trying to take a seat anywhere else.

euphonium73 avatar
Appalachian Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such entitlement! I'm guessing this tactic has worked for her before. If she wants a first class seat she can flippin well book it in advance and pay for it like everyone else. And it's not the OP's fault that they got assigned a priority seat.

laurabamber avatar
The Starsong Princess
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A quick google search just told me that first class upgrades on uk trains run from $29 to $199 US dollars. There’s no way I’d be handing a stranger that amount of money because they or a train conductor asked me to. The problem is the train company who booked OP into that seat instead of reserving it for the disabled.

lisa_91 avatar
christine-backbay avatar
Uncommon Boston
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am amazed at these people who think the rules don't apply to them. If the woman paid for a standard ticket, she entitled to the handicapped seat in that section. Even if she paid for first class ticket, she shouldn't be able to bounce someone with a pre-assigned seat. Your lack of planning isn't my problem.

mariahermida2016 avatar
María Hermida
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lisa is not right, but the real a*****e here, from my point of view, is the company. They should not assign the "priority seats" to anybody who is not a "priority passenger", and should not be allowed to sell more tickets than the seats the train has. None of these reasons are OP's fault or problem, though. She had paid for her seat. The elderly lady should have booked a ticket, but the "priority seats" exist for a reason, and are meant for a specific group of people, but the company was greedy and wanted even more profit.

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joann-f avatar
Jo Firth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um, 64-year old here ... ain't know way I'm playing the 'elderly' card for at least another 15 years. That woman should be ashamed of herself. And before anyone leaps in saying she may not have been very healthy - play the 'unwell' card, not the 'elderly' card.

rolscan avatar
Rachel Ann
Community Member
10 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm one of those people with an invisible disability, but I would plan ahead or sit in the seat I pay for, no matter where it was, I wouldn't even ask somebody to give up their better seat. There's just so much entitlement going around these days, it seems.

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annyjay avatar
Anne Johnson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m 63 and have knee problems, but because of slight mobility issues I plan ahead. Never would I point at a younger person and expect them to give up their seat. Especially on a 7 hour trip. Pay the extra money and don’t expect others to give up what they paid for because you want to save a few dollars. The 60 year old is the a$$h** in this case.

mariahermida2016 avatar
María Hermida
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The elderly lady should not have been rude, but the real a*****e in this case is not her, but the company. The lady should have planed ahead, yes. But OP should not have been assigned a priority seat. Honestly, if I were travelling with my mum (80) and I saw a young, able-looking person using a priority seat I would demand to know whether they have the right to be there. The elderly lady may have been entitled and rude, but the company should not have assigned that seat to anybody who didn't qualify for it, and should not have sold more tickets than seats. There should be a seat for every person with a valid ticket, even if they can't seat exactly where they want.

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carriemcneese avatar
Carrie Mcneese
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm 60 and I would never call myself elderly even to score a first class seat.

scottwoolard avatar
Willy B Hardigan
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It doesn't matter what you call yourself its biology and human life expectancy

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gfstaylor avatar
GFSTaylor
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the UK, a train ticket is to travel by train. You are not guaranteed a seat unless you specifically reserve one. This applies to first class too. This older women wouldn't be able to travel in first class unless she had already bought a first class ticket - a guard would check her ticket during the journey. So she ended up being downgraded to standard, because she wanted a seat but hadn't booked one in first class, when she bought her ticket.

god_2 avatar
Vix Spiderthrust
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. As others have said, the fault lies with the company for booking priority seats up. If you've paid for a specific seat then it is yours, no ifs, buts or maybes. The unwritten rule about giving up your seat to the elderly, infirm or pregnant applies to unreserved seating only.

kathrynbaylis_2 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not to mention rampant overbooking, banking on no-shows (that rarely happen, btw) to make extra. Arlines and hotels do this too. I worked at hotel-motel front desks in the last, and when everyone shows up on an overbooked day, it is incredibly stressful, not only for the customers, but for the lower level front line employee who have do deal with (justifiably) irate people who paid for a room that is now unavailable—-something which is not the employee’s fault, but for which they are being verbally abused. Those people should be given the CEO’s personal phone number to call, so they can curse the CORECT person. When paid bookings equal the number of rooms or seats available, then no more reservations should be booked, ffs. The company has made their money on every available space, so should be satisfied with that. Overbooking is just them being f*****g greedy.

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tahadata avatar
Lara Verne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA she paid for seat. "Elderly" lady paid for ticket that does not provide her a seat, unless there's one available. No brainer.

lisamurray_2 avatar
Lisa Murray
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds like the 60 year might do this often. She pays a basic price and waits til the last minute to get on in hopes she get the best seat in the "house" without paying the extra cost.

llwolf1111 avatar
Jael Riley
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She fore went booking a seat with the intention of being able to gain access to the priority seating based on her age. Faulty, entitled assumption on her part doesn't constitute a need for sacrifice on yours. NTA.

ev_1 avatar
E V
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They're reserved seats. First come, first serve. Old lady should have reserved. Even then, she doesn't know if OP had a disability that wasn't visible. Being old doesn't give you a right to have such entitlement. You're an adult. Grow up and book a seat in advanced like everyone else.

crowngemuk avatar
Mama Penguin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you know you're not always guaranteed a seat, reserve it in advance. SMH.

leannemariedantoni avatar
Agnes Jekyll
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No one in 1st class moved--they are not a-holes, so neither are you.

toriohno avatar
tori Ohno
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

American here, NTA. But, the train company is. Seats reserved for the handicapped can't be sold to able bodied people, they're reserved for those with special needs. They sold you the seat, it's yours. And 60 isn't elderly, what was wrong with her?

helenwaight avatar
Helen Waight
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

UK here. Actually the accessible seats (what we call for disabled) are not like disabled parking spots and it would be really impossible to ensure that nobody who was able bodied ever sat in them. I’m disabled, frequently book the accessible seats if I can get them but no questions are ever asked nor should they.

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tteddymama avatar
Carol Edmonds
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm in the U S, and middle-aged. I have difficulty with my mobility, but I still don't give anyone attitude about giving up their seat on the bus. Most times I don't even use the priority seats in the front of the bus, just in case a wheelchair-bound passenger needs it. But, that's just me.

cynthiapendleton avatar
Cynthia Pendleton
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am 61 and would never refer to myself as "elderly". Apparently this person has some mental as well as entitlement issues.

sunnyday0801 avatar
Sunny Day
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OP booked "A" first class ticket, and that's the seat the company assigned her. It's now the company's responsibility to accommodate the person who needs a "priority seat".

goes-bart84 avatar
Bart
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You pay for the seat, you use the seat. Simple as that... NTA

theeangelwolf_1 avatar
Christine Toth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm 55 and have yet to hit middle age. My best friend is 65 and we still go out drinking all night whenever she visits. The nerve of a 60 year old to pull the "elderly"🙄 card merely to take advantage of another human being. If my friend or I did that, people would laugh hysterically, which I'm surprised no one did. Unless she aged horribly and/or lied about her age, no one's going to fall for it. Please. The OP is NTA

scottwoolard avatar
Willy B Hardigan
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You plan on living to 110 do you your way past middle aged im 20 yrs younger and im middle aged its biology and human life expectancy

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travisfuller avatar
Travis F
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since when is 60 considered elderly anyway? My parents are in their 60s and would never try to pull this c**p. Lol at the entitlement though.

