Are you a pregnant commuter? Your train network may offer a free first class upgrade

Former_MSE_Natasha

What's this about?

A handful of chivalrous train companies offer pregnant commuters with season tickets a free upgrade to first class travel, on occasions when standard seats aren't available.

Which networks offer this?

• First Capital Connect
• South West Trains
• South Eastern

IF YOU'RE AWARE OF MORE RAIL COMPANIES THAT OFFER THIS, PLEASE CLICK REPLY AND REPORT BELOW SO OTHER MONEYSAVERS CAN BENEFIT TOO.

How to get the free upgrade

Simply make a copy of your season ticket and photcard plus either your MAT B1 maternity certificate or FP92 Family Health Services Authority Exemption Certificate. Then send these to the specific address detailed on the applicable First Capital Connect, South West Trains or South Eastern website (you may be asked to fill in an application form on the website too).

You'll then receive a letter of authority allowing you to travel in first class carriages when seats in standard aren't available.

Many thanks to MoneySaver temoana42 for highlighting this was possible on First Capital Connect in the MSE Pregnancy Club thread.

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ticketcollector

Be aware that this only works when there are NO seats in standard. If there are some standard seats anywhere on the train you will be expected to sit there.

TwistedPsycho

Also being a "conductor" on one of the mentioned companies (We are actually called Commercial Guards but I bet a few of you would be confuzzled) I think it is also prudent to point out that you can not get complimentary upgrades on normal day tickets in the same manner, in the case of SWT I think it is only for Annual "Gold Card" Season tickets but I would have to clarify the matter with our Customer Service Centre.

I am sure though that all Train Managers, Commercial Guards, Conductors, Revenue Inspectors, Ticket Examiners, etc, etc on here would agree that we are all human and a little politeness, a full to the sardine can train and a pregnant passenger will, where possible, have us bending over backwards to help. I have even heard of a passenger being given a seat in guards van on one occasion!

nomoneytoday

Agree with the above. If there isn't space in cattle class then pregnant commuter ladies are usually welcomed in 1st class

However, if there is space elsewhere then you will possibly get a penalty fare if you meet an inspector having a bad day...

ticketcollector

We inspectors are not evil people but if you are noticeably pregnant and there are no standard seats and you dont have an upgrade letter, most of the time we will let you in First class. Of course this is all dependant on your attitude at the time.

The upgrade letter only works if you have a monthly or longer season ticket. It does not work on daily tickets. But again were not evil and sometimes will upgrade you.

davey4444

National Express East Anglia also offer the free upgrade to 1st class for the last 8 weeks of travel which has been fantastic for my girlfriend. I've also managed to sit there a couple of times late at night and the conductors have allowed it which was very good of them.

blue_monkey_2

One Railway used to let me sit in First Class on the morning and Evening Commute, I had no letter or anything, they just used to let me sit there once I got visibly pregnant.

It was the part of my day I hated, people pushing you to get a seat over you when you are waddling along - and I was clearly pregnant, I got barged out of the way many a time so they could get a seat before me. Horrendous. And men were the very worst for doing this.

And who gave up their seats more often? It would be the bloke out of a young couple sitting together, the woman would look at him and he would offer his seat.

And to those of you blokes reading this who meet the eye of a pregnant lady and then hide behind your paper then shame on you!! I used to sit on the floor if there was room and no-one would give up their seat.

I even had to stand when I was on crutches and 34 weeks pregnant as no-one would give up their seat. :mad:

Bob63

What a wonderful thread. Nice to read something positive about rail companies for a change.

mandylew

Ha ha very funny, reminds me of the time trains were cancelled few years ago I was travelling london to newcastle with my 5 yr old in tow as well as being 7 months pregnant, was told i could sit in the waiting room at kings cross all night if i wanted to and get a train the next day! No reimbursement, train companies are not responsible for the weather, had to get a coach at my own expense.

gner_ex

ticketcollector wrote: »

Be aware that this only works when there are NO seats in standard. If there are some standard seats anywhere on the train you will be expected to sit there.

Thats certainly the case with SWT/SE. I think with FCC it is a carte blanche upgrade, at least, that is what their website suggests. I am actually in touch with one of the managers there still, so I'll check the next time I speak to him.