Elevator Etiquette Explained: How To Navigate Social Norms

In public places, including in restaurants, there are rules of etiquette that should be followed. Elevators are no different. In this article, we will teach you some of the most important etiquette rules to follow while using an elevator (or lift, depending on where you live).

Following these simple elevator etiquette rules ensures everyone can get on and off efficiently, feel safe while riding, and get to their floors on time. Small acts of chivalry can help others feel at ease and make the ride pleasant, too.

Pay Attention To Which Way The Elevator Is Going 

When the elevator stops on your floor, take a moment to note which direction it is going. Is it going up or down? Many elevators have a visual arrow indicator and/or an auditory signal in the form of beeps or dings (one beep/ding for up, two for down). If there's no clear indication, ask someone in the elevator car. If it isn't going in the direction you intend to go, wait for the next one.

If you catch a ride in an elevator that's going up when you want to go down, someone on another floor may have to wait for the next elevator if there's no room left. It could also cause the elevator to change directions and go your requested direction instead, much to the annoyance of your fellow passengers.

What To Do While You Wait For The Elevator To Arrive 

Once you call the elevator, proper etiquette is to stand to the side while you wait for it to arrive. If multiple people are waiting, form an orderly line off to one side of the elevator doors. If you aren't the first one there, wait behind those who arrived before you. Don't stand directly in front of the doors as this will cause unnecessary congestion for those trying to exit.

Wait For People To Exit The Elevator Before Getting On 

Once the elevator arrives, stand clear of the doors and give those who wish to exit a clear path to do so. If the elevator is full, some people may step off momentarily to let others exit; don't use this as an opportunity to try and squish your way on. Wait for those people to get back on before you get in.

Some people may take longer to leave the elevator because they have a physical disability or are carrying a heavy load. You can offer them assistance if you want, but you aren't required to do so. Wait for them to fully clear the elevator doors before you get on.

Don't Use The Elevator If You Are Only Going Up Or Down 1-2 Floors 

A common unwritten rule of elevator etiquette is to avoid using the elevator if you are only going up or down one or two floors. This is an unwelcome disruption for those travelling many floors and could result in dirty looks and scoffs as you get off. Very aggravated passengers may even comment on your laziness.

However, there are exceptions to this rule, including the elderly, expectant mothers or parents with strollers or small children, people with disabilities, and people transporting heavy items.

Pay Attention To The Buttons 

Once you are in the elevator cab, be sure to look at the floor buttons as you press them. Blindly pressing buttons could result in you selecting a random floor or accidentally pushing the emergency call button (or even worse, the emergency stop button). Either option will result in annoyed passengers or a stalled elevator that now requires a technician to get up and running again.

If you aren't near the button panel, politely ask someone who is to select your floor for you. Be sure to thank them once they do so. Both "please" and "thank you" are powerful words everyone should know. Use them to your advantage, but not to take advantage of people.

Be The Elevator Button Pusher If You Are Near The Elevator Button Panel 

If you find yourself by the button panel on a full elevator, you are now the unofficial elevator operator. Your tasks include pushing the floor buttons for people who cannot reach them until you reach your floor. The unofficial elevator operator must listen to requests from other riders and make sure they select the right floors. They may also be tasked with holding the doors open or closing them if the elevator is taking too long to do those on its own.

Don't Hold The Elevator Doors Open If It Is Inconvenient For The Other Passengers

Holding the doors open on an elevator is a hotly debated act of courtesy. On one hand, you are being polite to the person rushing to the elevator, but on the other hand, you are holding up the people inside the elevator. What do you do in this situation? The answer is simple:

If you are the only person in the elevator (or everyone in the elevator is with you, i.e: group of friends, family, etc), you can hold the doors open. If the elevator is full, let the doors close. As rude as it may sound, you should consider those already inside the elevator ahead of the person outside.

Always Face The Elevator Doors 

When you're inside a crowded elevator car, it's a good idea to face the elevator doors after selecting your floor and not to stare around aimlessly or at other riders. Some riders may be uncomfortable with being stared down while others may think you're scoping out security cameras so you can follow through with that midnight jewelry heist you're secretly planning.

Facing the elevator doors also means you won't accidentally walk off on the wrong floor or into people waiting to get on when the doors open. If you are with a date, facing the elevator doors also means you can get a good look for any hazards once the doors open, especially if you are unfamiliar with the building.

Respect Everyone's Privacy

Listening in on other people's phone calls or conversations, peering over their shoulders to read their texts or emails, giving them an unblinking stare-down, or watching whatever they're watching is considered rude and should be avoided. Mentally shut your ears and do your best to not let your eyes wander too much. Some elevators have screens in the top corners with the latest news, weather, and sports. If you're not sure what to look at, look at those.