janethowe_1 avatar
Janet Howe
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This sort of thing happened to my partner and I. We booked our tickets and also reserved wheelchairs at all 3 airports-- beginning of flight, at hub layover and destination. My partner used a walker, I had mobility issues and it was hard for us move around the terminal. We arrived at the first leg of the journey, got off the plane and there are no wheelchairs waiting. When we asked about the chairs we had reserved IN ADVANCE, some of the other passengers heard us and started saying "oh, we need wheelchairs too." "Yeah, we need one also." "Can we get wheelchairs too?" 10 minutes of this and I got angry and said "we booked these chairs in advance, did you?" By the time they brought out chairs, there weren't enough to go around. Those who could walk faster, got in them faster. My partner and I had to find one of the tram carts, fold up his walker to make room. Along with balancing our luggage on our laps. NEVER AGAIN will I let people get away with that sh*t.

taylor_hannah avatar
AgedViolet
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. I am 62 years old. I have rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, and a compromised immune system, which affects my energy level. But I would NEVER expect someone to give up their prepaid seat on a plane or train just because I demanded it. Such behavior is no less than spoiled and entitled, especially for a supposedly mature person. There IS something called "making advance reservations" that seems to be 99% effective in most cases.

gerard_boyd avatar
Gerard Boyd
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Move on, 60 year old. I'm 65. If I needed to have an accommodation, I would have purchased it in advance. End of story. The middle aged 60 year old, has no right to play the age card.

ashleigh-necolnichelle avatar
Ashleigh-Necol Nichelle
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm just turning 30 in November and I have.. epilepsy, fibromyalgia, possible MS, lupus, and now their doing tests to see what else is going on with me. And I would never act this way towards this woman even though I constantly feel pain. Being considerate of someone is important but never play the victim card because I'd never want anyone to feel sorry for me because it makes me feel that much worse about myself. And I want to be happy and have as normal of a life as possible. And if I didn't book ahead or even if I wasn't in the wrong I wouldn't hold a woman who booked ahead accountable for mistakes the system of the train had made. This is just sad but Hun don't feel like the jerk. You were right in every way. You paid for that seat it was yours. I'm so sorry this happened to you<3

ashleigh-necolnichelle avatar
Ashleigh-Necol Nichelle
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry but I this was not your fault. It's not as if you knew you specifically booked a seat usually reserved for those with disabilities and so on and you paid more for it. Unless they offer to reimburse you then no. This wasn't your fault and why should you get blamed for something far out of your control? Everyone plays the victim in every situation and of course yes I have grandparents and great grandparents who I love very very much and yes in this situation I'd say the same thing. If you didn't book ahead and this woman did and she wasn't even aware of the situation she would be in because she could've never known these seats were supposed to be reserved for those with disabilities then why hold it against her? That's like blaming a cashier for store prices being high. It doesn't make sense at all. My grandfather works on cars works out goes fishing and literally doesn't seem 60 at all I'm sorry but depending on her health she's not eldery.

tinanewman avatar
Tina Newman
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You did nothing wrong. You didn't pick the seat, you paid for a first class seat and you want to run with extra space. You did not tell them you wanted a reserved seat or whatever that was. She should have planned ahead. Living on the planet longer than someone else does not entitle anyone too special privileges.

giobemo avatar
Giobemo
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

60 is the new 40- keep it moving, lady. Not sure why the conductor even came sniffing around up front instead of taking her directly to the empty seat in back. Hopefully the two of them have learned how English train travel works now.

tommyjames272 avatar
Thomas James
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It sounds like the elderly lady felt entitled to that seat and that's exactly why she didn't reserve one with her ticket. Although older than me I wonder where all of these people from her age down to grade school get this sense of entitlement. Everyone is tired of hearing poor poor pitiful me. Why did they ask everyone in first class if they would give up their seat? That does not make sense. They treated the elderly lady like she was entitled by asking first class and that is probably where she got the attitude from because she's dealt with the train employees before treating her like she's better than everybody else.

nickjohnsen avatar
Nick Johnsen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Or getting in a mood when you ask them to vacate the seat you reserved" Oh hell nah. Lol. I am from the states originally from NY but thankfully in CO now so no more Subways...but the local RTD and the Light rail have their own headaches of course. Mostly all bc of the passenger....which brings me to my point... it's the entitlement for me... like. The 3 hour trip ticket is 3 bucks. The full day pass is 6. Tickets don't get much more expensive than that. We are all likely pretty broke/living paycheck to paycheck etc. There's of course exceptions to the rule but...my point being... stones. House of glass. Yeah. The people who blast a tinny s**t phone speaker on full blast loudly chortling at a show... or worse... their playlist... which again just that unreal level of entitlement/arrogance/self importance... where you actually had the thought process "Ah yes. EVERYONE on this bus wants to listen to MY music right? I mean. I'm pretty f*****g great. So so is my music taste. ME ME ME."

jhomes_jones avatar
Jhomes Jones
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yea...that's ridiculous. Age isn't even relevant here imo...but 60 isn't elderly. You paid for the seat, it's YOURS. Also...I'm sure there isn't ONLY ONE priority seat in the entire train, so looks like all the others who paid for their seats didn't give them up either. You are ABSOLUTELY in the clear.

marilynrussell avatar
Marilyn Russell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Geez, I remember visiting Scotland and a bit of Yorkshire with my Edinburgh-born grandfather in the early 90’s and we had a good time with our BritRail pass, hopping on and off. I guess their system is in a bit of a mess now which is a shame. But no, she shouldn’t give up her seat she had the foresight to pay extra for and the attendant seated her there. That “old” woman (7 years older than me) sounds like a rude b***h who just demands people do things her way and must get her way a lot since her tactics must work more often than not. Like people who just jump the queue like no one else is waiting and act all imperious as if it is their right.

welcow0521 avatar
Kristina Cowan
Community Member
8 months ago

This comment has been deleted.

debandtoby54 avatar
Deborah Rubin
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

60 ain't old. I'm 68 and still am not old. Some people just play the "I'm old" card.

craigreynolds avatar
Craig Reynolds
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. I always buy premium seating on domestic flights and choose my seat. On international flights, I always choose business class. I choose the first class for the rare bullet train ride in China. I will NEVER give my seat up to anyone for any reason. Bad planning or circumstances on their part in no way obligates me to do anything. I can pretty much assure you that those people demanding your seat did what they did on purpose thing can guilt or bully someone into giving up their seat.

bethay6986 avatar
Betty Hay
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just because you're over 60 should not entitle you to a better seat than anyone else. Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but I didn't see where this "elderly" woman was disabled. But even if she was, that shouldn't matter. This woman purchased her ticked well in advance so that she would be able to spread out. So I in no way think that she was wrong standing her ground! I'm 62 and I AM disabled. However, I would never come on any plane, train, or likewise and demand that someone move from their purchased seat so I could sit there instead. There are some weird and nutsy people in this world.

mattborris avatar
matt borris
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who works with the elderly and people with disabilities, you did nothing wrong staying in the seat. If the train is fully booked then that seat would be occupied by a person with a disability or by someone without regardless of need. It's the same story of if you use a public restroom. If the only stall that is open is the handicap stall, it is the open stall. If there are other options, then try them, but when there is only 1 option...

johncook_2 avatar
John Cook
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I stopped reading after reading 60 is elderly. Hard to take anything seriously after that one.

elisabethskladalova avatar
Kensi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, even If she booked that seat with no other reason but just to treat herself, it would be a valid reason to not move. She paid for it, it is hers.

antonioaguirre avatar
Antonio Aguirre
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can be the jerk or whatever you want to call me but if I paid extra for the seat no one is making me move, no matter who it is period.

lemony_1 avatar
Lemony
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

anna4banana avatar
Anna Bana
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have said I'm disabled and limped off when the time came. Complain to someone who cares, lady.

