Umbrella on the Train: Luggage Rack, Neighbours and Dripping Water
Anyone travelling by train with a wet umbrella faces practical questions: Where to put the dripping frame without splashing seats or fellow passengers? Does a long stick umbrella even fit in the luggage rack? And how can you store the umbrella so that it is neither in the way nor damaged? This guide shows you how to store your umbrella safely and considerately on the train.
Stick Umbrella or Folding Umbrella: Which Fits Better in the Train Compartment?
A stick umbrella measuring 90 to 100 centimetres in length usually only fits crosswise in the luggage rack above the seats. Many models then protrude over the edge or block space for other bags. Pocket umbrellas with a folded length of 25 to 35 centimetres, on the other hand, can be easily stored in the luggage rack, rucksack or side pocket. Those who travel by train frequently benefit from a compact model with a sturdy frame made of fibreglass or steel, which can be quickly stowed within reach after alighting.
Placing a Wet Umbrella Correctly: Floor, Hook or Rack
After a rain shower, the canopy often continues to drip for several minutes. Place the closed umbrella with the tip pointing downwards on the floor next to your seat or lean it against the wall by the entrance. Many intercity and regional trains offer hooks on the seat backs or next to the doors. Make sure that the handle does not protrude into the aisle and that no one can trip over it. You should only place the umbrella in the luggage rack if it is dry or if you put it in a water-repellent cover.
Avoiding Dripping Water: Shake Out the Umbrella Before Boarding
Shake the open umbrella vigorously before entering the train so that large water droplets fall off. Then close it and wipe the canopy with your hand or a cloth. This reduces the moisture by about half. Some railway stations provide umbrella stands or drip grids. Use these if you have a few minutes to spare. An umbrella with a polyester canopy dries faster than one made of cotton, but remains damp longer than a model with a Teflon coating.
Consideration for Fellow Passengers: Keep Distance and Create Space
Position your umbrella so that it touches neither neighbours nor their luggage. A wet canopy leaves stains on clothing and bags. If you are using a four-seat area, do not place the umbrella on the free seat, but under your own or in the foot rest. High-quality Umbrellas with a lacquered wooden handle or chrome-plated frame should not be thrown loosely into the luggage rack where they can get scratched. Wrap them in a fabric cover or place them on your jacket.
Drying the Umbrella After the Journey: At Home or in the Office
Open the umbrella after arrival and let it dry in a ventilated place. Stand it with the tip pointing downwards in an umbrella stand or hang it on a hook. This allows residual water to drain off and the canopy to dry evenly. Only close the umbrella again when the canopy and frame are completely dry. Moisture when closed promotes mildew stains and rust on the hinges. An umbrella with a Teflon coating or polyamide canopy is dry after about an hour, cotton takes two to three hours.
Checklist for Umbrellas on the Train
- Shake out and wipe before boarding
- Store compact models in rucksack or bag
- Place stick umbrellas on the floor with tip pointing downwards
- Do not let the handle protrude into the aisle
- Do not place wet umbrellas on seats or in the luggage rack
- Leave open to dry after the journey
Related topics: Jean Paul Gaultier, Pagoda umbrellas, Romantic. The complete range: Umbrellas.
Related categories: Jean Paul Gaultier, Pagoda umbrellas, Romantic. The full range: Umbrellas.
Read more: The Umbrella on the Platform: Wind, Distance and Safety Line, Umbrella and Smartphone: Operating in Rain with One Hand, Umbrellas in Taxis: Getting In, Getting Out and Managing Limited Space, Umbrella at the Weekly Market: Stall, Goods and Crowds, Umbrellas in Rain and Wind: When Size Becomes a Problem