h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Lifts are a kind of public transport. (Invented 1852 by Elisha Otis)

There's an entry somewhere about 50 fun things to do in an elevator like: "Stare at another passenger for a while, then announce "You're one of THEM!" and move to the far corner of the elevator." Or "Say "Yes master Wooko!" While staring at other people"

However, here, let's talk about the boring etiquette.

1 - The closest to the door gets in.
2 - If you are right in front of the elevator, step to the side for others to get out
3 - If you're inside and people are in your way, ask someone to press 'door open' and ask people to let you out. Be polite. Don't yell.
4 - If you are one of those on the way, don't even wait for being asked. Hold the 'door open' button if you notice such a situation. Try to anticipate what everybody else will do. Who's going out next etc.
5 - If you notice someone on the way to the elevator, hold the 'door open'.
6 - Inside the elevator be considerate for the entire ensemble. That is: Avoid being obnoxious.

7 - and make sure you look at the buttons before pressing them...

...unlike yours truly, who spent an extended amount of time with my finger on the alarm button until a panicked member of staff ran up asking what the trouble was...

Why do they put the alarm button next to the door open button?


h

Probably because you first try to open the door, and if it doesn't work, it's an alarm situation.
Anyway, there is usually a nice big (sometimes yellow, red or some other visible colour) bell on the alarm button, so it can hardly be mistaken. But then again, maybe not.


Petkan

In Ireland, the same golden rule of consideration applies for most forms of public transport. This generally implies touching the other passengers as little as possible, taking up the least space, and not talking unless it.. feels right. I can't explain it any better than that; Irish are talkative, and if something funny or annoying happens, we make eye contact, grin, or express annoyance. This is often followed by conversation. Asking the time is also allowed.

I think odour is more important in a lift than, for instance, a train. Not coughing/sneezing, when avoidable, is also good.