marikofujita avatar
Mariko Fujita
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds like the train layout is TA, lol. Not on you but the train company is like "we've reserved you a lovely seat usually for elderly or individuals with difficulties being in the standard seats, they'll just have to deal with it." I get that they want all their seats to be profitable, buuuut probably wouldn't hurt to leave the elderly/disabled seats for elderly and disabled passengers. That said, I'm not a rail employee so I don't know how it all works business-wise but it just seems like the right thing to do. Once again, not on you though.

jmstew1973 avatar
Jon Stewart
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, that's shocking. When you were ever told what you quoted? An outrage! I can't imagine a world where a seat is left empty "just in case." They should allow people to book a reserved seat in advance. It's times like this I lose even more faith in humanity. BTW, I completely understand a situation where someone needing special accommodation has a sudden need to travel without adequate time to reserve. In that case, if the conductor/porter (I'm in the US so I don't know who'd be asking the concession) asked me to give up the seat knowing that, I would not only cede the seat, I'd offer my sympathy and good wishes. Yes, most Americans are generous, thoughtful and like doing nice things for people. But after a 2-week trip, she booked knowing she'd be exhausted and non-functional. Then mentioned she wanted to use the time work. Myself? I'd sleep during the trip. Or sleep and travel a day later. Since I'm responding to a reply this won't be seen by many.

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rogersmary523 avatar
Mary Rogers
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

60 isn't necessarily old, but there are plenty of people in that age range who have disabilities. I am one of them. But I would think if that were the issue the woman would have led with that, rather than stating she was elderly. I wonder if it is also possible that she doesn't understand how UK trains work. I am American and it would never occur to me that they would sell a priority seat like that. But I also wouldn't assume that the person seated in one doesn't need it (there are plenty of hidden disabilities). I would have asked, rather than demanded.

jacintafinn avatar
I_imagine_even_worse_w***s
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the train company's fault 💯. Regardless she was right to stick to her guns and keep rhe seat she had likely paid much nore for than a standard ticket. Both my parents are elderly and they use the train frequently and always prebook. They couldn't manage to stand for the 3 hour trip but would never dream of asking anyone to move so they could sit and they are both almost 80!

markwilliams_8 avatar
Mark Williams
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

some of these"old dears" really play the "age card" yet the truth is they are manipulative scheming old con artists;playing on the general good nature of most of us Brits;DO NOT trust them on face value! As you said,you had paid well over the top price for your ticket to travel "first class"(which really is an elaborate joke in this country) so why the hell should you give that seat up for her or anyone else with REAL disabilities! If they are seriously disabled they will receive the highest rate of PIP/Disability allowance etc so would be able to book first class in advance anyway! Hope the old cow fell off the train at the end of her journey and broke her f*****g neck!!!!

nattytempest avatar
Natty Tempest
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow... Now I see why these articles end with 'anyone can write for bored panda'. This isn't a news article, this is a twitter rant

debandtoby54 avatar
Deborah Rubin
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since when is 60 old? Not these days. Some health issues are age related, but not a whole lot. I'd never play the age card, and I'm almost 70. Bogus.

eulaliegrace avatar
Eulalie Grace
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "Old Biddy" was probably shuffling along in sensible shoes and a grey wig so she could bully/scam/shame a better seat from some person. I don't think this was her first rodeo.

ldaul521 avatar
Linda Daulby
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am aged 62 not elderly but disabled i can only walk for a short length of time and can not stand for too long, the last time i was on a bus (Not a train) a young lad about 13 or 14 was sitting in the disabled area and wouldn't get up. There was lot of arguing saying that i could stand and some saying why should she just look at her, well the next stop the bus driver if you don't move i will move you from the bus. When he said this a woman came from the back of the bus shouting at us and said she is my daughter how dare you treat her that way, the bus driver said to her and you better shut your mouth otherwise i will kick you off too. She then grabbed her daughter to the back of the bus and shouted i will be reporting this everyone just stared while the bus driver said yeah go head and see what they say. She never said anything after that just sat there on her iphone or tablet that she was on, i felt sorry for the girl having a mother like her.

ldaul521 avatar
Linda Daulby
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry messed up on the post saying girl near the end should have said boy.

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cearaivory avatar
Heather Mattingly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They can’t expect bus drivers to refuse passengers just because all of the seats got sold before the disabled or elderly were able to claim those seats. If they want those seats then they need to make the right purchase.

jbrobson avatar
Jessie Robson-Galvin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I caught a train once for a 3 hour journey. I am disabled and use a walking stick. No one offered me a seat. I didn’t know about priority seats so didn’t go looking for one. I ended up with the bicycles, sitting on a dodgy wooden shelf, in a fair amount of pain. The guard did nothing.

lschamberbass avatar
Linnea Schamber-Bass
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have that invisible disability here in the states. You get dirty looks, pompous behaviors because you clearly lack street cred if you don’t have some kind of assistive device such as wheelchair, walker, cane. Its ridiculous.

gabrielpellot avatar
Gabriel Pellot
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's funny how people go on social media and ask for the advice of strangers. Why don't you ask advice from someone you can trust who is not toxic. If you don't have anyone you can trust ask yourself if you were a jerk or not. Asking strangers is not going to change your representation of the type of human being you are. You should be able to ask yourself that question and whatever answer comes is who you are. My point is why seek advice or approval from strangers on social media when the person you should really be asking is yourself. God bless.

kennethbowen avatar
Kenneth Bowen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The woman who booked the seat in advance is not at fault here. The Train company sold the seat at a higher fare know of the possibility of this occurring. They banking on the advance person making the switch meanwhile with the compensate her for the difference in fare. They did not offer that.

herbertlau avatar
Herbert Lau
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder what would happen if another 60 year old came along and made a similar request.

esanderson028 avatar
Emma Sanderson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother has an invisible disability, and I live in South Australia, Adelaide, People here use trains quite a lot, to go into the city or anywhere along the route. But they are not always filled to the brim with people, but the public buses are another story. I take the bus to and from school everyday, and even though it is a bendy, or banana, as we call it sometimes, it still has a lot of people standing up. I usually stand to practise my balance, unless I have had a day that has been tough on my legs, but even then I stand usually, but this person is not the AH, the older lady should have checked the standard before she went to first class.

arshadhussainkhan77 avatar
Bobby
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OP: OP is right. Train Company: This happens in busy/peak hours. They wouldn't wait for an elderly or disabled rather book it to other passenger. So they are right too. Follow the system and you are not in trouble. Old lady: People crossing the age of 60, is old age. Yes it is. But it doesn't mean that you are always right.

nathangraham avatar
Nathan Graham
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm 61 and I don't consider myself elderly, in fact I get slightly offened when someone says that I am. Now is she was in her 80s and using a walker, but 60 years old isn't elderly

elybrettaigne avatar
Ely Brettaigne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As long as a seat is reserved through the proper channels, it’s the responsibility of those people to re-allocate a sear with the same level of comfort booked: if they cannot, the passenger remains. Airlines contradict this by asking passengers to move, while simultaneously telling us to remain in our allocated/reserved seats for safety purposes = identifying bodies in the event of a crash…

lindamermaid_1 avatar
Linda Mermaid
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

60 is elderly? Wow! I’m 67 and still give up my seat to the REAL elderly, pregnant and infirm. Even if it’s not a priority seat. C**p! I’m older than dirt, I guess.

