AP

A commuter waits to enter a London Underground train, in east London, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012. With half a year to go before the London 2012 Olympics, work is cranking up on the London transport system ahead of the event, that begin July 27 and ends Aug. 12. And nowhere is this more the case than on the London Underground's Jubilee Line, one of two key arteries that will serve both the city center and Olympic Park as well as another big venue, the Excel Center.(AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

One of the great travel mysteries is the tactics tourists should adopt or avoid on London’s Underground.

While seasoned public transport users will know the dangers of crossing the safety lines, drinking alcohol or leaving luggage unattended, policies governing the more social aspects of travelling underground are less clear-cut.

With lots of travellers planning their London summer holidays, Flight Centre has drawn on the knowledge of its well-travelled consultants to compile 10 tips of Tube etiquette.

1) Keeping right and giving way

Navigating the escalators leading to or from the Underground platform, the “keep right” rule applies. Move to the right and leave the left side free for overtakers.When it’s time to board, entering a packed Tube carriage is similar to entering a traffic circle – chaos ensues if you don’t give way. You have right of way when you’re getting off, ahead of the people getting on. Tube “boarders” should stand to the side of the doors to allow “disembarkers” to make a swift exit.

2) Space invading

In a packed peak-hour carriage there isn’t much personal space. Be aware of the lack of arm room and make the necessary adjustments. Newspapers and maps should be folded, while wild hand gestures and actions should be avoided – it’s funny until someone loses an eye. Resist the temptation to read over a neighbour’s shoulder or help him or her with a crossword. And wear deodorant at all times.

3) Should I give up my seat?

Ladies, don’t expect men to automatically give up their seats for you, because it rarely happens. While there is a school of thought that says “don’t offer your seat to anyone because they’ll think there’s something wrong with you, you’re patronising them or you’re simply creepy” there are some exceptions to the guard-your-seat-at-all-costs philosophy. As on most modes of transport, these may include vacating seats for mothers travelling with babies, pregnant women, elderly passengers or those with disabilities.

4) Quiet please, no eye contact

While the surrounds are a little different to Wimbledon’s Centre Court, a similar “quiet please” rule is in play on the Underground. Your fellow passengers won’t take kindly to loud music, cellphones, a Mexican wave or even an animated conversation. Rather than develop personal relationships underground, passengers should adopt the same tactics as those confronted by bears in the wilds of North America – be aware of what’s going on around you but don’t make direct eye contact.

5) Backpacks and babies

You might think your back is the obvious place for your backpack. Wrong. Tube etiquette dictates that backpacks must be stowed at your feet. With your backpack in its normal travel position, you’re odds-on to wipe out a fellow commuter if you make a sudden movement. When travelling with babies or young children, plan your journey in advance to ensure you’re not “tubing” at the busiest and most crowded times. Between 10.30am and 4pm is generally quieter.

6) The sardine rule – there’s not always room for one more

Unless you’re trying to enter Guinness World Records, don’t try to squeeze into an overcrowded carriage at all costs. When tubes are at their busiest, services tend to be regular, so wait for the next train.

7) Break free from the masses to find a seat

When you’re waiting for the next service, try moving to the ends of the platform to avoid the longest queues. Commuters tend to converge near the main arrival points at the platform, leaving prime Tube real estate vacant front and rear.

8) He who hesitates creates a human traffic jam.

Everyone’s in a hurry to get in or out of the station. When you’re heading for the gates, have your ticket or pass ready and then move well away from the entrance or exit before stopping.

9) Hunger pangs?

It’s a confined space so wait until you reach open air before cracking open that tuna or smoked oyster can in your backpack.

10) Preparation is the key

Certain tactics can be adopted Underground to make your trip easier. Size does matter when it comes to finding the best place to stand in a packed carriage. While not a hard and fast rule, shorter people should congregate around the easier-to-reach central pole. This leaves the harder-to-reach ceiling rails for taller commuters. Second, seasoned Tube travellers say it’s best to always carry a mini-guide so you can find an alternative route if authorities close the line you are travelling on.

* February is UK and Europe month at Flight Centre. Call 0860 400 747 or visit www.flightcentre.co.za for great travel specials.