Virgin East coast first class trains

chucknorris

I usually travel up to my parents a few times a year with my dog travelling from Kings Cross (after getting the train and tube from Dorking) to Newcastle. It is much more relaxed than driving up there. I do however encounter issues with my dog, he is very well behaved, but there isn't much room in standard class. So I have decided to start travelling first class with him, I particularly like the single rows of seats (both sides of teh train) that have plenty room to the side of the seat for him to sit/lie (no more arguments with the trolley pushers)

Although it is double the cost, after making the decision to travel first class, I've just realised that there are some perks:

- Use of the first class lounge, I can wait in comfort for my train, and also very handy in the winter
- Complimentary food and drinks (is this unlimited?)

Does anyone on here use Virgin first class, I'm just wondering if I am overlooking something.

alba7

East Coast First Class can be fine - a little more space for a start - but be aware that the catering is "complimentary" and can't be guaranteed. I've travelled several times where there has been nothing offered in first class other than coffee and tea. I've also travelled and been given a full cooked breakfast, so you might get lucky.

Will you be allowed in the lounge with a dog? I don't know, I've never seen one, but it might be worth checking before you book, just in case.

soolin

I love VIrgin East Coast trains. The menu on board does vary, weekends for instance has a reduced service. They also only offer alcohol at set times and sometimes even getting a second cup of coffee on a long journey can be difficult- it all depends on the host in charge of the trolley.

IAmWales

The service is reduced at the weekends, in the week you should receive food and drink. If you look on their website it will tell you what they'll be serving at the time of travel.

The VEC trains I've been on have all had double seats on one side and singles on the other. The great majority of the singles are facing someone, and the ones that are not are reserved for priority customers (usually those with disabilities). The person opposite you is not going to appreciate a dog in their space.

I would highly recommend VEC, but I'm not sure they're going to provide what you're looking for.

(Just checked the train plans, none have single rows on both sides of the train.)

chucknorris

Thanks for the above responses.

They will definitely provide what I am looking for:

- I am mainly looking for space for my dog (it's all about him, not me) to sit next to me, without having to continually move due to lack of available space. The 29 and 31 seats in the electric train (not diesel) provide excellent space for him, I'll keep him entertained with frozen kongs during the journey).

- Well behaved dogs (he is a very well behaved Labrador) are welcome in the first class lounges, so no more waiting on cold platforms. As we have to set off early to allow for any hold ups, because I also have to get the train from Dorking to London, and the tube to kings cross, so we usually end up waiting about an hour at Kings Cross, and 45 mins at Newcastle.

- The perks are just a bit icing on the cake, the real benefit is that I can relax in the knowledge that there will probably be far less hassle to cope with.

chucknorris

IAmWales wrote: »

(Just checked the train plans, none have single rows on both sides of the train.)

See the link below, the Mallard electric trains seats 27, 29, 31 and 33 in all 3 of the first class carriages (but not in the diesel trains) have this:

https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/contentassets/6f9fe35378ad482199b8843b2f7c572a/mallard-2017-dl.pdf

IAmWales

chucknorris wrote: »

See the link below, the Mallard electric trains seats 27, 29, 31 and 33 in all 3 of the first class carriages (but not in the diesel trains) have this:

https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/contentassets/6f9fe35378ad482199b8843b2f7c572a/mallard-2017-dl.pdf

You mean a single row of single seats.

Book one of the less busy times, and make sure those seats are available before confirming. You choose your seats at booking so a busy train will already have many seats taken.

Also keep in mind that trains change. I was booked in a priority single seat (disabled) only to get there and find myself at a four table. It got sorted but had I not had special assistance booked I'd have been expected to sit there.

I love having pets on the train. I'm super anxious travelling and animals make it all seems that much more chilled. Have a lovely trip.

chucknorris

IAmWales wrote: »

You mean a single row of single seats.

Book one of the less busy times, and make sure those seats are available before confirming. You choose your seats at booking so a busy train will already have many seats taken.

Also keep in mind that trains change. I was booked in a priority single seat (disabled) only to get there and find myself at a four table. It got sorted but had I not had special assistance booked I'd have been expected to sit there.

I love having pets on the train. I'm super anxious travelling and animals make it all seems that much more chilled. Have a lovely trip.

I've done the journey quite a few times in standard class, so I know how it works. Obviously I meant single seats each side of the carriage, otherwise the aisle would not be widened, widening the aisle is the motivation. What I originally said was:

I particularly like the single rows of seats (both sides of the train) that have plenty room to the side of the seat for him to sit/lie (no more arguments with the trolley pushers)