Glasgow-London with power sockets?

C_L

Hi, so I'm going to be going to London soon, and from past experience I know I'm going to need to travel some way that lets me use a laptop. It's just hell otherwise, and I can't sleep when travelling. I've always gotten there and back via Megabus, and it's just down to luck whether or not the bus you get has power sockets. Does anyone know of a train or bus service that has power sockets available? I don't have a passport so I can't fly even if they have them on planes.

Thanks in advance. Also any general tips on making the trip less unpleasant would be appreciated.

geordieracer

East coast trains would be the answer. Or virgin trains would be the other answer

w211

C_L wrote: »

I don't have a passport so I can't fly even if they have them on planes.

As it's a domestic flight, you won't need a passport, but will need some form of ID such as a driving licence.

C_L

I don't have anything like that, but that's good to know for future reference. I need to get photo ID for bars anyway. Thanks for the tip!

andrew-the-cat

They even have cross country trains without power sockets? I don't travel by train often but when I do I always take my laptop and phone charger and I've never been on a train without power sockets in every car.

w211

Just had a look at the British Airways website and it appears for domestic flights you don't need ID at all (they didn't check when I flew from London to Edinburgh some time ago), however it is recommended.

Question

Do I need a passport, visa or any other form of identification when I fly on British Airways?

Answer
The documentation you will need for your flight will depend on where you are flying to; whether within the UK, or outside the UK.
Travelling within the UK only
You do not need to bring a passport or photo identification with you if you are travelling on a UK domestic flight (i.e. with no onwards international flights). However, it is always advisable to have some form of identification with you.
Children under the age of 16 years old do not require identification to travel within the UK.
Passports are not required for journeys to/from UK to Eire, although it is advisable to bring some form of photo identification with you in case of checks at the arriving airport.
Acceptable forms of identification for travelling within the UK on British Airways are:

• a valid driving licence
• Executive Club membership card
• passport/national ID card
• company ID card

agrinnall

However, the chances of a BA flight being cheaper than a budget airline (who do require photo ID) flight booked a reasonable time in advance is pretty slim.

oldtoolie

Why not buy a spare battery for the laptop?

yorkie2

Cross Country trains all have power sockets at each window seat.

East Coast trains all have power sockets at each window seat (except in the buffet car in Std class which is non-reserveable anyway)

Virgin Trains are mostly Pendolinos which have power sockets at TABLE window seats ONLY.

Therefore if you go with Virgin you must be sure to select a table seat at a window (not an aisle seat).

C_L

oldtoolie wrote: »

Why not buy a spare battery for the laptop?

I have actually been looking into that, it'd be fantastic to have one, and charge up both before going anywhere. I've just found it difficult to find out exactly what battery I need - I'm told it's very, very specific, unique to each model, and haven't found my exact model number on any sites specialising in batteries. Also, I've heard third party batteries can damage one's laptop.

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I went with Virgin trains this time - £120 for an off peak open return. Not too bad for such short notice, I'm quite happy with it, due to bad experiences on Megabus I'm really uncomfortable with overnight bus trips, so it's worth the extra money to feel safe - and have a power socket.

yorkie2

C_L wrote: »

I I went with Virgin trains this time - £120 for an off peak open return.

This is an Off Peak Return valid via any permitted route, and on any operator. It is not only valid on Virgin Trains, but also valid on East Coast, London Midland, East Midlands Trains, Northern, TPE, FCC and Scotrail. Time restrictions apply. Return within 1 month.