sailingdogfighter avatar
Sailing Dogfighter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had a similar case on a bus local bus. I was 24, on crutches, legs stuffed from an ice skating accident. On the way home from hospital, still tagged with arm patched from cannula. The trip from the hospital to home took a touch over an hour. So naturally, given my condition at the time, I took the empty priority seat at the front so I didn't have to fumble about when I got off later. About 40mins in, one suburb away from home, this energetic older lady got on, Jo aides, no sign of impairment, looks at me: "That seat is for old people." And stood there for a moment as if expecting me to move. The sticker on the windie next to my head did say 'Priority seating' with pictures of a one legged person, a pregnant woman, and a hunched over senior. So after about 30secs of not moving, too tired to contest her, she grumbled and moved on. Driver didn't say anything, either, probably not in the mood for conflict. So, you, who's fit and no stick or walker, want me, on crutches, to move?

sunlewis1 avatar
Mareena Lewis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've taken the trains often in the UK. I always reserve my seats. My BIL informed me when I turned 60 that I may have elderly seating..., If you could see me, you'd understand why I refused. At now 65, I still can run circles around most younger people, even while dragging my luggage. The trains need to understand 60 does not mean disabled. On another note, people are always in my reserved seats, and yes, it says reserved. I find its very difficult to get them to move unless I call the conductor to handle the seating. This thought process is very foreign to me. If I reserved a seat on a plane, no one would dare take my seat.

cowmannathan avatar
Nate Cowman
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, I don't know how people will see this, but I say NTA. There are several people at fault for this, but none of the are the OP. As a matter of fact, they should have never asked you to move unless they were willing to reimburse you. If it were me, and I think the same for anyone in OP's situation, if you buy an expensive seat and you are asked/forced to move to a cheaper one, you should be getting compensation for at least the difference. It may sound greedy, but if you paid for a specific seat for any reason, that is your money you are paying them to be in a specific class/seat. If you think that sounds unreasonable to be given monetary reimbursement... say you told them on the transport you wanted to get an open seat in a better class. Would they just hand it to you? Usually, no. They would charge you to sit in a better seat. So it isn't unrealistic to expect them to give you back the money you spent if they expect you to downgrade for any reason.

jennypulver avatar
Jenny Pulver
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

U don't need give up ur seat cuz u paid in advance I think ppl who use being older or elderly should be ashamed that use that as an excuse to move someone from their seat I'm very much disabled an only 51 do I look like I'm disabled not all the time but more than not. When the lady got her ticket she shoulda been clear on where she wanted to sit plain an simple I'm been on train b4 an let me tell u it sucks when u really r disabled but not elderly by far I'm 51 yrs old tore muscles n my lower back in 1999 then again in 2011 I'd been doing ok except for the fact my back locks up on me at least 4 or more times a week now unfortunately in November 2nd 2016 my best friend an I got n2 really bad accident that we shouldn't have lived thru at all by grace of god anyway this time i broke my back apart from pelvic yeah then had to ride train where my tail got broke cuz of driver neglect they told me they would give me any trip I wanted as long as it didnt go past cost my ticket

rafaelrosario avatar
Rafael Rosario
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You don't need to apologize to anyone if you book something in advance & also pay the outrage price they want for these comfortable seats, because someone needs it & didn't book it.

jamesthomas_1 avatar
James Thomas
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes, and I think this is magical, 2 TAs meet up to create a glorious situation where everyone is TA.

ladylastarr avatar
Lady La'Starr
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA....all details aside. I paid for first class and that's that. Not to mention you came rude...I'm not moving. First class here is hundreds more a seat...no.

myplane avatar
My plane
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I'm a 6yo who just busted their b*tt at preschool. All you did was work a 42 hour shift for 2$ at the hospital. Get off my bean bag chair mommy!!"

petdlyvdntzvanhojk avatar
Fred Jacobson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FU CK THIS SCAMMING, WRINKLEY OLD WH ORE FU CK HER RIGHT IN HER STUPID SHRIVELED OLD BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE!

orahall avatar
Ora Hall
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you want to curse at someone, at least learn to spell properly. What is a THOLE?

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happinessiseverywhere491 avatar
Peter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank goodness it was women who stood for her needs and refused to change seats. If it is a man, it would be considered toxic masculinity.

vickimathison avatar
Vicki Mathison
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you had the last seat and they had a hard tine standing or they were legit disabled and your seat accommodated the disability YES. But 60 hell no, seems like a Karen not wanting to pay 1st class but get it. NO NO AND NO. What is the UK name for a Karen lol

ericyoder avatar
Eric Yoder
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's time these MAGA jerks learn to stfu, mind their own business, and learn others aren't their slaves, no matter how much MAGA wants slavery back.

emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To the person who said that it's crazy to overbook a train when you know it's already full...try telling that to the airlines too please.

pglasscoe avatar
Paula Glasscoe
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did you know that in the U.K. there are more rules governing the transit of cattle than the carrying of people on trains?

jmstew1973 avatar
Jon Stewart
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm going to defend you, then tell you why I have no sympathy and hope your trip was ruined. You booked the seat. You paid extra for the added comfort. Whether it was a seat reserved for a disabled rider or not, the agent sold it to you. Hopefully you didn't present as needing a special seat, I'll assume you didn't. And there's no reason to expect a train to run an empty seat if someone is offering to buy it. However.... What I don't like, and what everyone seems to be overlooking, is your (IMO, weak) premise that we should take your plight into account. Your first point was that you were exhausted and unable to function. Yet, twice you mentioned you needed to space to work. I'm curious what your occupation is that can be done when you can't function. I'm also curious about your priorities if you work while you can't function instead of using the comfort of 7-hour ride and not getting sleep. Being exhausted and all. Just curious.

kevinlogozzo avatar
Kevin Logozzo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For all you saying the elderly person was 60, she likely was not as that was the estimate of the writer. To guess that someone is 60 and then call them elderly, this person must be in their 20s because they seem to be clueless with regards to aging.

joshuashamblin avatar
Joshua Shamblin
Community Member
1 year ago

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In merica, that twat would've been punched in her 60 year old face and kicked as soon as she hit the ground.

caryhewitt avatar
Cary Hewitt
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I hope that you live long enough to be treated badly, just like you treated her.

lisa_91 avatar
Lisa
Community Member
1 year ago

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I'm shocked by these comments. You're definitely the AH. 60 IS ELDERLY. Move and be quiet.

crislongacre avatar
Cris Longacre
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You get what you pay for and 60 is definitely NOT elderly. You said to another poster, you seem like a disgusting human being, I'd say you're projecting that because you are obviously someone who thinks she's entitled and better than everyone else.

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lisa_91 avatar
Lisa
Community Member
1 year ago

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This it's what wrong with this country. Respect your elders. Move your a*s.

shylabouche_1 avatar
Shyla Bouche
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm 54. I see you brought a lunch. I forgot to bring one, and I'm hungry. I demand that you give me your sandwich. I'm older than you, so I deserve it. What? You're really going to make me starve all day just because I forgot my lunch? You heartless monster!

tamaragray avatar
Tamara Gray
Community Member
1 year ago

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This comment has been deleted.

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laura_ketteridge avatar
Laura Ketteridge
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was shocked to see someone trying to play the 'elderly card' when they were only 60 years old. That's middle-aged, not elderly.

bobvanwijk avatar
bob van wijk
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes I once asked a woman if she wanted my seat. She said: No silly! I'm only 75.

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guineveremariesmith avatar
Gwyn
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If that's how the train company manages it, it's possible the older lady has talked people out of their first class seats before using this priority seating as an excuse. Could be she doesn't buy a reserved seating ticket knowing she can scam a seat this way. There are some people who will take advantage of things like this to benefit themselves.

brianbell avatar
Brian bell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This! Absolutely crossed my mind. The "old" lady just wanted a nice first class seat and probably does this a lot to get one. Good scam. Didn't work this time.

