Is first class worth the extra on train travel

Fizzylizzy

Am looking to book train travel from newcastle to London in feb for a treat weekend away for myself and my husband.
There's some good deals for economy and for first class and I'm considering the first class option to make it extra special as we hardly ever get away.
Anyhow Ive never went first class on a train before what are the perks and is it worth is ??
Thanks

ariba10

Well for a start. You won't get there any earlier.

wiogs

Have a look at what East Coast, if it is them you are using, provide and whether any of that is important to you.

http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/the-east-coast-experience/first-class/first-class-travel/

If the cost is not hugely higher I would always travel FC.

Kernow666

free newspaper and a hot drink isnt worth the extra money

paddyrg

Depends on the train company running the route and the rolling stock they're using. The Cross Country and Virgin train stock are all pretty cramped in first class, however the FGW Bristol TM to London stock are all the (refurbed) old HST's and first class is a pleasure - spacious, table, nice big windows, leather seats.

Some ToC's offer nicer refreshments than others, but usually something like hot or cold soft drink, newspaper, nuts/crisps/cake/fruit.

Also, check what the lounge at your London station is like - Paddington is great, you've got two rooms (one big and bright, one with chesterfields), nice selection of snacks, well maintained, comfortable, papers and magazines. Some others are little more than portacabins on an obscure platform with a coffee machine and totally unattended. The lounges make a difference as you are on a booked train which you cannot miss, so you can arrive early at the station and catch up on yourself before the journey home.

It's not just a drink and paper, it's the space, comfort, convenience, lounges, etc. I always go first Bath-London as you arrive relaxed, then see the hundreds of people getting out of standard class and realise how peaceful and easy your journey's been!

force_ten

I have only traveled first class on virgin trains and love it, if i can get a good deal on first class then i would go for it no question

you will be on east coast from newcastle, and first class you get use of first class lounges free food and drink, you get less service on first class during weekends hence more offers but still worth it if you are not paying to large a premium

wiogs

Kernow666 wrote: »

free newspaper and a hot drink isnt worth the extra money

Just as well that is not what you are paying extra for then.

Fizzylizzy

It's East Coast and it's only working out approx £10-£15 each more per journey so not too bad usually when we go down to London with it being a long journey we either end up buying snacks before we go and or on the train plus a few coffees. Am thinking it would be nicer to have the extra comfort and service since it's now a rarity having time away without the kids. And as I've never done first class before I think I will go ahead and treat ourselves.
Many thanks for all the replies

MysteryMe

I travelled part of a midweek journey on East Coast (Peterborough to York) and although it only took around 80 mins (I think ) I still got a hot main meal, coffee etc. Well worth it if you can get a deal on the ticket.

HapPea

For me, East Coast first class is generally only worth it Monday to Friday when you get a meal and drink in first class. On the weekend it's not, as you only get a coffee and biscuit (or something similar).

However you do get free wi-fi and more spacious seating. Oh and first class generally has fewer people in it.

If you can book a cheap advance ticket I'd go for it.

Hope you enjoy your weekend away

Alan_Bowen

East Coast is by far the best first class in the country. Even at weekends when the service is less, the food is still fresh and the staff charming. During the week the food is excellent and there is a free bar passing your seat every 30 minutes. Having travelled Virgin to Manchester yesterday, the extra was a complete waste of money, the seats in First were rock hard having not been reupholstered since introduction, breakfast was a packet (small) of choc chip cookies and a blueberry muffin so full of preservatives it is fresh until next April. To get a cup of tea you had to walk 7 coaches...on the way back the original departure was cancelled and the benefit of First was that I got a seat, they were standing in standard class 10 minutes before the train even left Manchester