How people-watching will get you a Tube seat

It's every commuter's dream - a new guide on how to get a seat on an overcrowded Tube.

By following telltale signs, passengers can greatly increase their chances of sitting down on a busy train, according to a new book.

It tells commuters how to spot the subtle signals that may tell you a passenger is about to get off. Women grooming their hair and people appearing to be asleep but with their heads facing forward are among those who should be first to disembark.

The book even suggests noting the stations where regular commuters leave the train and eavesdropping on mobile phone conversations for clues. Other tips include using a make-up mirror to check for vacant seats out of your range of vision, learning which uniforms belong to which schools and where big companies are en route.

Although written by a Japanese commuter, there is no reason why the guidance should not be of use to Londoners. Sit Down On A Commuter Train! is flying off the shelves in Japan where millions have to stand. "If you have been on a Tokyo commuter train just once, you have experienced hell," said author Hajime Yorozu.

"Watch people's eyes very closely," he told the Times. "Glances at a watch or station name are promising. People about to leave their seats will tend to uncross their legs, move their bags upright on their laps or search in their pockets for a bookmark."