First Class CHEAPER than Second Class!

[whole diary]

[Btline]

I was looking at March fares between Birmingham and Durham (Cross Country) and was shocked at what I found.

At worst, First Class advance fares were ^2 more. But most trains had First fares for ^2 cheaper!

Has anyone else found this? I don't understand it....

Not complaining though!

[thetrout]

I was looking at March fares between Birmingham and Durham (Cross Country) and was shocked at what I found.

At worst, First Class advance fares were ^2 more. But most trains had First fares for ^2 cheaper!

Has anyone else found this? I don't understand it....

Not complaining though!

I've seen this before.

I booked 2 days before going to Newcastle from Bristol Temple Meads.

There were no advance standard tickets available, just the standard open singles (before the fares shake up)

The Advance First Class was available at ^20 ish
The Standard Open Single was ^60 ish

Had the same thing with the return, no advanced standard available. ended up with a First Class return for ^40 ish compared to the standard open return of around ^100

absolute bargin when considering the journey is 5+ Hours, I would have paid for the First Class anyway even if the advanced standard tickets had been available and cheaper...

[Btline]

Ah - but in my case, the Standard Advance ticket was more expensive!

[super tm]

This does happen from time to time.  There is a quota for each ticket type and if the cheapest standard class fares are all sold out then it is possible that there is a first class fare available cheaper than the cheapest available standard.

Some people dont realise.  They just buy the cheapest ticket they can find and then go and sit in standard.  They then get a bit embarrased when told of their mistake.  When they findout about the free refreshments they usually move though 

[moonrakerz]

 When they findout about the free refreshments they usually move though 

Not on SWT^▸ (South West Trains) sadly, I paid ^21.10 for a First Class return from Warminster to Waterloo last week - absolute bargain.
I suppose I could go from Westbury for ^31-70, plus a couple of quid for the car park and get free coffee & bikkies - on second thoughts, I don't think so !

[devon_metro]

I've returned to Bristol before in First Class on advance tickets cheaper than walk up standard class. Then got half the ticket price refunded as they didn't bother providing any hot food. Its amazing what you can get if you complain!

[Btline]

I've returned to Bristol before in First Class on advance tickets cheaper than walk up standard class. Then got half the ticket price refunded as they didn't bother providing any hot food. Its amazing what you can get if you complain!

When I go First Class next month I'll defiantly complain if they don't serve me food!

Thanks for the advice Dm.

[Btline]

By the way, is there a time when the stewards stop the First Class service?

[thetrout]

By the way, is there a time when the stewards stop the First Class service?

Yes there is... Between Bristol & London Paddington, the trolley usually comes through just before Chippenham.

But the at seat service stops at 19:00. However, free complimentaries are available from the buffet car

http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=60

Above link should tell you everything you need to know

[John R]

Often a bit later on trains coming out of London. The 1930 to Weston had at seat service today.

First class hosts are not happy, and neither are passengers. From this week the range of nibbles has been reduced, and one shelf of the trolley replaced by paid for items. So the hosts are getting grief from passengers paying up to ^9k a year for a ticket, who are finding that the already minimal refreshments have been cut back further. Moreover, they can't just pop back to the kitchen to replace the urn in case any of the passengers nick a mars bar. So they have to wheel it all the way down to the front (back) of the train and secure it.

I'm sure the savings will make all the difference to the economics of the franchise though.

[Btline]

Sorry, I meant on CrossCountry.

Next month I am travelling in First Class for the first time ever, but my return journey is in the evening.

Interesting about the FGW^▸ (First Great Western) service. I looked on XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) website, and it looks like I'll be getting a meal (+free non alcoholic drinks) !

And I never knew railcards gave First Class discounts!

[devon_metro]

Sorry, I meant on CrossCountry.

Next month I am travelling in First Class for the first time ever, but my return journey is in the evening.

Interesting about the FGW^▸ (First Great Western) service. I looked on XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) website, and it looks like I'll be getting a meal (+free non alcoholic drinks) !

And I never knew railcards gave First Class discounts!

If you are travelling north of Bristol that should be ok. Sadly for XC, they had specifically told me in writing that I would get a hot meal at seat on board. I didn't so they coughed up 

[Btline]

If you are travelling north of Bristol that should be ok. Sadly for XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)), they had specifically told me in writing that I would get a hot meal at seat on board. I didn't so they coughed up 

So would you recommend that I email XC with details of my journey now, so I can use it as ammunition should they not serve food?

It is B'ham to Durham and back.

[devon_metro]

You should be fine on that route as there is a First Class host.

[Btline]

Is there no host south of Bristol?