Train full - free upgrades to 1st class

melanieconway

Hi all

When I first joined MSE someone created a post saying how you can get a free upgrade to a vacant 1st class seat if the train was full. He did this by carrying around a copy of the T&Cs of travel (one condition apparently makes mention of seat provision) and producing it in the right situation.

I have searched MSE and Google and can I hell find it.

Anyone know where I can find it?

M

rdwarr

Sorry, sounds like complete rubbish to me.

Sometimes there will be a decision to declassify First Class but that would be specifically announced. There is nothing I'm aware of that guarantees you a seat on a train (apart from a seat reservation of course).

somethingcorporate

Agreed with the above, I don't think there is the liability on the train company to provide a seat.

pinkteapot

If it was true, I'd be sitting in first class every day on my way to work!

crabyducky

Only time I have been given an upgrade to first class was a few years back.

Was working, supporting 4 individuals with Learning disabilities on a holiday we were forced to stand next to the toilets as the train was packed.

When the ticket person came around, I asked if there were any free places further alone the train. She said they would check about 20 minutes later, she returned and offered us some seats in the first class section.

cosmojohnson

National Rail Conditions of Carriage, section 38:

On-train staff will not give you permission to use first class accommodation (or the equivalent) unless they are satisfied that it is not required by anyone with a first class ticket and the standard class accommodation on the train is full. This permission may be withdrawn if a person holding a first class ticket requires the accommodation during your journey or standard class accommodation becomes available.
[...]
If you have a standard class Season Ticket, you may only travel in first class accommodation (which includes occupying seats or standing in any part of the carriage) if:
[...]
(c) notices are displayed allowing passengers with standard class tickets to use first class accommodation; or
(d) on-train ticket staff have given you permission.

However, it is still at the train staff's discretion, and 'using' first class accommodation does not mean "getting a seat" (but instead includes "occupying seats or standing in any part of the carriage").

If the train is so busy that staff give permission to occupy 1st class, I wouldn't see that as much of an upgrade, as all sections of the train are likely to be equally busy; hardly a 1st class experience!

Wail

I would be surprised to find someone successfully doing this.

Pregnant women can get some dispensation on some operators, although whether this includes First Class travel, I do not know.

dad62

I think it is quite reasonable to sit in first class if the alternative is to stand. Sadly the negligence of the rail companies has resulted in several rail disasters in recent decades. In such situations standing passengers are at higher risk of fatality than seated passengers. I really can't see how a responsible rail company would put passengers at additional risk by forcing them to stand when safer (seated) accommodation is available in first class.

cardomon

I find on South West Trains when the train is packed you never see a guard anyway. We came back from London a few months ago and there had been a big football game on, we got seats in first class which was packed with footie fans, as usual no guard to be seen, its not the first time thats happened.

Jeff_Bridges_hair

dad62 wrote: »

I think it is quite reasonable to sit in first class if the alternative is to stand. Sadly the negligence of the rail companies has resulted in several rail disasters in recent decades. In such situations standing passengers are at higher risk of fatality than seated passengers. I really can't see how a responsible rail company would put passengers at additional risk by forcing them to stand when safer (seated) accommodation is available in first class.

What a load of ill informed rubbish.

dzug1

dad62 wrote: »

I think it is quite reasonable to sit in first class if the alternative is to stand. Sadly the negligence of the rail companies has resulted in several rail disasters in recent decades. In such situations standing passengers are at higher risk of fatality than seated passengers. I really can't see how a responsible rail company would put passengers at additional risk by forcing them to stand when safer (seated) accommodation is available in first class.

They are not 'forced' to stand - they can wait for the next train, not travel at all if they are that concerned or pay (yes that ugly word) for first class.