Recently, I have been annoyed by individuals who don’t know how to properly use the elevator. Common courtesy for fellow riders seems to be ignored in this day and age, so here’s my personal guide to practicing good elevator etiquette.

Finding an Appropriate Elevator

When you enter a building with an elevator, it is important to think about whether this elevator (or bank of elevators) is appropriate for you. Not every elevator can reach the floor you desire, so be sure to check for signs that point you in the correct direction.

Your Arrival

Upon your arrival at the inviting up and/or down buttons, first check around to see if anyone is already waiting. If they are, give them their personal space and stand away from them. Never stand between people who are waiting and the elevator doors. This is the same as telling the other person that you are more important than they are.

Calling the Elevator

There is no need to push a call button that has already been lit, it won’t make the elevator show up on your floor any faster. It also gives off two impressions: That the person who originally pressed the call button somehow called the elevator incorrectly, and that you’re not able to comprehend how elevators really work.

Ding!

Ok, you’ve been waiting long enough. How glorious, the elevator has arrived! Before you step inside, you need to check for two things: Are there other people waiting to get on, and also are there people already inside the elevator ready to walk out.

Wait for the elevator doors to completely open and stand back away from the doors. This will create enough space between you and the people needing to get off the elevator. Once the elevator is empty, you can proceed inside.

Before you enter, you need to remember whether or not other people had been waiting to board prior to your arrival. Let all of those people enter first. If there is still room for you inside the elevator, feel free to move in. Otherwise, happily take a step back and wait for the next one.

Where and How to Stand

As you enter, look in both directions for the elevator’s control panel. This panel holds all of the buttons to direct the elevator to the various floors, as well as buttons for opening and closing the doors, stopping the elevator for an emergency, and possibly other functions. Some elevators have two panels (one on each side of the door), while others have only one.

Find the button that corresponds to your floor. Press it once, and then proceed towards the back of the elevator. Turn around so that you are directly facing the elevator doors. If you are standing on the side of the elevator, you should also face forward, most likely looking at the control panel.

Do not stand with your back to the side of the elevator and face the other passengers. If you do, you’re just creeping them out because you’re staring at them.

Holding the Elevator

If you are just arriving and see the doors starting to close for your elevator just stop and wait for the next one. Your tardiness is not a good enough reason to keep everyone else already inside waiting. Sticking your arm between the doors to keep them from closing is an absolute no-no. If it’s you that does that, it’s a wonder how you even made it through college. Oh, you didn’t go to college? Well, that explains it.

Your safest bet is to slow down and not let the people inside see that you wanted to ride with them. That way, they will not feel guilty if they chose not to hold the door for you. Out of site, out of mind.

If you are inside while the doors are closing and you happen to see someone running towards the door, first check your surroundings. Is there anyone else in here with me? If so, don’t do anything. It’s not up to you to decide for everyone else if it’s worth delaying their arrival. In practice, it’s best just to let the doors close since there are more people inside already waiting than there are outside. If you are alone, it is courteous to press the “door open” button and allow them to board, but not required.

Going Up?

Once you have settled yourself in and are ready for the journey, it’s important to let the elevator do its job. Do not mash the “door close” button to pressuring the elevator to close the door faster than what it’s used to. Technically, the door will close faster if you push the button, but it’s not worth the trouble, and definitely not worth the impression you give to everyone else on the elevator. You appear as impatient and aggressive, and generally not a whole lot of fun to be around. Just stand and relax. You’ll get there soon; the elevator promises.

Talking or Making Other Kinds of Noise

Despite the common misconception, it is ok to speak to another person in an elevator, provided you have some kind of knowledge of or relationship with the individual. If you do not know the person, maintain complete silence. In fact, it’s recommended to not make eye contact at all. If you have gas, it is best that you not allow for any flatulence while inside the elevator. If you can, hold it until you get out, and seek the nearest restroom or open-air location. Snorting is also frowned upon.

You Made it!

Finally. You’re now at your floor. Calling, entering, and riding the elevator shouldn’t be that difficult, right? Now it’s time to exit… or is it? First, make sure that the floor that the elevator stops on is yours. Leaving the elevator for an undesired floor, and then swiftly getting back on just makes you look silly. Your co-workers will wonder if you’re capable of actually doing your job at all.

If another passenger wishes to leave and you are towards the front, it is understandable if you step off the elevator to make room for them to exit. Otherwise, shuffling to the opposite side of the person wanting to leave is appropriate.

If the elevator is actually on your floor and you are ready to disembark from your journey and others are blocking your path, a simple, “excuse me” should suffice. Do not push with your arms, hands, or belongings. Nobody wants to be touched.

Your Experiences

Leave your comments here about your elevator experiences and other tips for elevator etiquette. Riding an elevator should be a fun and exciting event for you. I hope these tips will make your next ride a pleasant one.

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