Weekend Upgrade on FGW Query

[sushiuk]

I'm travelling on the 09:34 from Reading to St Erth on Saturday 5th Sept and would like to upgrade to 1st when I travel.
As there are now fewer 1st class seats on FGW I'm wondering if this will be a problem - especially as I'm boarding at Reading rather than Paddington.
Any observations from those travelling the route would be welcome.

 

[Bungle965]

I'm travelling on the 09:34 from Reading to St Erth on Saturday 5th Sept and would like to upgrade to 1st when I travel.
As there are now fewer 1st class seats on FGW I'm wondering if this will be a problem - especially as I'm boarding at Reading rather than Paddington.
Any observations from those travelling the route would be welcome.

When I have used it and upgraded myself i have found it to be busy, but you can still get a seat.
Sam

 

[455driver]

The weekend 1st option is rarely announced now because there isnt the spare capacity anymore.

 

[Mag_seven]

When I have used it and upgraded myself i have found it to be busy, but you can still get a seat.
Sam

On the small number of WoE services that I have been on this summer first has been full. I don't know why FGW did not keep a small number of sets with 2.5 first class vehicles for WoE services - Reading commuters are not the only group of passengers on this line.

 

[Bishopstone]

I'm travelling on the 09:34 from Reading to St Erth on Saturday 5th Sept and would like to upgrade to 1st when I travel.
As there are now fewer 1st class seats on FGW I'm wondering if this will be a problem - especially as I'm boarding at Reading rather than Paddington.
Any observations from those travelling the route would be welcome.

There are First Class Advances available on this train for £86 as I type.

The cheapest Standard Advance is £47.50, and the Weekend First supplement would be £20 making £67.50 total.

On a Saturday towards the end of the holiday season, I would book the First Advance to be sure of a FC seat, with that price differential.

 

[455driver]

On the small number of WoE services that I have been on this summer first has been full. I don't know why FGW did not keep a small number of sets with 2.5 first class vehicles for WoE services - Reading commuters are not the only group of passengers on this line.

Because the DaFT told them to convert all sets to 1.5 1st class carriages, I did catch one last week with 2 1st class, 1 TRFB and a mini buffet but the TRFB was removed on Laira that night, but it still has 2 1st class carriages, I think its the last rake.

 

[sushiuk]

I bought the ticket almost as soon as they came out and it was approx £26 for standard but first was still £86 so not worth that differential!
Oh well, at least there shouldn't be a problem upgrading on the way back as I'll be boarding the first stop after Penzance.

 

[Michael.Y]

I bought the ticket almost as soon as they came out and it was approx £26 for standard but first was still £86 so not worth that differential!
Oh well, at least there shouldn't be a problem upgrading on the way back as I'll be boarding the first stop after Penzance.

£60 for weekend 1st upgrade? Someone's ripping you off.

 

[gray1404]

Is it possible to buy weekend 1st upgrade on FGW in advance at a booking office? If so, you could request a seat reservation in 1st at the same time. I'm sure some people on here will know if thats possible.

 

[221129]

Is it possible to buy weekend 1st upgrade on FGW in advance at a booking office? If so, you could request a seat reservation in 1st at the same time. I'm sure some people on here will know if thats possible.

No, Buy on board only.

 

[gray1404]

That's a shame. Well, board and see if there is a 1st seat for you, knowing that you'll have a reservation in STD on your advance ticket if not.