First class

I go First if there is an upgrade available and it's not too expensive. When I was working I usually knew about journeys well ahead of time, so could take advantage of any offers, and upgraded regularly. The experience is variable. Sometimes the extra spend is pretty much covered by what you would pay for coffee and food, and on a long journey it's good to have quiet and a bit more room. One journey from (if memory serves) Crewe to Penrith was awful, as the FC carriage was next to the buffet car and the door was broken, so every time someone came through (which happened regularly and disturbed the 'peace') it stayed open, and the two of us in the carriage had to take turns to pull it shut to keep out the draught. I would have been better off in Standard and resented having paid more for the trip.

Another trip from Newcastle to Kings Cross was rescued by FC, however, as there was a problem with the heating. It was red hot and the rest of the train was crammed, as the train before had also overheated and the passengers decanted onto our one. It was full in FC, but not uncomfortably so, and we were given fresh chilled water at regular intervals. I think the people in Standard had to buy theirs when the trolley came round, which would be rarely, as there were people standing and it would struggle to get through. I was so pleased not to have to stand for hours in an overheated crowded train.

My favourite memory of FC was travelling from Glasgow in terrible weather. It was near Christmas, and the snow was deep. The trains after mine were cancelled, and ours was very busy, as other trains were already cancelled, connecting trains had been delayed and people were desperate to get home. A guard came in and asked if the people in FC would mind other passengers sharing, and of course we agreed. A group of students came in and were clearly not used to FC travel, as they kept commenting on it and politely asking people if we minded their sitting with us. When the refreshments arrived they weren't offered any, so everyone who had a FC ticket took two or three pastries and drinks, and gave them to the students. It was lovely to see their faces - they couldn't have been more pleased if it had been a banquet . They had waited for ages to get a train to take them home for Christmas, and thought they'd have to have to stand for hours, so a comfortable seat and free Danish pastries was an unexpected treat.

These days I don't used trains as often as when I was working, and whether I upgrade depends on the length of the journey and how much it will cost - fares are high enough as it is. If I'm travelling at weekends I always upgrade though, as being stuck in a carriage with Hens or Stags can be a nightmare, but on a Tuesday morning or similar I only do it if there is a negligible difference in the price.

J52

We use first class, with a rail card and advance booking it’s not overly expensive.
Going on EMR to London in the morning , you get coffee, a choice of biscuits, crisps and a sandwich. I sometimes save mine for lunch.

It really does depend on the line.

EMR is brilliant and actually by the time you’ve taken the free coffee, water, sandwich, crisps and cake it works out cheaper than buying lunch in London! Not to mention the space and comfort.

On the other hand Southern had no difference between first and second except a plastic screen across a third of the coach. Same seats, same grubbiness, same travel companions because the plastic screen didnt keep out any noise.

Always Leeds to London. And you get great waiting room with refreshments at kings cross; armchairs WiFi juice, coffee etc on tap. So relaxing and worth being very early for your train.

I didn't realize you got drinks and sandwiches on first class. I thought it was just more comfy seats with more legs room and less noise.

On my bucket list is a First Class Return to Edinburgh ….hopefully, a nice relaxing train ride

On some first class GWR trips from London Paddington to Plymouth, you can get a silver service lunch or dinner (costs £38 for 2 courses… 3 courses also available).

I like travelling first class when going to London. I enjoy the extra space & free food and drink.

I go to London regularly to see my family and travel First Class and get assisted travel. It is a lot less hassle and the staff are always so helpful and I am quite well know because of my regular journeys. It is not 'posh' as some people think but it is generally quieter more room and there are drinks and food. It is definitely worth paying the extra. I get assisted as I am disabled.

I now travel first class and I love it. There is more room to sit comfortably.
I eat on my journey which is provided, the menu is basic but it makes my life easier. I travel with LNER between London and Newcastle upon Tyne.
I was sick to death of being in over full carriages and how loud and noisy people could be. I’ve not experienced this on any of my recent journeys. My journey before London is first class but the difference is huge as it is very basic. No comfort seats food service on here but it is a quieter and a more spacious journey as it is not full to bursting.

I used to travel First Class between London and Glasgow regularly when Virgin had the franchise. Now that Avanti run it the price has rocketed even with a Senior Railcard so travel Premium Economy and buy my food in M&S before departure. Same comfort but much cheaper!

