East coats mainline 1st class?
Discussion
I travel East Coast a lot for work and book first whenever I can - if you have plans and book early enough it's often only a quid more than standard. More leg room, generally quieter (I never go South of Peterborough so no idea what it's like into London) and I get a couple of G&Ts and some OK sarnies.
It works for me because I can book well in advance - no way I'd pay full whack for it.
Watch out for weekends ... no free Gin!
It works for me because I can book well in advance - no way I'd pay full whack for it.
Watch out for weekends ... no free Gin!
I've travelled East Coast to Edinburgh (from London) many times, both standard and first class (when I can afford it, or they have a good deal on).
Standard class is fine, it's not as bad as it could be. First class is definitely worth the extra, IMO. Much more comfortable, quiet and pleasant, plus freebies.
Standard class is fine, it's not as bad as it could be. First class is definitely worth the extra, IMO. Much more comfortable, quiet and pleasant, plus freebies.
squeezebm said:
Hello
We have booked Edinburgh for the August B/H weekend,looking at travelling by train as only 3hrs 16mins direct and was wondering if 1st class was worth it? Not been on a train for years........are they still rubbish?
Tia
If you book the wrong train i.e. the first off-peak train, even first class will be standing room only, this is what happened to me and my girlfriend last weekend in May for the Edinburgh marathon.We have booked Edinburgh for the August B/H weekend,looking at travelling by train as only 3hrs 16mins direct and was wondering if 1st class was worth it? Not been on a train for years........are they still rubbish?
Tia
I love the East Coast First Class service - it's surprisingly good value if you are able to book well in advance.
The food is pretty decent and always plenty to drink. The one thing to note if you wanted to enjoy any alcoholic drinks is that these are not served on the weekends (only soft drinks, tea and coffee).
I took a journey from Edinburgh to London recently and the double whiskies I chose seemed to be unlimited - each time I finished one of the 50cl measures, the waiter would bring another - I probably drank the value of the rail fare in Scotch (and yes, I did remain quiet and composed, unlike some of those oiks who manage to book First Class cheaply and are incapable of acting with decorum, which I've seen on a few occasions). Of course it can get worse if you should choose the 'Quiet Coach' - where there always seem to be a few terminally stupid illiterates that will sit there and annoy the hell out of those wanting a bit of peace.
The worst mistake I made was catching an early Saturday morning service from Euston to Oxenholme (Lake District). I boarded a near empty carriage and thought 'Great, a table and 3 unoccupied seats around me...' and then all the Stella drinking football supporters heading to a match at Wigan suddenly arrived just before the train departed and proceeded to fill every available seat - that was a nice relaxing trip...
The food is pretty decent and always plenty to drink. The one thing to note if you wanted to enjoy any alcoholic drinks is that these are not served on the weekends (only soft drinks, tea and coffee).
I took a journey from Edinburgh to London recently and the double whiskies I chose seemed to be unlimited - each time I finished one of the 50cl measures, the waiter would bring another - I probably drank the value of the rail fare in Scotch (and yes, I did remain quiet and composed, unlike some of those oiks who manage to book First Class cheaply and are incapable of acting with decorum, which I've seen on a few occasions). Of course it can get worse if you should choose the 'Quiet Coach' - where there always seem to be a few terminally stupid illiterates that will sit there and annoy the hell out of those wanting a bit of peace.
The worst mistake I made was catching an early Saturday morning service from Euston to Oxenholme (Lake District). I boarded a near empty carriage and thought 'Great, a table and 3 unoccupied seats around me...' and then all the Stella drinking football supporters heading to a match at Wigan suddenly arrived just before the train departed and proceeded to fill every available seat - that was a nice relaxing trip...
Edited by 58warren on Wednesday 23 July 08:59
Another one for First Class - can be expensive though so judge accordingly.
Top tip - for those who use train a lot all the booking engines seem to charge the same price. If you book (any route) with East Coast you can collect points. We get at least two free first class returns each year.
Top tip - for those who use train a lot all the booking engines seem to charge the same price. If you book (any route) with East Coast you can collect points. We get at least two free first class returns each year.
surveyor said:
Another one for First Class - can be expensive though so judge accordingly.
Top tip - for those who use train a lot all the booking engines seem to charge the same price. If you book (any route) with East Coast you can collect points. We get at least two free first class returns each year.
I book through East Mids or any of the train companies listed via Topcashback. The 1% adds up when you spend a £1000 or so per month.Top tip - for those who use train a lot all the booking engines seem to charge the same price. If you book (any route) with East Coast you can collect points. We get at least two free first class returns each year.
nb Avoid The Trainline and Rail Easy as they charge for credit card bookings. Trainline has IMO the best interface for planning your journey.
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