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laceneil avatar
Lace Neil
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have an invisible disability which means i need a seat. I have had elderly people demand I relinquish my priority seat and I have refused. I have also gotten on a crowded train and sat on the floor cuz there wasn't a seat free. I would never demand that someone else give me their seat, tho when I sit on the floor, occasionally a person will offer me a seat. I thank them but if no-one does, I don't throw a strop.

verahilman avatar
Vera Hilman
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup, I did that too. I can't stand idle (not moving) for more than 15 minutes without fainting. On a not so crowded train, usually I walked to another carriage after some minutes. But if the train is crowded and I can't move, I sat on the floor or wait for another less packed train.

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kathrynbaylis_2 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ll be 62 next month, and in NO way consider myself elderly. I am also in excellent health, so do not qualify for handicapped seating. If I didn’t book a special seat—-and pay extra for it—-there’s no way I would expect someone who did pay for special seating to move so I could sit in their seat. I would just sit my a*s down in a seat that cost whatever I paid, and not even consider trying to take a seat anywhere else.

euphonium73 avatar
Appalachian Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such entitlement! I'm guessing this tactic has worked for her before. If she wants a first class seat she can flippin well book it in advance and pay for it like everyone else. And it's not the OP's fault that they got assigned a priority seat.

laurabamber avatar
The Starsong Princess
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A quick google search just told me that first class upgrades on uk trains run from $29 to $199 US dollars. There’s no way I’d be handing a stranger that amount of money because they or a train conductor asked me to. The problem is the train company who booked OP into that seat instead of reserving it for the disabled.

lisa_91 avatar
christine-backbay avatar
Uncommon Boston
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am amazed at these people who think the rules don't apply to them. If the woman paid for a standard ticket, she entitled to the handicapped seat in that section. Even if she paid for first class ticket, she shouldn't be able to bounce someone with a pre-assigned seat. Your lack of planning isn't my problem.

mariahermida2016 avatar
María Hermida
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lisa is not right, but the real a*****e here, from my point of view, is the company. They should not assign the "priority seats" to anybody who is not a "priority passenger", and should not be allowed to sell more tickets than the seats the train has. None of these reasons are OP's fault or problem, though. She had paid for her seat. The elderly lady should have booked a ticket, but the "priority seats" exist for a reason, and are meant for a specific group of people, but the company was greedy and wanted even more profit.

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joann-f avatar
Jo Firth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um, 64-year old here ... ain't know way I'm playing the 'elderly' card for at least another 15 years. That woman should be ashamed of herself. And before anyone leaps in saying she may not have been very healthy - play the 'unwell' card, not the 'elderly' card.

rolscan avatar
Rachel Ann
Community Member
10 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm one of those people with an invisible disability, but I would plan ahead or sit in the seat I pay for, no matter where it was, I wouldn't even ask somebody to give up their better seat. There's just so much entitlement going around these days, it seems.

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annyjay avatar
Anne Johnson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m 63 and have knee problems, but because of slight mobility issues I plan ahead. Never would I point at a younger person and expect them to give up their seat. Especially on a 7 hour trip. Pay the extra money and don’t expect others to give up what they paid for because you want to save a few dollars. The 60 year old is the a$$h** in this case.

mariahermida2016 avatar
María Hermida
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The elderly lady should not have been rude, but the real a*****e in this case is not her, but the company. The lady should have planed ahead, yes. But OP should not have been assigned a priority seat. Honestly, if I were travelling with my mum (80) and I saw a young, able-looking person using a priority seat I would demand to know whether they have the right to be there. The elderly lady may have been entitled and rude, but the company should not have assigned that seat to anybody who didn't qualify for it, and should not have sold more tickets than seats. There should be a seat for every person with a valid ticket, even if they can't seat exactly where they want.

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carriemcneese avatar
Carrie Mcneese
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm 60 and I would never call myself elderly even to score a first class seat.

scottwoolard avatar
Willy B Hardigan
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It doesn't matter what you call yourself its biology and human life expectancy

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gfstaylor avatar
GFSTaylor
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the UK, a train ticket is to travel by train. You are not guaranteed a seat unless you specifically reserve one. This applies to first class too. This older women wouldn't be able to travel in first class unless she had already bought a first class ticket - a guard would check her ticket during the journey. So she ended up being downgraded to standard, because she wanted a seat but hadn't booked one in first class, when she bought her ticket.

god_2 avatar
Vix Spiderthrust
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. As others have said, the fault lies with the company for booking priority seats up. If you've paid for a specific seat then it is yours, no ifs, buts or maybes. The unwritten rule about giving up your seat to the elderly, infirm or pregnant applies to unreserved seating only.

kathrynbaylis_2 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not to mention rampant overbooking, banking on no-shows (that rarely happen, btw) to make extra. Arlines and hotels do this too. I worked at hotel-motel front desks in the last, and when everyone shows up on an overbooked day, it is incredibly stressful, not only for the customers, but for the lower level front line employee who have do deal with (justifiably) irate people who paid for a room that is now unavailable—-something which is not the employee’s fault, but for which they are being verbally abused. Those people should be given the CEO’s personal phone number to call, so they can curse the CORECT person. When paid bookings equal the number of rooms or seats available, then no more reservations should be booked, ffs. The company has made their money on every available space, so should be satisfied with that. Overbooking is just them being f*****g greedy.

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Lara Verne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA she paid for seat. "Elderly" lady paid for ticket that does not provide her a seat, unless there's one available. No brainer.

lisamurray_2 avatar
Lisa Murray
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds like the 60 year might do this often. She pays a basic price and waits til the last minute to get on in hopes she get the best seat in the "house" without paying the extra cost.

llwolf1111 avatar
Jael Riley
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She fore went booking a seat with the intention of being able to gain access to the priority seating based on her age. Faulty, entitled assumption on her part doesn't constitute a need for sacrifice on yours. NTA.

ev_1 avatar
E V
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They're reserved seats. First come, first serve. Old lady should have reserved. Even then, she doesn't know if OP had a disability that wasn't visible. Being old doesn't give you a right to have such entitlement. You're an adult. Grow up and book a seat in advanced like everyone else.

crowngemuk avatar
Mama Penguin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you know you're not always guaranteed a seat, reserve it in advance. SMH.

leannemariedantoni avatar
Agnes Jekyll
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No one in 1st class moved--they are not a-holes, so neither are you.

toriohno avatar
tori Ohno
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

American here, NTA. But, the train company is. Seats reserved for the handicapped can't be sold to able bodied people, they're reserved for those with special needs. They sold you the seat, it's yours. And 60 isn't elderly, what was wrong with her?

helenwaight avatar
Helen Waight
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

UK here. Actually the accessible seats (what we call for disabled) are not like disabled parking spots and it would be really impossible to ensure that nobody who was able bodied ever sat in them. I’m disabled, frequently book the accessible seats if I can get them but no questions are ever asked nor should they.

