Advice for the non-train commuter

Do not get on the train and sit next to the first person you see. There is etiquette involved here. First of all, there are 2 seats at every position. Make sure at least 1 of those seats is full in every row prior to doubling up. Do not sit next to someone when there are empty rows right in front of you!! Second, when there is one person in every row, look up, the second level is the next place to go. There is no reason that you and your huge laptop bag, lunch bag, and 2 cell phones should be sitting next to me when there are empty rows that can handle you and your entourage without platooning your baggage on my lap. I don't want your apologies or explanations, I want you to sit in your own row. Finally, if you must sit next to someone due to an overly high volume of train passengers due to some catastrophe that every other form of transportation has been found useless and this is the only way to travel throughout the US, sit next to the smallest person first. Yes, I am slightly larger than a lot of people, so why would you choose to cuddle up next to me on the train when there are plenty of 100 pound men and women that you wouldn't have to lean on the entire trip. Just some thoughts for those of you who might occasionally take the train and not know how to handle yourselves. If you have further questions, please ask before acting, it will save you an unexpected departure from the train in a not so subtle fashion.