Traveller reveals little-known train hack every passenger NEEDS to know when commuting during rush hour

  • Chelsea Dickenson says signs on the railway platform will help you find a seat
  • She directs travellers to look at the 'little drawing of a train' when it's busy
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  • READ MORE:  Britain's best B&Bs for 2024 revealed by the AA 

By Sophie Foster, Deputy Travel Editor For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

A travel expert has shared a train hack that she says can help you get a seat when boarding a busy train - even if you don't have a seat reservation.

Chelsea Dickenson, who posts advice on her website cheapholidayexpert.co.uk, shared a video on TikTok showing how the LED signs on the railway platform could help you find a quieter cabin.

She says the knowledge is 'a good tool to have in your arsenal'.

In the clip, she points to the electric boards at Manchester Piccadilly station and directs travellers to look at the 'little drawing of a train' as it 'actually gives you loads of information about how busy each of the carriages are'.

Chelsea says: 'The more coloured in [each carriage] is, the more busy and full it is, the more booked seats there are and, therefore, if you do not have a seat booked you're best heading to the ones that are not filled in at all.

'There's also a different colour which shows you which ones are first class. I always look at this when I don't have a reserved seat and I need to know where to head to, to possibly find myself some space.'

In the caption of her video, the travel pro adds: 'Not gonna lie, it took me years to notice this but it's so handy, and has deffo helped me work out where to head. 

'In particular, it's really helpful when things are looking busy because trains have set carriages that are unreserved - but the thing is that lots of people know where they are!'

Chelsea, seen here, points to the electric boards at Manchester Piccadilly station
She directs travellers to look at the 'little drawing of a train'

Chelsea, seen here, points to the electric boards at Manchester Piccadilly station and directs travellers to look at the 'little drawing of a train'

Chelsea says: 'The more coloured in [each carriage] is, the more busy and full it is' - as seen above this sign shows that carriage U is entirely unreserved

Chelsea says: 'The more coloured in [each carriage] is, the more busy and full it is' - as seen above this sign shows that carriage U is entirely unreserved

'Hands up if you've been part of the dash to coach C on an Avanti train?' Chelsea comments, referring to the reservation-free carriage where seats often fill-up fast.

She says: 'I find it can actually be better to head to a carriage that does have bookings, but isn't very booked up.'

In the comments, people thanked Chelsea for the hack. Poster 'Mavis Elderfoot' writes: 'Thank you, this is so helpful, and I have bad anxiety travelling'.

Chelsea recently spoke to MailOnline about an ultra-budget trip to Albania.

The travel content creator managed to spend three days in Tirana for less than £100 - the total amount paid for all of her food, drink, transfers, flights, hotel rooms and activities for the two-night trip.

TikTok