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tteddymama avatar
Carol Edmonds
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm in the U S, and middle-aged. I have difficulty with my mobility, but I still don't give anyone attitude about giving up their seat on the bus. Most times I don't even use the priority seats in the front of the bus, just in case a wheelchair-bound passenger needs it. But, that's just me.

cynthiapendleton avatar
Cynthia Pendleton
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am 61 and would never refer to myself as "elderly". Apparently this person has some mental as well as entitlement issues.

sunnyday0801 avatar
Sunny Day
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OP booked "A" first class ticket, and that's the seat the company assigned her. It's now the company's responsibility to accommodate the person who needs a "priority seat".

goes-bart84 avatar
Bart
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You pay for the seat, you use the seat. Simple as that... NTA

theeangelwolf_1 avatar
Christine Toth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm 55 and have yet to hit middle age. My best friend is 65 and we still go out drinking all night whenever she visits. The nerve of a 60 year old to pull the "elderly"🙄 card merely to take advantage of another human being. If my friend or I did that, people would laugh hysterically, which I'm surprised no one did. Unless she aged horribly and/or lied about her age, no one's going to fall for it. Please. The OP is NTA

scottwoolard avatar
Willy B Hardigan
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You plan on living to 110 do you your way past middle aged im 20 yrs younger and im middle aged its biology and human life expectancy

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travisfuller avatar
Travis F
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since when is 60 considered elderly anyway? My parents are in their 60s and would never try to pull this c**p. Lol at the entitlement though.

janethowe_1 avatar
Janet Howe
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This sort of thing happened to my partner and I. We booked our tickets and also reserved wheelchairs at all 3 airports-- beginning of flight, at hub layover and destination. My partner used a walker, I had mobility issues and it was hard for us move around the terminal. We arrived at the first leg of the journey, got off the plane and there are no wheelchairs waiting. When we asked about the chairs we had reserved IN ADVANCE, some of the other passengers heard us and started saying "oh, we need wheelchairs too." "Yeah, we need one also." "Can we get wheelchairs too?" 10 minutes of this and I got angry and said "we booked these chairs in advance, did you?" By the time they brought out chairs, there weren't enough to go around. Those who could walk faster, got in them faster. My partner and I had to find one of the tram carts, fold up his walker to make room. Along with balancing our luggage on our laps. NEVER AGAIN will I let people get away with that sh*t.

taylor_hannah avatar
AgedViolet
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. I am 62 years old. I have rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, and a compromised immune system, which affects my energy level. But I would NEVER expect someone to give up their prepaid seat on a plane or train just because I demanded it. Such behavior is no less than spoiled and entitled, especially for a supposedly mature person. There IS something called "making advance reservations" that seems to be 99% effective in most cases.

gerard_boyd avatar
Gerard Boyd
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Move on, 60 year old. I'm 65. If I needed to have an accommodation, I would have purchased it in advance. End of story. The middle aged 60 year old, has no right to play the age card.

ashleigh-necolnichelle avatar
Ashleigh-Necol Nichelle
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm just turning 30 in November and I have.. epilepsy, fibromyalgia, possible MS, lupus, and now their doing tests to see what else is going on with me. And I would never act this way towards this woman even though I constantly feel pain. Being considerate of someone is important but never play the victim card because I'd never want anyone to feel sorry for me because it makes me feel that much worse about myself. And I want to be happy and have as normal of a life as possible. And if I didn't book ahead or even if I wasn't in the wrong I wouldn't hold a woman who booked ahead accountable for mistakes the system of the train had made. This is just sad but Hun don't feel like the jerk. You were right in every way. You paid for that seat it was yours. I'm so sorry this happened to you<3

ashleigh-necolnichelle avatar
Ashleigh-Necol Nichelle
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry but I this was not your fault. It's not as if you knew you specifically booked a seat usually reserved for those with disabilities and so on and you paid more for it. Unless they offer to reimburse you then no. This wasn't your fault and why should you get blamed for something far out of your control? Everyone plays the victim in every situation and of course yes I have grandparents and great grandparents who I love very very much and yes in this situation I'd say the same thing. If you didn't book ahead and this woman did and she wasn't even aware of the situation she would be in because she could've never known these seats were supposed to be reserved for those with disabilities then why hold it against her? That's like blaming a cashier for store prices being high. It doesn't make sense at all. My grandfather works on cars works out goes fishing and literally doesn't seem 60 at all I'm sorry but depending on her health she's not eldery.

tinanewman avatar
Tina Newman
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You did nothing wrong. You didn't pick the seat, you paid for a first class seat and you want to run with extra space. You did not tell them you wanted a reserved seat or whatever that was. She should have planned ahead. Living on the planet longer than someone else does not entitle anyone too special privileges.

giobemo avatar
Giobemo
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

60 is the new 40- keep it moving, lady. Not sure why the conductor even came sniffing around up front instead of taking her directly to the empty seat in back. Hopefully the two of them have learned how English train travel works now.

tommyjames272 avatar
Thomas James
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It sounds like the elderly lady felt entitled to that seat and that's exactly why she didn't reserve one with her ticket. Although older than me I wonder where all of these people from her age down to grade school get this sense of entitlement. Everyone is tired of hearing poor poor pitiful me. Why did they ask everyone in first class if they would give up their seat? That does not make sense. They treated the elderly lady like she was entitled by asking first class and that is probably where she got the attitude from because she's dealt with the train employees before treating her like she's better than everybody else.

nickjohnsen avatar
Nick Johnsen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Or getting in a mood when you ask them to vacate the seat you reserved" Oh hell nah. Lol. I am from the states originally from NY but thankfully in CO now so no more Subways...but the local RTD and the Light rail have their own headaches of course. Mostly all bc of the passenger....which brings me to my point... it's the entitlement for me... like. The 3 hour trip ticket is 3 bucks. The full day pass is 6. Tickets don't get much more expensive than that. We are all likely pretty broke/living paycheck to paycheck etc. There's of course exceptions to the rule but...my point being... stones. House of glass. Yeah. The people who blast a tinny s**t phone speaker on full blast loudly chortling at a show... or worse... their playlist... which again just that unreal level of entitlement/arrogance/self importance... where you actually had the thought process "Ah yes. EVERYONE on this bus wants to listen to MY music right? I mean. I'm pretty f*****g great. So so is my music taste. ME ME ME."

jhomes_jones avatar
Jhomes Jones
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yea...that's ridiculous. Age isn't even relevant here imo...but 60 isn't elderly. You paid for the seat, it's YOURS. Also...I'm sure there isn't ONLY ONE priority seat in the entire train, so looks like all the others who paid for their seats didn't give them up either. You are ABSOLUTELY in the clear.

marilynrussell avatar
Marilyn Russell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Geez, I remember visiting Scotland and a bit of Yorkshire with my Edinburgh-born grandfather in the early 90’s and we had a good time with our BritRail pass, hopping on and off. I guess their system is in a bit of a mess now which is a shame. But no, she shouldn’t give up her seat she had the foresight to pay extra for and the attendant seated her there. That “old” woman (7 years older than me) sounds like a rude b***h who just demands people do things her way and must get her way a lot since her tactics must work more often than not. Like people who just jump the queue like no one else is waiting and act all imperious as if it is their right.

welcow0521 avatar
Kristina Cowan
Community Member
8 months ago

This comment has been deleted.

debandtoby54 avatar
Deborah Rubin
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

60 ain't old. I'm 68 and still am not old. Some people just play the "I'm old" card.

craigreynolds avatar
Craig Reynolds
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. I always buy premium seating on domestic flights and choose my seat. On international flights, I always choose business class. I choose the first class for the rare bullet train ride in China. I will NEVER give my seat up to anyone for any reason. Bad planning or circumstances on their part in no way obligates me to do anything. I can pretty much assure you that those people demanding your seat did what they did on purpose thing can guilt or bully someone into giving up their seat.

bethay6986 avatar
Betty Hay
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just because you're over 60 should not entitle you to a better seat than anyone else. Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but I didn't see where this "elderly" woman was disabled. But even if she was, that shouldn't matter. This woman purchased her ticked well in advance so that she would be able to spread out. So I in no way think that she was wrong standing her ground! I'm 62 and I AM disabled. However, I would never come on any plane, train, or likewise and demand that someone move from their purchased seat so I could sit there instead. There are some weird and nutsy people in this world.

