The festive season is one of the UK’s busiest travel periods, and rail journeys are no exception.
As millions of Brits cram themselves onto overcrowded trains — all in the name of Christmas — chaos is guaranteed to ensue.
And much of it is down to an irritating commuter habit that is wreaking havoc across the country in the lead-up to the big day.
We are talking about ‘bulge blocking’, a term coined by the Metro Travel Team for passengers who board trains with excessive amounts of luggage — likely filled with last-minute Christmas presents and party outfits for (pardon the pun) those bulging social calendars.
Whether it’s four suitcases per person or three obnoxiously big shopping bags on each arm, these people block aisles, obstruct seats, and often make it impossible for others to step onto the train.
Not to mention hogging the already limited baggage racks at the end of each carriage.
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In the words of Jessica Lindsay, Metro’s Assistant Lifestyle Editor, ‘how much stuff do you need?’
It’s not just us who find this habit infuriating, though; the people of TikTok and Reddit are up in arms, too.
Let’s find out what everyone is saying.
What are people saying about ‘bulge blocking?’
The general consensus: don’t be that person.
One TikTokker posted a video of themselves standing ‘balanced against the luggage rack’ because other travellers had taken over the aisles and seats with their bags.
‘Train journeys are not great these days,’ they said.
Another questioned why rail companies pack their trains so much, leaving passengers stranded in the hallway, sitting on their cases.
‘There’s never enough space for suitcases,’ someone replied, while a different person added: ‘People need to travel with suitcases that fit in the overheads.’
Over on Reddit, it’s the same story. In a thread dedicated to large luggage on trains, one person fumed: ‘What are you bringing that requires an obnoxiously large suitcase, and do you really need all of it?’
They also joked that if you can’t get your bags on the luggage racks or tucked behind a seat, ‘prepare to be deeply unpopular.’
Someone else spotlighted the travellers who leave their cases in the middle of the aisle.
‘Imagine what happens if a refreshments trolley has to get past,’ they said, adding with true British humour: ‘You’re being a pain in the a***. Keep it small.’
Similarly, another got sarcastic about bulge blockers, typing: ‘The guard will give you a monumental b******ing if you block the aisle, particularly if there’s trolley service.’
A wheelchair user also called out the people who use the wheelchair section to store their luggage.
This post generated dozens of comments, with people venting their own frustration over the issue.
‘What part of “it’s in the wheelchair section and needs to be moved” do people not understand?! MOVE YOUR STUFF BEFORE IT’S MOVED FOR YOU,’ one person said.
Another added: ‘Thank you for standing up and making space accessibility matter, especially during the holidays.’
In defence of 'bulge blockers'
Metro’s Sarah Bradbury admitted to being a ‘bulge blocker’ this Christmas — and, she says, with good reason.
Travelling from London Paddington to Didcot Parkway, she carted two suitcases, both weighing around 35kg. Plus, a large tote and her work bag.
She said: ‘If you live in London, and your parents don’t, heading home for any holiday is always a nightmare, especially at Christmas. I notoriously am not a light packer, and ‘gift giving’ is my love language, so much so my dad calls me the ‘Avon Lady’ when I come back with a suitcase of treats.’
This year, however? The load was more than ever, making Sarah ‘public enemy number one.’ But with renting a car feeling more ‘extra’ than 70kg luggage, Sarah was more than happy to brave the stares.
‘Yes, it’s a nightmare navigating through the barriers and shuffling down the platform, but what would be better is people actually remembering that it’s Christmas, and leaving the ‘tutting’ and eye rolls at home.’
‘Also, a helping hand wouldn’t go amiss, but thankfully, pilates has given me the strength I need to dodge the Scrooges and lift everything on and off.’
While we agree that there’s nothing better than seeing our families, next year, Sarah said they might get cash in an envelope like everyone else does.
Is there a solution for ‘bulge blocking?’
From a passenger perspective, the first and only piece of advice is to think about how much you’re packing. Do you really need that much stuff? Can you downsize?
Consider how you’d feel if other passengers made your train journey uncomfortable in this way. It’s the classic ‘treat others the way you would like to be treated.’
In terms of how rail companies can tackle the problem, some operators have introduced luggage restrictions or guidelines over the festive season.
Last year, Great Western Railway introduced airline-style luggage restrictions for Christmas.
Have you ever been a bulge blocker?
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Yes
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No
The company urged passengers to bring ‘sensible-sized’ suitcases to avoid overcrowding and ensure aisles, exits and seats remain clear.
A GWR spokesperson said: ‘We’re seeing more and more people struggling on station stairways and trying to board trains with unwieldy, super-sized luggage, which can block aisles, exits and seats.
‘Instead, we’re asking them to consider bringing a standard-sized suitcase which fits comfortably in the boot of a car and can be stored in luggage racks at the end of a carriage, or, even better, a couple of pieces of cabin-style luggage which can be stored in overhead racks or under seats.
‘There’s plenty of space on board our trains for sensible-sized luggage, and this is about offering help and guidance to customers.’
Is there a legal luggage limit on trains?
According to the National Rail Conditions of Travel, passengers are typically limited to three pieces of luggage at no extra cost.
National Rail states that ‘these items may include satchels, backpacks, and suitcases.’
However, you must be able to carry them yourself and store them in the overhead or end-of-carriage racks, or under seats.
Some train companies have different luggage policies and stricter limits, so check the website first.
For example, Lumo, otherwise known as the ‘Ryanair of trains,’ has specific dimensions, allowing one medium suitcase (max 63cm x 41cm x 27cm) and one small bag.
Others, including GWR, have ‘limited space for larger, standard suitcase-size bags (up to 25 x 40 x 75 cm) in the luggage rack at the end of each carriage.’
