12:49 Leeds to Carlisle - Seats available?

[duffield]

Anyone got an idea how busy the 12:49 Leeds-Settle-Carlisle train is likely to be on Friday 23rd January?
I'm planning a trip with my disabled wife who really needs a seat and want to know if this train is likely to be rammed/quite full/half empty/nearly empty. I'm guessing half empty but any info from anyone who travels this route at this time of year would be helpful.

 

[Greenback]

I wouldn't have thought that there would be a lot of tourists in January, but I have no experience of the line or that train at this time of year, sorry.

Have you thought about booking assistance?

 

[telstarbox]

Even if it busy you should be able to use the priority seats on the train - and in the unlikely event that people don't make room for you, the guard will!

 

[duffield]

Have you thought about booking assistance?

Thanks for the suggestion but my wife doesn't use a wheelchair or need assistance (apart from me carrying bags) but she can't really stand for more than (say) 15-30 minutes without extreme pain. I can't reserve seats because we're using priv travel.
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Even if it busy you should be able to use the priority seats on the train - and in the unlikely event that people don't make room for you, the guard will!

Yes, I'm sure we can sort it out but I like to be prepared and we do have the option of going outbound via the WCML and coming back via settle if this particular train was likely to be very full (currently planning to go outbound via settle and come back WCML).

 

[Greenback]

Fair enough, it was just a thought. I don't think you're going to have much of a problem.

 

[Adam0984]

It never seems so busy it's standing room only out of Leeds. Just the usual don't turn up 5 mins before be there early for when the door are released and you'll near enough get your pick of the seats and prime position for your bags on the luggage rack. Also no one can reserve seats they only do reservations on group bookings.

 

[dk1]

I've not found this service to be too busy so you should be fine. The weather can be so changeable across their this time of year which adds to the fantastic scenery. Have a good trip mate.

 

[Mitch in Notts]

I don't know what Priv tickets you have but when I travelled with my Mother a few years ago I had no problem getting her a seat reservation at Nottingham - I just showed them her privilege ticket...... No harm in asking!

 

[185143]

The vital issue is that you can't reserve seats on Northern

 

[Mr_FIP]

Thanks for the suggestion but my wife doesn't use a wheelchair or need assistance

I can't reserve seats because we're using priv travel.

Well actually I believe you can make seat reservations when travelling on Priv.. . provided you are travelling Standard Class, which you must be as trains on the S&C don't provide 1st class travel.

Further you should find that seat reservations should be issued to you for free, this was part of the safeguarded "rules" at privatization.

It is only with 1st class where there are rules for making seat reservations, and these only apply to active members of staff and their dependants.

Basically I don't believe active members of staff or their dependants can make reservations in 1st class.

Possibly because active members of staff and their dependants are required to give up their seats in 1st class if 1st class fare paying ticket holders are standing.

For 1st class retired staff the rule of giving up seats does not apply. - neither does it apply, as I understand, for either active or retired staff travelling in 'Standard'.

On many occasions I have made FREE seat reservations beforehand in 1st Class with my retired Status Pass knowing that the service will be particularly busy.

 

[Darandio]

But as already stated above, it's completely irrelevant in this case. You cannot reserve a seat with Northern.

 

[alexl92]

Northern seem to have a seat finder app thing... they mentioned it on twitter. Tweet them @northernrailorg and ask.

 

[Condor7]

Using this line quite a bit, I would be amazed if this train was even half full at this time of year, you should not have a problem at all.

 

[ValleyLines142]

Also if you're boarding at Leeds where it starts, you can always use Real Time Trains to see what platform it departs from and get there early

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Well - travelled on the 1049 some weeks back - a 4 car from memory - acres of empty seats going out. Should imagine fairly quiet. Had a table to myself and my Quail Maps etc.

Swopped over at Kirkby Stephen - but the ex Carlisle train was very much busier. (a good number of long distance travellers from Scotland IO reckon)

 

[duffield]

Thanks everyone. Looking forward to tomorrow - DBY->LDS, LDS->CAR, Wetherspons at Leeds and Carlisle...