mattborris avatar
matt borris
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who works with the elderly and people with disabilities, you did nothing wrong staying in the seat. If the train is fully booked then that seat would be occupied by a person with a disability or by someone without regardless of need. It's the same story of if you use a public restroom. If the only stall that is open is the handicap stall, it is the open stall. If there are other options, then try them, but when there is only 1 option...

johncook_2 avatar
John Cook
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I stopped reading after reading 60 is elderly. Hard to take anything seriously after that one.

elisabethskladalova avatar
Kensi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, even If she booked that seat with no other reason but just to treat herself, it would be a valid reason to not move. She paid for it, it is hers.

antonioaguirre avatar
Antonio Aguirre
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can be the jerk or whatever you want to call me but if I paid extra for the seat no one is making me move, no matter who it is period.

lemony_1 avatar
Lemony
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

anna4banana avatar
Anna Bana
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have said I'm disabled and limped off when the time came. Complain to someone who cares, lady.

marikofujita avatar
Mariko Fujita
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds like the train layout is TA, lol. Not on you but the train company is like "we've reserved you a lovely seat usually for elderly or individuals with difficulties being in the standard seats, they'll just have to deal with it." I get that they want all their seats to be profitable, buuuut probably wouldn't hurt to leave the elderly/disabled seats for elderly and disabled passengers. That said, I'm not a rail employee so I don't know how it all works business-wise but it just seems like the right thing to do. Once again, not on you though.

jmstew1973 avatar
Jon Stewart
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, that's shocking. When you were ever told what you quoted? An outrage! I can't imagine a world where a seat is left empty "just in case." They should allow people to book a reserved seat in advance. It's times like this I lose even more faith in humanity. BTW, I completely understand a situation where someone needing special accommodation has a sudden need to travel without adequate time to reserve. In that case, if the conductor/porter (I'm in the US so I don't know who'd be asking the concession) asked me to give up the seat knowing that, I would not only cede the seat, I'd offer my sympathy and good wishes. Yes, most Americans are generous, thoughtful and like doing nice things for people. But after a 2-week trip, she booked knowing she'd be exhausted and non-functional. Then mentioned she wanted to use the time work. Myself? I'd sleep during the trip. Or sleep and travel a day later. Since I'm responding to a reply this won't be seen by many.

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rogersmary523 avatar
Mary Rogers
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

60 isn't necessarily old, but there are plenty of people in that age range who have disabilities. I am one of them. But I would think if that were the issue the woman would have led with that, rather than stating she was elderly. I wonder if it is also possible that she doesn't understand how UK trains work. I am American and it would never occur to me that they would sell a priority seat like that. But I also wouldn't assume that the person seated in one doesn't need it (there are plenty of hidden disabilities). I would have asked, rather than demanded.

jacintafinn avatar
I_imagine_even_worse_w***s
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the train company's fault 💯. Regardless she was right to stick to her guns and keep rhe seat she had likely paid much nore for than a standard ticket. Both my parents are elderly and they use the train frequently and always prebook. They couldn't manage to stand for the 3 hour trip but would never dream of asking anyone to move so they could sit and they are both almost 80!

markwilliams_8 avatar
Mark Williams
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

some of these"old dears" really play the "age card" yet the truth is they are manipulative scheming old con artists;playing on the general good nature of most of us Brits;DO NOT trust them on face value! As you said,you had paid well over the top price for your ticket to travel "first class"(which really is an elaborate joke in this country) so why the hell should you give that seat up for her or anyone else with REAL disabilities! If they are seriously disabled they will receive the highest rate of PIP/Disability allowance etc so would be able to book first class in advance anyway! Hope the old cow fell off the train at the end of her journey and broke her f*****g neck!!!!

nattytempest avatar
Natty Tempest
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow... Now I see why these articles end with 'anyone can write for bored panda'. This isn't a news article, this is a twitter rant

debandtoby54 avatar
Deborah Rubin
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since when is 60 old? Not these days. Some health issues are age related, but not a whole lot. I'd never play the age card, and I'm almost 70. Bogus.

eulaliegrace avatar
Eulalie Grace
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "Old Biddy" was probably shuffling along in sensible shoes and a grey wig so she could bully/scam/shame a better seat from some person. I don't think this was her first rodeo.

ldaul521 avatar
Linda Daulby
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am aged 62 not elderly but disabled i can only walk for a short length of time and can not stand for too long, the last time i was on a bus (Not a train) a young lad about 13 or 14 was sitting in the disabled area and wouldn't get up. There was lot of arguing saying that i could stand and some saying why should she just look at her, well the next stop the bus driver if you don't move i will move you from the bus. When he said this a woman came from the back of the bus shouting at us and said she is my daughter how dare you treat her that way, the bus driver said to her and you better shut your mouth otherwise i will kick you off too. She then grabbed her daughter to the back of the bus and shouted i will be reporting this everyone just stared while the bus driver said yeah go head and see what they say. She never said anything after that just sat there on her iphone or tablet that she was on, i felt sorry for the girl having a mother like her.

ldaul521 avatar
Linda Daulby
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry messed up on the post saying girl near the end should have said boy.

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cearaivory avatar
Heather Mattingly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They can’t expect bus drivers to refuse passengers just because all of the seats got sold before the disabled or elderly were able to claim those seats. If they want those seats then they need to make the right purchase.

jbrobson avatar
Jessie Robson-Galvin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I caught a train once for a 3 hour journey. I am disabled and use a walking stick. No one offered me a seat. I didn’t know about priority seats so didn’t go looking for one. I ended up with the bicycles, sitting on a dodgy wooden shelf, in a fair amount of pain. The guard did nothing.

lschamberbass avatar
Linnea Schamber-Bass
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have that invisible disability here in the states. You get dirty looks, pompous behaviors because you clearly lack street cred if you don’t have some kind of assistive device such as wheelchair, walker, cane. Its ridiculous.

gabrielpellot avatar
Gabriel Pellot
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's funny how people go on social media and ask for the advice of strangers. Why don't you ask advice from someone you can trust who is not toxic. If you don't have anyone you can trust ask yourself if you were a jerk or not. Asking strangers is not going to change your representation of the type of human being you are. You should be able to ask yourself that question and whatever answer comes is who you are. My point is why seek advice or approval from strangers on social media when the person you should really be asking is yourself. God bless.

kennethbowen avatar
Kenneth Bowen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The woman who booked the seat in advance is not at fault here. The Train company sold the seat at a higher fare know of the possibility of this occurring. They banking on the advance person making the switch meanwhile with the compensate her for the difference in fare. They did not offer that.

herbertlau avatar
Herbert Lau
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder what would happen if another 60 year old came along and made a similar request.

esanderson028 avatar
Emma Sanderson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother has an invisible disability, and I live in South Australia, Adelaide, People here use trains quite a lot, to go into the city or anywhere along the route. But they are not always filled to the brim with people, but the public buses are another story. I take the bus to and from school everyday, and even though it is a bendy, or banana, as we call it sometimes, it still has a lot of people standing up. I usually stand to practise my balance, unless I have had a day that has been tough on my legs, but even then I stand usually, but this person is not the AH, the older lady should have checked the standard before she went to first class.

arshadhussainkhan77 avatar
Bobby
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OP: OP is right. Train Company: This happens in busy/peak hours. They wouldn't wait for an elderly or disabled rather book it to other passenger. So they are right too. Follow the system and you are not in trouble. Old lady: People crossing the age of 60, is old age. Yes it is. But it doesn't mean that you are always right.

