Eurostar First Class, not worth it any more ?

[Justin Smith]

I can remember when we used Eurostar about 10 years ago when travelling First class (if you got a cheap deal) was quite worthwhile. You got good personal service, a decent meal and loads of free (sorry, included in the price) wine etc.
We went to Paris in 2009 by First class Eurostar and it wasn't as good. It was packed, the service was no better than in Economy on a plane, and the meal was, I'm sure, smaller and with fewer options and fewer courses come to that.
We're thinking of going to Paris (well actually Morocco, all the way by trains ! ) and checking the Eurostar website, all you now get is a "light meal". Further reading of their site gets them to admit it's a cold meal !

I began to think I was just looking at the past through rose tinted spectacles, until I found an old menu from about 2002, and I'm right, Eurostar First Class is crap compared to what it was. It's now called "Standard Premier", but it's still a lot more expensive than Standard, in fact the same kind of price differential to when it was actually a decent service.
Not worth it.

 

[ainsworth74]

Yeah this happened a while ago. My understanding is that the service you recall does still exist but it's now solely aimed at business travelers (hence the name Business Premier) and therefore priced accordingly (£300+ me thinks one way) whilst those of us that don't have expenses or deep pockets get the new Standard Premier. Which as you say is not really worth it.

 

[blackfive460]

It's now called "Standard Premier", but it's still a lot more expensive than Standard,

Not always.
I'm going to Germany in October on a DB London Spezial and the first class price was just a little cheaper than the price Eurostar wanted for the journey in standard.
Probably not relevant to your journey but worth noting.

 

[stut]

Indeed, the seat is the prime attraction now, not the service.

I suspect the rebranding was a cynical ploy to a) charge more for less because b) business travellers can expense it as "standard class", not first.

What irks me more was the flurry of press releases insisting it was a vast improvement, and exactly what customers wanted. Please, don't treat me like an idiot.

 

[38Cto15E]

I think the old First class promotion was called 'Leisure select'?

I went to Belgium a few times over the years during the summer because hotel rates were low when the European parliament was on holiday. The former was great value, inc Champers, plenty of time as well as you weaved slowly out of London.
Now I use East Coast for my summer leisure trips, £25 First class to Inverness, bring it on.

 

[Squaddie]

The "Standard Premier" product is most certainly inferior to the old "Leisure Select", and significantly more expensive too - Leisure Select started at £129 return, whereas Standard Premier starts at £189. And, as Justin says, it's often almost as full as cattle class.

However, during peak times, and especially summer weekends, the difference in fare between Standard and Standard Premier can be extremely small due to the huge demand for Standard. And as long as you accept that you are paying only for more space and a heavenly lack of noisy kids, and don't expect first class catering, it's probably worth the difference.

 

[Justin Smith]

The "Standard Premier" product is most certainly inferior to the old "Leisure Select", and significantly more expensive too - Leisure Select started at £129 return, whereas Standard Premier starts at £189. And, as Justin says, it's often almost as full as cattle class.

However, during peak times, and especially summer weekends, the difference in fare between Standard and Standard Premier can be extremely small due to the huge demand for Standard. And as long as you accept that you are paying only for more space and a heavenly lack of noisy kids, and don't expect first class catering, it's probably worth the difference.

I have to say when we went First Class two years ago (they were still serving a hot meal then, but it was smaller with fewer drinks, and worse service generally) there were some kids, with noisy I Pods, very annoying.
Don't get me wrong, I don't mind kids, just so long as they don't make any noise, obviously......
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I think the old First class promotion was called 'Leisure select'?

I went to Belgium a few times over the years during the summer because hotel rates were low when the European parliament was on holiday. The former was great value, inc Champers as you weaved slowly out of London.

That's the fella ! It's gone, nothing like that now, and it's more expensive as well.......

 

[dk1]

I used to do it on early afternoons on staff FIP purely to swig wine non-stop. Never too bothered about the food. Just stand (wobble!) & buy in the cafe bar now.

 

[Barrett M95]

It is worth pointing out that Standard Premier (or Leisure Select before it) is NOT "First Class". Business Premier would be the 1st class equivalent, where you do get a larger meal.

Whether the new standard premier is as good as the older leisure select, is free for debate of course, but don't confuse them with "First Class" because the only thing they have in common is you sit in a "First class" carriage in the physical sense. If you want true First class, choose Business Premier, not Std Premier.

The comparisons are here:
http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/travel_information/on_board/comparison_chart.jsp

A sample business Premier menu is here:

http://www.eurostar.com/pdf/food_on_board/Sample_BP_menu.pdf

 

[Justin Smith]

It is worth pointing out that Standard Premier (or Leisure Select before it) is NOT "First Class". Business Premier would be the 1st class equivalent, where you do get a larger meal.

Whether the new standard premier is as good as the older leisure select, is free for debate of course, but don't confuse them with "First Class" because the only thing they have in common is you sit in a "First class" carriage in the physical sense. If you want true First class, choose Business Premier, not Std Premier.

