please awnser correct i only get 1 shot at this!

An elevator at a department store must carry fewer than 17 people at a time. An elevator operator is present in the elevator at all times. If x customers can travel in the elevator with the elevator operator, which inequality represents this situation?
A. x + 1 < 17
B. x > 18
C. x + 1< 16
D. x < 17
E. x + 1 > 18