YPlan Blog The 10 commandments of the London Underground

With the busiest season of the year almost here, we felt like it was primetime for a refresher on Underground etiquette. Veterans: feel free to nod sagely in agreement. Newbies: absorb these pearls like a sponge.With the busiest season of the year almost here, we felt like it was primetime for a refresher on Underground etiquette. Veterans: feel free to nod sagely in agreement. Newbies: absorb these pearls like a sponge.The Tube is an integral part of London culture, identity and way of life - a hallowed place Londoners love to hate and hate to love. But one does not simply ride the Underground. In a typically British manner, there are reams of unwritten rules behind the art of public transportation. Here are the 10 basic tenets to make your journey (and everyone else's) more enjoyable.1. Eye contact for over 3 seconds is unacceptable. If it does go on for longer, don't panic - smile awkwardly, look down and move on down the carriage. Crisis avoided.2. If you have a backpack put it on the floor, preferably between your legs. If you are heading to Heathrow and have more than one piece of luggage...get a taxi.3. Eating smelly food is forbidden. No exceptions, no special occasions. No way Jose.4. If the lady that just entered the wagon isn't wearing a "Baby on board" pin, think twice before offering her your seat.5. When cruising to music remember that you're wearing headphones, not speakerphones. Notice that person to your left with the passive-aggressive glances? That's your signal to turn it down a notch, even if the beat's about to drop.6. Don't sprint for the closing doors - there's another train right behind this one. In fact, just chill out and take it easier in general. If arrival time was of critical essence, you'd have Ubered your way there or, you know, woken up on time. Stuff like work can wait 5 minutes.7. Getting stuck into The Girl On The Train or some other Guardian bestseller? Don't get upset at people who talk over you while you're reading. Sadly, the Tube isn't a library.8. Desperately need a nap? Fine. Just know this can be dangerous territory. Tilt your head sideways, but not too much; your head shouldn't be resting on the shoulder of the person next to you. If you manage to drop off, try your best to keep it steady and not lolling about like a rag doll. Also, while sleeping is okay, snoring is not.9. Don't take the tube from Leicester Square to Covent Garden. It's literally a 2-minute walk.10. Seriously, mind the gap.