Giving a non-verbal gesture like nodding with a split second of eye contact when entering the elevator is fine. Even a friendly "hello" or "how are you?" is acceptable if you know the person, but resist the urge to engage in a full conversation as this could be disruptive to the other passengers.

This also includes giving important information to a co-worker, carrying on a conversation from before you stepped on the elevator, or trying to flirt with someone. Be polite and wait until you get off before starting a full conversation.

Respect Personal Space On The Elevator

Respecting other people's personal space on an elevator includes not pushing and shoving to get on or off and not standing uncomfortably close to someone. Many people feel uncomfortable when someone is close enough to be breathing down their neck, especially in enclosed spaces such as elevators.

If you do accidentally bump into someone while getting on, off, or shuffling to let others on or off, apologize and look around for a spot nearby that isn't as close to other riders.

If the elevator arrives and it looks like you'd have to cram like a sardine to get in, wait for the next one. You don't want to be that guy that squishes everyone else just so they can get on.

Move To The Back Of The Elevator Car If You Are Not Getting Off Soon 

Move to the back of the elevator car if you are taking it up to a high floor or from the top to the bottom. Even if the elevator is empty when you get on, it could suddenly fill up on another floor.

Moving to the back allows those who are getting off on lower floors to do so without having to navigate through other people. It also allows people with wheelchairs, strollers, or carts ample room to embark.

Once the elevator gets close to your floor you can begin making your way to the front or letting other passengers know that you will be getting off soon. That way you don't get stuck at the back and miss your floor.

The Unwritten Rule Of Passenger Spacing On An Elevator 

There is an unwritten rule of passenger spacing in elevator cars that you may not know but should follow: as the first few people enter an elevator car, they should space themselves out so one person is in each corner. As more people enter, they should space themselves out equally, first in the corners and then between other riders.

Here is a simple guide for passenger spacing in an elevator:

• 1 person, any corner
• 2 people, opposite corners or a single corner if they're together
• 3 to 4 people, occupy each corner
• 5 or more people, spaced equally apart from each other

Keep Your Bags At Your Feet 

Items like backpacks, suitcases, and bags should be placed at your feet to prevent them from hitting people near you. If you do not want to place the items by your feet for sanitary, privacy, or other reasons, either hold them under your arm or in front of you close to your body.

If you notice someone forgetting something on the elevator, you should call out to them to bring this to their attention. This is also an acceptable time to hold the door open, even if the elevator is full. If that doesn't work, you can be polite and bring the item to them, even if this means getting off the elevator and waiting for the next one.

Should You Remove Your Hat While Riding In An Elevator? 

In our article Hat Etiquette: When And Where To Wear Your Hat? we state that elevators are considered public spaces, so you do not need to remove your hat. Plus, you won't be riding for long, so removing your hat only to put it back on a moment later seems redundant.

The only caveat we would make to this rule is if the brim of your hat is so large it could enter other people's personal space (like a sun hat or sombrero), in which case you should remove it. Other than that, you can leave your hat on.

Put Your Phone Calls On Pause While In An Elevator 

Proper phone etiquette in an elevator involves hanging up before or as soon as you enter the car. It isn't rude to tell the person on the other line "I'm just about to get in an elevator. I'll call you back when I'm off." Neither is it to refrain from answering your phone while on the elevator.

Many smartphones have auto-text answers for phone calls. Choosing one of those and then calling the person back once you're on your floor is the polite thing to do in this scenario. Other cell phone rules like keeping your phone on silent or vibrate should also be followed as loud ringers can be disruptive to other passengers.

Be Mindful Of Your Hygiene And Bodily Functions 

The elevator is not the correct place to floss your teeth, trim your nails, or apply your cologne. While we believe in practicing good hygiene (we even wrote a full checklist on personal hygiene), and applying fragrance, these should be done at home or at least in a private area away from others. 

If you feel the urge to trim a hangnail, step into the closest bathroom once you get off the elevator and do it then. People will feel disgusted if you start chomping on your nails or send clippings flying.

Bodily functions like belching and flatulence, although completely natural, should be avoided while in an elevator. For obvious reasons. Please do not pass noxious gas that could take down a full-grown elephant in the elevator. Chemical warfare was banned with the signing of the Geneva Protocol in 1925; please don't be the reason they need to revise it.

Summary

Elevator etiquette isn't difficult to follow. Many of the rules revolve around being kind and courteous to others. Like any other form of manners and etiquette, it takes a conscious effort at first but will soon become second nature. Remember that every kind deed is a direct reflection of your character, so always be respectful, even on elevators.

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