The comparisons are here:
http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/travel_information/on_board/comparison_chart.jsp

A sample business Premier menu is here:

http://www.eurostar.com/pdf/food_on_board/Sample_BP_menu.pdf

I`m not sure what it was called, but when we went on Eurostar "First Class" up to 2004, you got a nice introductory glass of Champers, more than one if you wanted, and a 3 course meal. I have the menus in front of me now.

However, after a gap when we went in 2009, there was a quick "production line service" of one drink before the food, which a 2 course meal, after which we were still hungry, and we haven`t got big appetites ! The meal was at least hot though. Again, I`m not working from memory, I have the menu in front of me.

Now, the Eurostar website admits the meal isn`t even hot.

 

[Barrett M95]

The Std Premier meal isn't hot, but the Business Premier does have that option. My fish last week was certainly hot.

 

[Justin Smith]

The Std Premier meal isn't hot, but the Business Premier does have that option. My fish last week was certainly hot.

It`s "Standard Premier" that I`m talking, the one that leisure passengers might consider upgrading to. I`m saying that it`s not worth it, certainly not compared to what it used to give you. I seem to remember that, if you were a bit flexible which service you used, it only cost about about £50 to £60 more, and, I used to persuade myself, that two 3 course meals with wine would cost that. So I`d do it. I wouldn`t now.

 

[All Line Rover]

It is worth pointing out that Standard Premier (or Leisure Select before it) is NOT "First Class". Business Premier would be the 1st class equivalent, where you do get a larger meal.

Whether the new standard premier is as good as the older leisure select, is free for debate of course, but don't confuse them with "First Class" because the only thing they have in common is you sit in a "First class" carriage in the physical sense. If you want true First class, choose Business Premier, not Std Premier.

The comparisons are here:
http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/travel_information/on_board/comparison_chart.jsp

A sample business Premier menu is here:

http://www.eurostar.com/pdf/food_on_board/Sample_BP_menu.pdf

Personally I don't see the point of "Standard Premier" - it's a bit of a gimmick in my opinion. They try and sell it as a "First Class" option, when in reality all you just get is a bigger seat. It is far, far too overpriced for a "bigger seat" - you don't even get to use the First Class lounge!!

Having looked at the Business Premier menu, I wouldn't say it's anything special - especially when a return ticket costs £450! The Arriva Premier Service is much better - and costs only £150 return (approx. from HHD to CDF). (The ATW chefs have also been trained by Michelin Star chefs, so there Eurostar!)

£69 return "Standard" - £250 return "Standard Premier." I know which one I'd go for!

 

[lyesbkz]

They're turning into British Airways.. Next we'll have 4 classes: Standard, Standard Premier, Business and First!

There's no need, really, a simple Standard and First would suffice.

 

[AlterEgo]

They're turning into British Airways.. Next we'll have 4 classes: Standard, Standard Premier, Business and First!

There's no need, really, a simple Standard and First would suffice.

I'm told that the "Standard Premier" branding was to encourage those travelling on expenses to upgrade, given that many firms have a "no first class" rule on travel.

I am due to travel next month in Standard Premier, to Paris. I have a heavily discounted ticket (£49) which is the only reason I have decided to travel. I probably wouldn't pay the public fare, for what it is.

 

[lyesbkz]

I'm told that the "Standard Premier" branding was to encourage those travelling on expenses to upgrade, given that many firms have a "no first class" rule on travel.

They could just rename First to 'Standard' and rename Standard to 'Substandard', probably a more accurate reflection of service offered anyway

 

[Bristol Rover]

Definitely not worth the price now I don't think.

The ridiculous name makes me laugh - it's a complete contradiction - it can't be standard AND premier, one or the other! It's not quite as obvious an oxymoron as 'premium economy' though, what utter cobblers!

Leisure Select was only just worth it imo, now you get a worse service for more money. It's only a 2 hour journey and standard class is ok, much rather spend the £80 (per person) or so you're likely to save on a top quality meal in France.

 

[Barrett M95]

It seems that your choice next time is simple - you prefer the value of standard class. Which is good, because Eurostar can still provide you with that - like someone said, it's only just over 2 hours anyway.

Most morning weekday services from London and certainly the 17XX and 18XX services from Paris are pretty much full or are in fact completely full in Business or Standard Premier. I've often turned up early for an 18XX train and tried to transfer to the 17XX to be told that it is full in business or std prem - no big deal, I just wait for the train I was due on anyway. It has worked a few times, but even then, those business and std prem carriages are very well filled. To me this suggests that Eurostar have marketed it perfectly. If you can fill 6 first class carriages in each train with passengers paying the new prices, then what is the motivation for halving the price?

 

[All Line Rover]

It seems that your choice next time is simple - you prefer the value of standard class. Which is good, because Eurostar can still provide you with that - like someone said, it's only just over 2 hours anyway.

Most morning weekday services from London and certainly the 17XX and 18XX services from Paris are pretty much full or are in fact completely full in Business or Standard Premier. I've often turned up early for an 18XX train and tried to transfer to the 17XX to be told that it is full in business or std prem - no big deal, I just wait for the train I was due on anyway. It has worked a few times, but even then, those business and std prem carriages are very well filled. To me this suggests that Eurostar have marketed it perfectly. If you can fill 6 first class carriages in each train with passengers paying the new prices, then what is the motivation for halving the price?

