Scotrail on board upgrades query

DarrenLee02

Has anybody any knowledge of upgrading a standard Scotrail ticket to first class on board the train? Does this work out cheaper than booking in advance? On the Scotrail booking page there is a substantial difference in price.

Last Friday I went to Edinburgh by train and while I was there I found I had to book an earlier return ticket. On the Scotrail app the First Class ticket was only about £6 more than standard class, so it was a no-brainer as they say.

I know this is a slightly mangled question. In essence can you get cheap(er) upgrades on the train? If they have space are they inclined to offer a cheap upgrade if you smile handsomely?

Herzlos

https://www.scotrail.co.uk/tickets/first-class

"If there are still seats available in First Class you can upgrade on board by speaking to the conductor. It costs £5 to upgrade one way on eXpress services, and £15 one way on intercity services."

There are calls to get rid of first class on Scotrail entirely, though it'll be a while before that happens. Not very MSE unless it lets you be more productive. 

DarrenLee02

Thanks for this and the link. If it's a set price laid out in policy then that must mean there's little chance of a freebie if you're polite.

I agree it might not be worth it unless the journey is 2+ hours then the comfier seats and more space are attractive. Scotrail first classs bonuses are pretty stingey, just wee bottles of water and small snack packets. Strangely it's English water.