NBR: Elevator Etiquette Question?

jolis_petits_bijoux · May 2009

So, I work in a busy building and have to take an elevator to my floor, as well as downstairs to get the mail, or to the restroom (bathroom on our floor has been closed this week for repairs, boo).

I just almost got taken out by someone in a mad rush to get in the elevator! (First time ever a stranger has literally walked into my bump Wink - and I was standing a couple feet back from the doors)

This makes me wonder about "elevator etiquette". I've always thought - and maybe I was wrong (but my Google research seems to indicate I'm right Wink ) - that the people exiting the elevator have the right of way over people entering the elevator. Meaning, when the car stops at a floor, anyone who wants to get off there should do so first, and then anyone that needs to get on would then enter the elevator. Am I correct?

In this building, it seems that people are so hasty to enter/exit the elevator without looking to see if anyone else is standing directly in front of them, I always stand back and wait (whether I'm getting on or off). I don't know why people assume, in this busy building, that there will be no one already on the elevator (or waiting to get on) because there almost always is! Tongue Tied

Okay, back to work, sorry for the off-topic rant.

The New Mrs. · May 2009

jolis_petits_bijoux:

This makes me wonder about "elevator etiquette". I've always thought - and maybe I was wrong (but my Google research seems to indicate I'm right ) - that the people exiting the elevator have the right of way over people entering the elevator. Meaning, when the car stops at a floor, anyone who wants to get off there should do so first, and then anyone that needs to get on would then enter the elevator. Am I correct?

I agree. Those getting off should be allowed to exit first.

Kendall13 · May 2009

You are right. People exiting have the right of way... just like on the Metro or in and out of a building. Not everyone follows those rules either.

Lopo · May 2009

Elevator Etiquette is a HUGE pet peeve of mine! Especially here at the hospital I work at...it seems all the doctors always think they are more important and have to get in RIGHT AWAY before people even get off. Drives me damn crazy.

Pesky · May 2009

Yes, you are correct. I would think etiquette would dictate what most people I know do, which is standing back a foot or two from the elevator door, seeing if anyone is in the elevator when the door opens and if so, if someone is getting off, waiting for anyone to get off and then getting in.

cedens · May 2009

THIS is my BIGGEST pet peeve on the face of the planet....

seriously...ppl need to just cool their jets and WAIT!

i cant tell you how many times i get RUN over because they are in such a hurry! this drives me insane!

you are right....one must wait to make sure all ppl have exited the elevator before entering!

AND i HATE it when ppl stand sooo close to the doors but "think" they are letting you by first, but you seriously cant even get through because they are hovering the entrance so closely!

one day last week, i almost flipped out on someone....i said "geez... it would be nice if i could get out..."

trying to be passive aggressive on it! grrrrrrrrrrrrr

i feel the pain! (i work in a hospital in philly).... no manners!

mavilabride · May 2009

People exiting should always be allowed to get off first.

SteffaniO · May 2009

Lopo:
Elevator Etiquette is a HUGE pet peeve of mine! Especially here at the hospital I work at...it seems all the doctors always think they are more important and have to get in RIGHT AWAY before people even get off. Drives me damn crazy.

Me too! It seems like everywhere I go, though, no one has any sense of it. Everyone always rushes onto them without waiting or looking.

johnsoar · May 2009

I would assume people would get off before you enter. You have to make room for the new people somehow.

BeanieWeanie · May 2009

If the people getting off weren't allowed out first, surely they'd get blocked in by the pushy ones who aren't going to get anywhere faster by being like that.

aly401 · May 2009

Yep. I think you're right. People exiting have the right of way. I work in a busy building too and I run into this all of the time- especially from people who are not from this country. Maybe they dont have that ettiquette rule where they're from????

But yea, pet peeve of mine too.

Mrs.Kent · May 2009

Kendall13:

You are right. People exiting have the right of way... just like on the Metro or in and out of a building.

Ditto

cathy_and_matt · May 2009

To me, this isn't even etiquette, it's common sense! Of course people getting off should be allowed to first, that's how you make room for the people getting on.

People just don't think sometimes. Especially in crowds.

kenitaw248 · May 2009

Wouldn't it be nice, if we still lived in a world with manners and etiquette were practiced.

Mike&Care · May 2009

You are right. Those getting off have the right of way. What a rude guy!

txbabs111 · May 2009

I've always been taught the same way as you- when you're waiting to get on, you stand back and allow the people to get off before getting on.

DH and I had a weird elevator experience at my appt. on Monday. We got in and there were already 2 people in the elevator. They were towards the back so we stood in the front. When we got to the lobby, the lady pushes past us to get off first. We both just looked at each other like WTF?

Nicole Williams · May 2009

cathy_and_matt:
To me, this isn't even etiquette, it's common sense! Of course people getting off should be allowed to first, that's how you make room for the people getting on.
People just don't think sometimes. Especially in crowds.?

This exactly!?

KelliLynee · May 2009

This is a pet peeve of mine also but the one thing I always try to keep in mind is that the people waiting for the elevator may not realize the elevator is going to their floor to drop people off. They always seem to think its coming just because they requested it. Then they start to plow in before they even notice that other people are getting off.

krstokes · May 2009

It's definitely rude to get on the elevator before everyone exits. Sorry someone was so rude to you and ran into your tummy.. what a jerk!

edwins_girl · May 2009

I deal with this BS everyday and it drives me insane!

Mama Jan · May 2009

Um, yeah, of course the person exiting has the "right of way". How else would there be room for the person wanting to get on?? That person was incredible rude.

MizMac · May 2009

You are totally right. ?

Another elevator pet peeve of mine ? the students who have classes on the 2nd or 3rd floor and take the elevator. ?It's two floors! ?You are young and healthy! ?Or the people on the 4th floor who take the elevator down to the 2nd. ?It's two floors down! ?Argh. ?Ok maybe I am a little b!tchier about this than most people.

*KC*luvs*RJ* · May 2009

I'm also under the impression that the people exiting have the right to go first. :-)

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