Is first class worth the extra on train travel

marvin

ringo_24601 wrote: »

There are certain times of the day where you can get a first class ticket for not much more than a regular one. Free booze, hot drinks and food, a bigger seat + table, everyone gets a plug point and free wifi.. it is a much more civil way to travel!

On one occasion I have booked 1st when it was cheaper than standard class by about £5, not sure who would be booking standard at that price.

abacab

marvin wrote: »

On one occasion I have booked 1st when it was cheaper than standard class by about £5, not sure who would be booking standard at that price.

People don't look at the options available.
One time,on a long trip there was only one ticket left for lowest price advance.However,the lowest price 1st saver was still there,so I bought both and sat with my wife in standard class,cheaper than buying 2 of the next tier standard advance.
Quite often lowest price 1st advance fares are still available long after standard have sold out.

Sharon87

I like travelling 1st class when there are cheap advanced tickets available. I once travelled from Hull to London first class for about a tenner! (with my young persons discount) To be fair it was mid bank holiday so not many people would have travelled on the Sunday hence the cheap tickets!

First class is worth it if on a lot of lines, as long as it's not a commuter train, because then it's not worth it most of the time!

TBagpuss

I agree that it is worth it on busy routes - you're more likely to get a seat. My experience is that it is generally much quieter and less stressful.

I've found it's quite common for standard advance to be sold out but for first advance to be available and to be cheaper than a standard off-peak, which is great if you can be sure of which train(s) you will be catching.

Be aware that some first class lounges are closed at certain times - I seem to recall the one at Paddington is closed on Sunday Afternoons, for instance, so if that is something you'd be planning to use, check ahead of time!

Contessa

Kernow666 wrote: »

picking a random return in january

super off peak - £105
off peak - £131
off peak 1st - £264
anytime return - £269
anytime 1st return £399

Thanks for your reply. Travelling January 17th and returning 26th. Catching longhaul flight from Heathrow so want to make getting there as comfortable as possible.

Cost is obviously a factor but I don't want to buy a FC ticket if I end up travelling partway by coach because of engineering works-as seems possible but not confirmed yet according to train websites.

Plan B is to drive to friend's in Plymouth then catch coach direct to Heathrow. Much cheaper and I don't have to struggle with my case.

burnoutbabe

ringo_24601 wrote: »

HOWEVER - some train station lounges do not permit ALL first class ticket holders in. I only had a first class advanced ticket and they wouldn't let me in at Kings Cross. Oddly, they did at Leeds.

thats true, you have to pay £5 to use the lounge unless you have a total unrestricted first class at Kings Cross.

What we do is we are signed up for the east coast loyalty scheme. If you get 50 points you get a lounge pass. Most journeys I do on East coast are around £50 return so I get a free lounge pass for most journeys.

You don't get much in the lounge, some coffees/teas and other soft drinks and some packets of biscuits. Not worth £5 really but okay for free.

warehouse

Went from London to Edinburgh on East Coast last year and upgraded to first class at little extra cost. Was more than worth it and made a nice trip very special indeed. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

C_Mababejive

My experience of first class has been variable on Mr Bransons train set. First time i got the works i.e fab cooked meal,wine,the whole shebanng. Next time..nothing . All in all for a two hour journey eg Manchester to London, i wouldnt bother as there isnt much to be gained.