Is it customary to engage in coversation with the person sitting next to you on a flight, bus, or train?

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Geoff M

On a long flight, politeness would suggest you at least acknowledge each other, perhaps with a "hello", seeing as you're going to be in each other's personal zone for the next few hours. Then the conversation could go either way from there - if they're uncommunicative, ignore them. If they're talkative (and you are) then chat away!

But on a short haul flight, bus, or train, it's a bit of a different story. General people don't talk much to each other.

There are no customs as such, and it would be determined to a certain extent by the country you're in.

traveller

Please, not if I am sitting next to you.

I carry a thick book and an Ipod for this very reason. As a business traveler, most of the time, the only chance I will have to relax is on the flight and I want to do things that relax me not stress me out . Talking to some bore who will never stop is one of my biggest fears.

Donâ€™t get me wrong. Pleasantries before the flight are always in order : â€œGoing to Tokyo or catching another flight from there ? â€˜ â€œLooks like a great day for a flightâ€ â€œDo you fly to Beijing oftenâ€ Then, having reached my limit of chit chat , I raise my Ipod ear phones to my ears and say â€œWell nice talking with you. Sure hope the flight is smoothâ€ As we are getting ready to land , I resume pleasantries â€œNice flight , donâ€™t you thinkâ€ â€œwow we are 45 min early â€œ

no s

some people dont like talking, but the average passenger is willing to talk.
it can be very rewarding talking to people you meet in busses, trains and public transport. people can be a source of joy.

Square Pants

only if you're F/A..

canfield205

This is a good one. You can start a conversation by saying hello and waiting for the other person's reply. If they don't want to talk, they will soon let you know with body language.
The same goes for you. If you don't want to talk, read a book, magazine, take a nap, etc.

xxmizzseemaxx10

yes what if they have no friends..you could be the first

sweetaimers21

id say if they look at you say hi or how are you. smile. but dont start a conversation with them. if they talk to you then its ok but most people are just there to get from point A to point B and either plan to sleep, day dream or read a book. Having a conversation usually makes the trip take longer.

Stinkypuppy

For some people yes. For some people no.

And for some people it's customary to fart in public as a way of saying "don't talk to me during this trip!!!"

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