Yes, from Inverness to York on LNER. Lovely breakfast and lunch (lunch/dinner on return journey). Guaranteed seat with no fighting for it, plus luggage room. Love my pre-lunch/pre-dinner gin and tonic and constant tea/coffee/crisps/biscuits. And a single seat to myself. Worth every penny. Makes the long journey part of the holiday.

We have senior Railcards and use the saving to go 1st class. Our son lives in London and the guaranteed seat and no queueing on the aisles make it worthwhile food is not as good as it was. Only time it's not worth the money is TransPennine.

We travelled first class on Eurostar as it wasn't that much more expensive. There were several benefits, one being a good lunch, which made the tickets a bargain. When travelling to Edinburgh, we booked early and again bought first class tickets for little more than standard. Quieter, and more room are just two of the advantages.

Never have, and never seen the need Our trains are really nice and new and comfortable anyway, but I like being around folks people watching and chatting to everyone near me on the train it makes the journey go quicker I m sure if I went in first class everyone would be quietly reading their newspapers No thanks not for me anyway it costs too much

Late DH always went to London by first class train unless driving. Guaranteed a seat and a bit more peace and quiet on the journey to work. If booked early enough then price can be reasonable.

The only time my late husband and I travelled first class was the TGV from Paris to Marseille, worth every penny.

I travelled first class when I was able to catch the train, and I travel business class on my trips to America to see my daughter. (I'm SKI-ING!) A wheelchair through the airports and I can do it okay. If you can afford it, (I realise that I'm very fortunate) it's well worth the extra, and as I travel there via Dublin I can use the lounge. Nothing beats a free buck's fizz for breakfast!

I only upgrade to first class if there is a deal on with LNER who I use to go to London
You do get better seating plus free food/drinks but I wouldn’t pay over the odds as it is not THAT good tbh
My daughter uses cross country and their first class is pitiful in terms of what it offers
Be very careful to check what you will receive for paying the extra money

I use First Class on LNER when I go to London. I book in advance with Senior Railcard so it's not mega expensive. I like the single seats and having food/drink served at my seat. I also use the First Class Lounges at the start and finish where available. Usually quiet. One of my DDs uses it too as it is quiet for working in. I've used other carriages if I have an unexpected journey and 1st Class expensive and it's been ok. Personal choice and impact on pocket usually dictates these things.

In my experience it is not worth the huge mark up on some trains, but depends on which rail company and where and when you are travelling...

I use trains a lot and they are way expensive for the terrible service they provide- first class is no guarantee. It's a gamble but things do seem to be improving a bit. I've had perfectly good and quiet journeys in 'normal' class.

For several years when I had a senior railcard. Could no longer travel on trains when my reserved seat had been taken by someone else or the train was so jam packed that I couldn’t even get up and go to the toilet. Imo if someone has paid for a ticket they should be guaranteed a seat. I remember someone from Europe once saying over and over again that they’d booked a seat and why wasn’t it available to them ( I think it had been announced that all reservations on that train were void).

We use first class, with a rail card and advance booking it’s not overly expensive.
Going on EMR to London in the morning , you get coffee, a choice of biscuits, crisps and a sandwich. I sometimes save mine for lunch.

It really does depend on the company operating the service.
Cross country is dire and I would never pay for first class on that .

Went first class as a birthday treat with my daughter from York to Edinburgh. We had tea/coffee snacks and cookies going. Coming back, we waited in the first class lounge till our train came and had tea/coffee biscuits. Afternoon tea was served on the way, sandwiches, cakes and tea. The compartment was quiet with nobody talking loudly on their phones. It was a real treat, I felt thoroughly spoilt just on the train. Oh and Edinburgh was wonderful too

I have travelled first class several times recently between Stockport and Euston.
The last time a few weeks ago was the first time since Avanti took over from Virgin. The food wasn’t as good but the service was excellent.
I am too old to fight for a seat or have to ask someone to move from my booked seat.
At lunchtime hardly any choice of food just a very poor ploughman’s or quiche.
I don’t think there was anything hot.
A G&T went down very well though and then a tray of tea.
The staff were very attentive.