London North Eastern Railway (LNER) First Class service

[YorkshireRider]

Let's not forget that the bottom falling out of Sea Containers had no small part to play in it all.

It didnt help, nor did the 7/7 bombings or the increase in the price of electricity. Bad luck? well yes to a degree but sea containers were in trouble before the bid and if GNER had still been a subsidiary making money it wouldnt have been a problem, but it wasnt because the bid was based on high passenger growth forcasts with very little slack for things not going to plan. He resigned in 2006 (pushed by sea containers) and serveral trouble shooters came in from sea containers but by that point it was like re-arranging deck chairs on the titanic. Then NX came and the whole thing repeated itself. Lets hope lessons have been learned for the new franchise from Dec 2013.

 

[jon0844]

I am not sure Weekend First was worth it either, but it was a nice way to end a weekend away in Leeds. We went up standard (well, actually first was declassified due to disruption earlier so the whole train was wedged).

On FGW coming back from Wales, I didn't see any point in upgrading. The fold down table that extends for your laptop was great, and on the way to Wales we sat in coach D with the screen so the wife could watch a film (was free that day too). As standard class services improve, it will be harder for any TOC to charge a lot more for first class.

 

[Greenback]

It should always be possible for a higher level of comfort and space to be provided in First Class. To me, that is always the USP, rather than free food, free alcohol or wi-fi. I cna;t emphasise how nice it was to board the 1737 Reading to Gatwick Airport service with a First Class ticket, knowing we would get a seat (even if it was no better than a Standard seat), and a roomier and quieter environment than Standard, which we could see was absolutely rammed to the gills with standing passengers!

 

[HST Power]

It should always be possible for a higher level of comfort and space to be provided in First Class. To me, that is always the USP, rather than free food, free alcohol or wi-fi. I cna;t emphasise how nice it was to board the 1737 Reading to Gatwick Airport service with a First Class ticket, knowing we would get a seat (even if it was no better than a Standard seat), and a roomier and quieter environment than Standard, which we could see was absolutely rammed to the gills with standing passengers!

Fully agree with all your points, and this is the basis on which I buy my First Class tickets!

When coming into York last month on an EC service to Kings Cross, the train crew emphasized that the train was going to be crushed and that everyone should check their tickets carefully. The Platforms were heaving, as had been predicted, but guess how many people got into my First Class carriage? A whacking great zero!

Edit: I had to remove the table I included for FC/Standard averages because I can't format the tables properly.

 

[Butts]

It should always be possible for a higher level of comfort and space to be provided in First Class. To me, that is always the USP, rather than free food, free alcohol or wi-fi. I cna;t emphasise how nice it was to board the 1737 Reading to Gatwick Airport service with a First Class ticket, knowing we would get a seat (even if it was no better than a Standard seat), and a roomier and quieter environment than Standard, which we could see was absolutely rammed to the gills with standing passengers!

It's sad situation when you have buy a First Class Ticket to get a seat - even if that seat is no better than a 2nd class one.

I think First Class comes into it's own on a longer journey and the Lounge Benefits and Onboard Catering add to the ambience.

Theres no better feeling sitting in an empty 1st Class carriage between Birmingham and Edinburgh enjoying the freebies and knowing that half the people rammed in cattle class have probably paid more than the cost of your advanced ticket.

 

[HST Power]

It'
Theres no better feeling sitting in an empty 1st Class carriage between Birmingham and Edinburgh enjoying the freebies and knowing that half the people rammed in cattle class have probably paid more than the cost of your advanced ticket.

Oh yes.....

 

[Butts]

Oh yes.....

I'm the rail equivalent of a credit card "rate tart"

 

[jon0844]

If the price is right, of course FC is good - and if you had an open ticket and needed a seat then it's a must too.

But reserve a seat in standard and on many modern trains (or should I say modern refurbed trains?!) standard class is good enough to make you wonder about upgrading. If your FC advance was less then it's a no brainer!

 

[Butts]

If the price is right, of course FC is good - and if you had an open ticket and needed a seat then it's a must too.

But reserve a seat in standard and on many modern trains (or should I say modern refurbed trains?!) standard class is not to be written off.

I would never pay the open fare on a 1st Class journey from Birmingham to Edinburgh.

99/100 it would be cheaper to buy an air ticket (even on the day of travel)

On the other once I would hire a car and drive which would also be cheaper.

With regard to standard it's a bit like "turning left on an aircraft" - one youve experienced escaping from economy you are reluctant to return.

I would use 2nd Class with a Megatrain £1 special - I can overlook the discomfort at that price.

 

[jon0844]

On an Intercity train that's nicely refreshed, standard and first are both excellent places to be. On a normal train, there's a good chance FC is worse than standard on some new rolling stock (317/1 first class? Can you even call it that?!)

It does depend a lot on the train, the distance and the time of day (even the day!). I am quite happy with standard but do enjoy going first. On a plane, economy can be a nightmare for long distances - but standard on EC or FGW (or others) really isn't a big problem as long as you have a seat.

If you can't get a seat, it changes everything!

 

[HST Power]

If you can't get a seat, it changes everything!

Yes, a few months ago one my friends came back from Hospital via an EC service and standard was totally full with no seats in sight. He was still recovering from a serious heart operation and there was no way he could stand between Edinburgh and Kings Cross, and thus had to purchase an upgrade to First.

 

[Greenback]

On an Intercity train that's nicely refreshed, standard and first are both excellent places to be. On a normal train, there's a good chance FC is worse than standard on some new rolling stock (317/1 first class? Can you even call it that?!)

