First class travel on Virgin at weekends, worth it?

mrxry

My journey is 70 minutes long and a upgrade is £10, but its weekend and not sure if its worth it, I do try and save the pennies but may treat myself.

As well as that I plan to take a few heavy awkward bags on train so it will help with that.

On top of that I notice a return to where I am going is £16 for a regular off peak return, so if I got first class both ways I could choose what train I wanted and it would cost £36 (not that I would get a first class one for return portion) I mention that as a advance first class single is £16-£20 anyway so its cheaper to get off peak and choose my train and upgrade.

But is it worth it? I heard they have made cutbacks to everything so outside of the free wifi and quieter carriage is it worth the extra as its a short journey?

w211

Is there a first class lounge at the departure station? May be worth while, just relaxing in there and helping yourself to drinks and snacks, which you may have otherwise bought for the journey.

duchy

It's a bit like asking if Waitrose is worth the extra versus shopping at Aldi. To some people it's well worth it to others it isn't as you still have a seat reserved and arrive at exactly the same time. Only you know what is more appealing to you personally about first class and if it is worth the extra to you. Ten pounds more is a lot to some and very little to others. Only you know what it's a good deal for you.

Voyager2002

I used first class on Virgin West Coast recently and was very disappointed... I had to wait more than 70 minutes for my cup of coffee (since it was the weekend I did not have the option of going to get it myself from the buffet). Seats are of course a little larger than in standard but since the train wasn't crowded I didn't really feel the difference..

OTOH I used to enjoy First on East Coast back when it was part of the public sector (have not tried it since Virgin took it over).

elverson

You'll get a hot drink and some snacks (last time it was a mini panettone and/or a banana) on the train and similar stuff in the First Class Lounge if there is one at your origin / destination stations.

Bear in mind that a lot of people do go for the upgrade so it won't necessarily be peaceful and quiet.

daveyjp

Which Virgin service?

I travelled first class with East Coast a couple of months ago on a two hour trip.

Lounge before the train. Free coffee and biscuits, £5 or so each if I'd bought in the station outlet. On board the carriage was newly refurbished, comfy leather seats. Drinks round within 5 minutes of leaving. I had a beer, my wife had G&T and was given two miniatures with two tonic water. Food arrived about 20 minutes later, another beer for me, wine for wife.

Cleared the food and another round of drinks were offered, then tea and coffee.

Ticket was about £40 each as opposed to £30 second class so I think we had good value!

gazapc

You don't say if it's East or west coast but a Google of 'virgin trains #### coast first class' will give some details of potential food etc available.

I've travelled first on east coast (both pre and post Virgin), I think it's great and it wasn't that much more expensive than standard. Especially as it was an early train so I got a full breakfast. Similarly on the way back it was beers all around!

elverson

daveyjp wrote: »

Which Virgin service?

I travelled first class with East Coast a couple of months ago on a two hour trip.

Lounge before the train. Free coffee and biscuits, £5 or so each if I'd bought in the station outlet. On board the carriage was newly refurbished, comfy leather seats. Drinks round within 5 minutes of leaving. I had a beer, my wife had G&T and was given two miniatures with two tonic water. Food arrived about 20 minutes later, another beer for me, wine for wife.

Cleared the food and another round of drinks were offered, then tea and coffee.

Ticket was about £40 each as opposed to £30 second class so I think we had good value!

That's the weekday service though.

Kite2010

Depends on the route and if there are any events happening on that day (i.e. Football/Rugby)