None, and people are welcome to pay the ludicrously high prices if they wish.

 

[dk1]

Didn't Kylie Minouge used to pay top wack 3 times a week to walk her partners dog in Paris?

If you've got it...

 

[Justin Smith]

I'm told that the "Standard Premier" branding was to encourage those travelling on expenses to upgrade, given that many firms have a "no first class" rule on travel.

I am due to travel next month in Standard Premier, to Paris. I have a heavily discounted ticket (£49) which is the only reason I have decided to travel. I probably wouldn't pay the public fare, for what it is.

£49 !
How come it's always everyone else (apart from myself) who seems to get these cheap deals ! Every time me and the wife want to travel, and this includes so called budget airlines, we never seem to get a really cheap deal.....
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Definitely not worth the price now I don't think.

The ridiculous name makes me laugh - it's a complete contradiction - it can't be standard AND premier, one or the other! It's not quite as obvious an oxymoron as 'premium economy' though, what utter cobblers!

Leisure Select was only just worth it imo, now you get a worse service for more money. It's only a 2 hour journey and standard class is ok, much rather spend the £80 (per person) or so you're likely to save on a top quality meal in France.

You're right. I hate flying Economy, we often upgrade if it isn't too horrendously expensive, but standard rail travel (most of it.....) isn't too bad, apart from the noisy personal stereos !
The obvious move for Eurostar would be to start squashing more seats in (like some British Train operators.....) in order to encourage more people to "upgrade" to 'Standard Premier'. The problem with that is they're competing against the airlines, and, at the moment, they have a more comfortable Standard class product than said airlines. If they reduced the legroom etc, more people might think, well, I may as well fly then. Don't forget, for many people, including us in Sheffield, it's still faster to fly, just.

 

[rmt-driver]

£49 !
How come it's always everyone else (apart from myself) who seems to get these cheap deals ! Every time me and the wife want to travel, and this includes so called budget airlines, we never seem to get a really cheap deal.....
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


You're right. I hate flying Economy, we often upgrade if it isn't too horrendously expensive, but standard rail travel (most of it.....) isn't too bad, apart from the noisy personal stereos !
The obvious move for Eurostar would be to start squashing more seats in (like some British Train operators.....) in order to encourage more people to "upgrade" to 'Standard Premier'. The problem with that is they're competing against the airlines, and, at the moment, they have a more comfortable Standard class product than said airlines. If they reduced the legroom etc, more people might think, well, I may as well fly then. Don't forget, for many people, including us in Sheffield, it's still faster to fly, just.

I must say, the STD class Euro* seats have the WORST leg room of any train I have travelled on

 

[stut]

I must say, the STD class Euro* seats have the WORST leg room of any train I have travelled on

Steer clear of AXC 170s, then!

 

[Barrett M95]

I must say, the STD class Euro* seats have the WORST leg room of any train I have travelled on

You haven't travelled on many trains then...

158/159... pacers (any of them), Voyagers, 365.....

 

[AlterEgo]

£49 !
How come it's always everyone else (apart from myself) who seems to get these cheap deals ! Every time me and the wife want to travel, and this includes so called budget airlines, we never seem to get a really cheap deal.....

I'm rail staff and my TOC has a special agreement in place with Eurostar.

I'm not sure about any other discount schemes Eurostar might participate in I'm afraid!

 

[es373]

The logo change was certainly not a gimmick. It was something to do with Eurostar in the UK now belonging to the UK and not the French.

Cant remember exactly what it was but its something along them lines. Also bearing in mind that currently it is the only way to travel by rail into the continent they pretty much can charge what they want.
If you don't like it, then don't use it and don't moan about it. That's the way I see things.
You're forgetting that E* is not a domestic railway. Its international.

Not long until the refurbishment of existing stock anyway. Redesigned interiors by Pininfarina (the guys who design the interiors for Ferrari). Let alone the new stock!
Personally I cannot wait to see the e320's!

Click the URL for more info: http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisu..._2010/eurostar_announces_fleet_investment.jsp

 

[Peter301184]

The logo change was certainly not a gimmick. It was something to do with Eurostar in the UK now belonging to the UK and not the French.

Cant remember exactly what it was but its something along them lines. Also bearing in mind that currently it is the only way to travel by rail into the continent they pretty much can charge what they want.
If you don't like it, then don't use it and don't moan about it. That's the way I see things.
You're forgetting that E* is not a domestic railway. Its international.

Not long until the refurbishment of existing stock anyway. Redesigned interiors by Pininfarina (the guys who design the interiors for Ferrari). Let alone the new stock!
Personally I cannot wait to see the e320's!

Click the URL for more info: http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisu..._2010/eurostar_announces_fleet_investment.jsp

I wonder if this refurb will be as crap as the last!

 

[es373]

I wonder if this refurb will be as crap as the last!

Hmm... Time shall tell but I reckon it'll be good! Given that soon e* may start seeing competition (I assume that anyway)