nathangraham avatar
Nathan Graham
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm 61 and I don't consider myself elderly, in fact I get slightly offened when someone says that I am. Now is she was in her 80s and using a walker, but 60 years old isn't elderly

elybrettaigne avatar
Ely Brettaigne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As long as a seat is reserved through the proper channels, it’s the responsibility of those people to re-allocate a sear with the same level of comfort booked: if they cannot, the passenger remains. Airlines contradict this by asking passengers to move, while simultaneously telling us to remain in our allocated/reserved seats for safety purposes = identifying bodies in the event of a crash…

lindamermaid_1 avatar
Linda Mermaid
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

60 is elderly? Wow! I’m 67 and still give up my seat to the REAL elderly, pregnant and infirm. Even if it’s not a priority seat. C**p! I’m older than dirt, I guess.

sailingdogfighter avatar
Sailing Dogfighter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had a similar case on a bus local bus. I was 24, on crutches, legs stuffed from an ice skating accident. On the way home from hospital, still tagged with arm patched from cannula. The trip from the hospital to home took a touch over an hour. So naturally, given my condition at the time, I took the empty priority seat at the front so I didn't have to fumble about when I got off later. About 40mins in, one suburb away from home, this energetic older lady got on, Jo aides, no sign of impairment, looks at me: "That seat is for old people." And stood there for a moment as if expecting me to move. The sticker on the windie next to my head did say 'Priority seating' with pictures of a one legged person, a pregnant woman, and a hunched over senior. So after about 30secs of not moving, too tired to contest her, she grumbled and moved on. Driver didn't say anything, either, probably not in the mood for conflict. So, you, who's fit and no stick or walker, want me, on crutches, to move?

sunlewis1 avatar
Mareena Lewis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've taken the trains often in the UK. I always reserve my seats. My BIL informed me when I turned 60 that I may have elderly seating..., If you could see me, you'd understand why I refused. At now 65, I still can run circles around most younger people, even while dragging my luggage. The trains need to understand 60 does not mean disabled. On another note, people are always in my reserved seats, and yes, it says reserved. I find its very difficult to get them to move unless I call the conductor to handle the seating. This thought process is very foreign to me. If I reserved a seat on a plane, no one would dare take my seat.

cowmannathan avatar
Nate Cowman
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, I don't know how people will see this, but I say NTA. There are several people at fault for this, but none of the are the OP. As a matter of fact, they should have never asked you to move unless they were willing to reimburse you. If it were me, and I think the same for anyone in OP's situation, if you buy an expensive seat and you are asked/forced to move to a cheaper one, you should be getting compensation for at least the difference. It may sound greedy, but if you paid for a specific seat for any reason, that is your money you are paying them to be in a specific class/seat. If you think that sounds unreasonable to be given monetary reimbursement... say you told them on the transport you wanted to get an open seat in a better class. Would they just hand it to you? Usually, no. They would charge you to sit in a better seat. So it isn't unrealistic to expect them to give you back the money you spent if they expect you to downgrade for any reason.

jennypulver avatar
Jenny Pulver
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

U don't need give up ur seat cuz u paid in advance I think ppl who use being older or elderly should be ashamed that use that as an excuse to move someone from their seat I'm very much disabled an only 51 do I look like I'm disabled not all the time but more than not. When the lady got her ticket she shoulda been clear on where she wanted to sit plain an simple I'm been on train b4 an let me tell u it sucks when u really r disabled but not elderly by far I'm 51 yrs old tore muscles n my lower back in 1999 then again in 2011 I'd been doing ok except for the fact my back locks up on me at least 4 or more times a week now unfortunately in November 2nd 2016 my best friend an I got n2 really bad accident that we shouldn't have lived thru at all by grace of god anyway this time i broke my back apart from pelvic yeah then had to ride train where my tail got broke cuz of driver neglect they told me they would give me any trip I wanted as long as it didnt go past cost my ticket

rafaelrosario avatar
Rafael Rosario
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You don't need to apologize to anyone if you book something in advance & also pay the outrage price they want for these comfortable seats, because someone needs it & didn't book it.

jamesthomas_1 avatar
James Thomas
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes, and I think this is magical, 2 TAs meet up to create a glorious situation where everyone is TA.

ladylastarr avatar
Lady La'Starr
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA....all details aside. I paid for first class and that's that. Not to mention you came rude...I'm not moving. First class here is hundreds more a seat...no.

myplane avatar
My plane
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I'm a 6yo who just busted their b*tt at preschool. All you did was work a 42 hour shift for 2$ at the hospital. Get off my bean bag chair mommy!!"

petdlyvdntzvanhojk avatar
Fred Jacobson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FU CK THIS SCAMMING, WRINKLEY OLD WH ORE FU CK HER RIGHT IN HER STUPID SHRIVELED OLD BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE! BUT THOLE!

orahall avatar
Ora Hall
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you want to curse at someone, at least learn to spell properly. What is a THOLE?

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happinessiseverywhere491 avatar
Peter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank goodness it was women who stood for her needs and refused to change seats. If it is a man, it would be considered toxic masculinity.

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Vicki Mathison
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you had the last seat and they had a hard tine standing or they were legit disabled and your seat accommodated the disability YES. But 60 hell no, seems like a Karen not wanting to pay 1st class but get it. NO NO AND NO. What is the UK name for a Karen lol

ericyoder avatar
Eric Yoder
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's time these MAGA jerks learn to stfu, mind their own business, and learn others aren't their slaves, no matter how much MAGA wants slavery back.

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Carol Emory
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To the person who said that it's crazy to overbook a train when you know it's already full...try telling that to the airlines too please.

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Paula Glasscoe
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did you know that in the U.K. there are more rules governing the transit of cattle than the carrying of people on trains?

jmstew1973 avatar
Jon Stewart
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm going to defend you, then tell you why I have no sympathy and hope your trip was ruined. You booked the seat. You paid extra for the added comfort. Whether it was a seat reserved for a disabled rider or not, the agent sold it to you. Hopefully you didn't present as needing a special seat, I'll assume you didn't. And there's no reason to expect a train to run an empty seat if someone is offering to buy it. However.... What I don't like, and what everyone seems to be overlooking, is your (IMO, weak) premise that we should take your plight into account. Your first point was that you were exhausted and unable to function. Yet, twice you mentioned you needed to space to work. I'm curious what your occupation is that can be done when you can't function. I'm also curious about your priorities if you work while you can't function instead of using the comfort of 7-hour ride and not getting sleep. Being exhausted and all. Just curious.

kevinlogozzo avatar
Kevin Logozzo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For all you saying the elderly person was 60, she likely was not as that was the estimate of the writer. To guess that someone is 60 and then call them elderly, this person must be in their 20s because they seem to be clueless with regards to aging.

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Joshua Shamblin
Community Member
1 year ago

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In merica, that twat would've been punched in her 60 year old face and kicked as soon as she hit the ground.

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Cary Hewitt
Community Member
1 year ago

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I hope that you live long enough to be treated badly, just like you treated her.

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Lisa
Community Member
1 year ago

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I'm shocked by these comments. You're definitely the AH. 60 IS ELDERLY. Move and be quiet.

crislongacre avatar
Cris Longacre
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You get what you pay for and 60 is definitely NOT elderly. You said to another poster, you seem like a disgusting human being, I'd say you're projecting that because you are obviously someone who thinks she's entitled and better than everyone else.

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Lisa
Community Member
1 year ago

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This it's what wrong with this country. Respect your elders. Move your a*s.

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