Seat hogging on trains: against the rules or just bad manners?

There would be space—but it remains blocked. Few things in public transport prompt as much collective eye-rolling as passengers who drape jackets, bags, or backpacks over the seat beside them, as if this were the most natural thing in the world.

On crowded trains, this regularly leads to frustration. Many passengers are hesitant to directly approach fellow travelers – out of politeness, insecurity, or fear of a harsh reaction.

The result: A space that should be free remains blocked, while others have to stand. But how much «seating space for things» is legally permissible – and where does a clear violation of the rules begin?

The rules are clear in theory

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) advises passengers to address the issue directly. «If passengers notice that someone is blocking an empty seat with personal items despite the train being crowded, they should politely point this out,» SBB spokesperson Sabrina Schellenberg told Travelnews. «If that does not resolve the situation, passengers can contact SBB staff, who will ask the person concerned to free up the seat.»

In principle, passengers who occupy a seat with a bag, jacket, or backpack may be charged for it. Philipp Bosshard, spokesperson for the public transport industry association Alliance Swiss Pass, puts it succinctly: «According to the fare schedule, anyone blocking a seat with luggage needs an additional ticket.» Specifically, one must purchase as many 2nd class single or route tickets (reduced fare) as the number of seats occupied by the hand luggage.

«No further surcharges are provided for in the fare regulations. However, if passengers endanger safety through their behavior, transport companies reserve the right to take further action,» explains Bosshard.

These regulations are based on the so-called Tariff 600, which, among other things, defines the rules for carrying hand luggage that apply throughout Switzerland. It stipulates that all passengers are entitled to the free transport of their personal belongings – provided these are easily portable, can be loaded and unloaded independently, and do not endanger or obstruct other passengers.

Passengers may store their luggage in the space above and below their seats. Additionally, they may place it in the alcoves between the rows of seats, in the overhead compartments, in the multi-purpose areas, and on the hand luggage platforms – provided there is sufficient space and security is guaranteed.

The bottom line is simple: seats are for people, not bags. Passengers who place their luggage on the seat next to them should remove it as soon as the train begins to fill up. A small measure of consideration goes a long way toward making public transport more pleasant for everyone.