It does depend a lot on the train, the distance and the time of day (even the day!). I am quite happy with standard but do enjoy going first. On a plane, economy can be a nightmare for long distances - but standard on EC or FGW (or others) really isn't a big problem as long as you have a seat.

If you can't get a seat, it changes everything!

My decision on whteher to go First Class is dependent on the journey (time and day), the price, the comfort and space afforded, and whether I need to work at all en route.

In most cases, as you say, I am happy to travel in Standard.

One thing is certain - the possibility of receiving a complimentary quiche of dubious quality and a glass of wine is of no importance to me at all!

 

[philjo]

I did first class Leeds to Stevenage yesterday - this was booked during the EC £25 flat fare offer so it cost me £25 for the advanced single (which is normally the cost of the weekend first upgrade!)

I have the majority of coach J to myself other than a couple fo ohter people boarding at Wakefield & of course the crew in the seats near the kitchen.

We were offered tea/coffee as soon as the coors closed in Leeds - I asked for green tea & a large tea pot was brought to my table (whch lasted me until Newark!)
The chicken sandwiches were OK though didn't think much of the cake choice (a chocolate brownie or shortbread).
The food trolley came through after Wakefield, Doncaster, Grantham & also as we were leaving Peterborough

For Leeds services 1st class is probably generally not worth the extra unless it was a cheap ticket (except maybe on weekday mornings so you can get the breakfast) - I have travelled standard class from Stevanage to Leeds on weekday mornings several times for less than £10 & had half of coach B to myself. Though the Weekday departures from Leeds around 5pm can be full in standard for the Wakefield/doncaster commuters.
I think I would aim for first class if the price was reasonable on longer trips such as to Edinburgh etc mainly for the extra leg room & also that you usually get a whole window & table to your yourself!

It was interesting that the tickets were not checked until we had departed from Peterborough.

 

[HST Power]

It was interesting that the tickets were not checked until we had departed from Peterborough.

Strange. On most EC services the ticket collector will come by after each stop and check the tickets of the newly boarded passengers.

 

[jon0844]

I've been on EC trains to Leeds and York without a single check, albeit both times in standard and before the complimentary stuff.

 

[HST Power]

Are there any complimentary offers for Standard or is it just First?

 

[ainsworth74]

No there aren't you have to pay for everything in standard.

 

[142094]

Are there any complimentary offers for Standard or is it just First?

Just 1st, otherwise I bet East Coast would be out of business quite quickly...

 

[HST Power]

Just 1st, otherwise I bet East Coast would be out of business quite quickly...

Now would be a good time to refer the old NR joke, 'I'll have tea and a chocolate bar please steward (hands steward £10 note) Steward: 'Which one do you want to put back?

 

[Blindtraveler]

think some TOC should try free tea and coffee as MML did, it was great!

 

[rmt-driver]

I am travelling back on FHT.. So far no steam trains causing chaos so good!! Also had my hot chicken curry and bread and a coffee and half bottle of wine served within 10 mins of leaving donny. The ticket is cheaper than EC so that pays for the half bottle of wine. Food is good and filling, couldn't finish it.. Still got cake to come for pudding and probably have a gin too. Leather comfortable seat, great service. And don't mind paying for booze cos I can have as much as I want !!!!!!
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Oh and forgot to add wifi is excellently fast on iPad . No problems connecting this time at all

 

[deltabravo]

Bring back Midland Mainline, free tea and coffee for all!

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

Bring back Midland Mainline, free tea and coffee for all!

I Agree with that.

 

[StrollerEd]

on 09.30 out of KX in FC on EC.

coffee came promptly, wifi working altho not full strength (wifi not the coffee)

prompt ticket collection, and also offer of breakfast - altho only going to Peterborough. Opted for the fruit bowl due to feeling of guilt of several kinds.

 

[All Line Rover]

on 09.30 out of KX in FC on EC.

coffee came promptly, wifi working altho not full strength (wifi not the coffee)

prompt ticket collection, and also offer of breakfast - altho only going to Peterborough. Opted for the fruit bowl due to feeling of guilt of several kinds.

If I was a Peterborough commuter who had paid over £10000 for my First Class season ticket, I would not feel guilty about accepting breakfast! :roll:

 

[StrollerEd]

OK, I wan't really feeling guilty. But just reporting no fuss over the 70 min 'rule'. Just a pleasant experience.

Having taken detour to Thetford, I'm due to travel up from Grantham to Edinburgh later today, so will report in then.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
late joining the Grantham to Newcastle. Snaffled hot goats cheese flan and veg. Passable. Red wine not up to much though.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Had to wait until York for a beer, and then allowed only one 330 ml can - I asked but told only one per run. But bag of crisps then came along promptly.

 

[ainsworth74]

Red wine not up to much though.

Was it chilled or room temperature seeing as on my last trip down they were still struggling with that problem.

 

[class47]

I thought that the catering in first class was very poor on a sunday when i travelled recently. What was even more annoying was the fact that they claim to have run out of "free" things yet can still sell them from the buffet counter.

And why can they offer only cold breakfast items in First Class on a weekend, yet still offer hot rolls from the counter.?

 

[Butts]

I thought that the catering in first class was very poor on a sunday when i travelled recently. What was even more annoying was the fact that they claim to have run out of "free" things yet can still sell them from the buffet counter.

And why can they offer only cold breakfast items in First Class on a weekend, yet still offer hot rolls from the counter.?

The "offering" relates to the price of tickets at the weekend.

If you pay beggars fares - you get beggars fayre

 

[ainsworth74]

The "offering" relates to the price of tickets at the weekend.

If you pay beggars fares - you get beggars fayre

Yet previously (for the same price as the current crop of tickets) you used to be able to order hot rolls and such like from your seat to be delivered from the buffet.