Queen of Alberni
(Queen of Alberni/BC Ferries)

If you live on Vancouver Island, chances are you have taken a journey on a BC Ferries vessel.

Living here, it’s inevitable if you want to go anywhere. 

With any form of transportation, and mass amounts of people in one space, you’re bound to come into contact with some annoying situations.

And if you take the ferry often, you’re sure to see some patterns over time. 

Curious, we took to Reddit to see what travellers said their biggest pet peeves are when travelling on BC Ferries. 

Without further ado, here are 15 things that annoy your fellow BC Ferries passengers:

Luggage on open seating

As one Reddit user simply put, “Seats are for bums not luggage”.

Some customers think their luggage deserves its very own spot or they don’t want anyone to sit near them. 

However, BC Ferries even makes a note of this on their welcome announcements when the ferry begins the journey. 

Take your bags off the seats to allow for other customers to be more comfortable, especially during busy sailings.

Feet on open seating

See above. Also, gross!

Not being considerate of fellow passengers

Not being considerate of fellow passengers overall was a popular topic on the Reddit thread. 

Commenters posted about people who use speakers to talk to someone on the phone, listen to music without headphones or watch movies at full volume. 

Put your headphones in, talk to your friend off speaker, and help everyone enjoy the journey.

Slow walkers

Many Reddit commenters spoke about slow walkers on the ferry. 

While we’re not sure where they need to go in such a hurry when they’re on the boat, perhaps move off to the side if you want to admire the beautiful ocean view as you walk.

Screaming children

Screaming children was a common pet peeve on the thread. 

“I don’t mind them playing and laughing and running around but god damn what is with the shrieking?”

Passengers not realizing there are two cafeteria lines

For one Reddit user, other passengers not knowing how to properly navigate the ferry cafeteria was a big pet peeve. 

Yes, there is a long line for hot food. However, if you just want something out of the fridge on the other side or a quick coffee, you can bypass the hot food line and head to the cashier. 

The commenter is tired of getting dirty looks.

People who sit in the cafeteria when they’re not eating

While we’re on the topic, there is another common pet peeve about the BC Ferries cafeteria.

If you’re just hanging out with friends or reading a book, it’s probably best to not take up space where people may need it.

BC Ferries also reminds people of this in their announcements. 

Hogging charging stations

You know the feeling, you get on the ferry and everyone rushes to the few available outlets and the charging stations. 

One Reddit user noted that some people plug in their phone and use the station the entire voyage.

Charge your device and then move elsewhere to allow someone to use the station.

And if you’re not charging your phone, maybe pick another spot to sit.

Lingering in Hallways

No matter where you are, lingering and blocking people from passing can be disruptive.

According to Reddit, it’s a common occurrence on the boats.

Leaving too much space between cars 

Down to the car deck. 

For many Reddit users, spacing of cars on the lower vehicle decks causes considerable frustration. 

When parking your car on the ferry, be sure to position yourself as close to the car in front of you as possible. 

By leaving a full car length you are possibly preventing another customer from getting on the sailing. 

Car alarms 

Car alarms were by far the most noted pet peeve when it came to travelling with BC Ferries. 

We’ve all been there, you’re trying to relax and the motion of the ferry sets off car alarms all around you. 

Suddenly, you’re in a chaos of alarms which can go on forever, something that can be otherwise easily avoided.

According to Reddit, BMWs and Audis are the worst offenders. 

Smoking on the car deck

It’s not allowed, so please don’t do it. 

It’s only an hour and a half and Reddit is unanimous in not wanting to smell it.

Cars starting as soon as the ferry docks

Cars starting as soon as the ferry docks is another common car deck pet peeve. 

When the ferry docks, there is still quite a bit of time before you offload. 

Don’t start your car until your lane begins to leave, for everyone’s sanity and lungs

Damage to vehicles

According to Reddit, people opening car doors too fast, hitting other cars or dragging bags and personal items along the sides of cars and mirrors is common. 

Spaces are tight between cars and in aisles, but be mindful.

Complaining about BC ferries

Finally, complaining about BC Ferries was suggested. 

If we want to take a trip off the island at some point, we’re going to have to take the ferry, so we might as well deal with it.