Pricing some journeys on Avanti West Coast and see there's now a standard premium class nestled between standard & first class. Just checking my homework, that this is in a first class carriage designated as standard premium. So, first class level of seating without the first class service frills.
Posted by
Lake District, England
5846 posts
Yes that's right. The biggest missing frill to me is Lounge Access at Euston, or the other stations where they have a lounge
It's brought back 3 class trains under another name, to UK Railways. It's really a way of filling excess 1st class capacity.
Personally I'm more than happy with the new seats on the refurbished sets in standard class- their quality and facilities. And even less benefit now that WiFi is free on the whole train, not just in 1st.
Since Covid I have yet to travel on an Avanti service which is so packed out that I can't find a nice double seat for myself in standard, especially on the 11 car sets where there are 2 1/2 unreserved cars in standard class. And I travel a lot on Avanti. I am being frequently surprised by how quiet Avanti are, even on peak services compared to pre-Covid. On Sunday afternoons headed south I always used to use the old weekend first (much the same offering) because the trains were so packed in standard. No need now.
It is also a long walk to Car C- the Catering Car, especially now that at seat service to all but 1st seems to have been suspended.
Neither a thumbs up, nor a thumbs down from me. I am yet to be convinced it is worth the extra £25 to £30.
Posted by
OP
Virginia
642 posts
Thanks. It's the little bit more space that’s attractive, rather than first class frills. Last visit, train journeys were fine and staff and passengers were helpful, kind and generous. But I found myself either sitting with my left in the aisle or sitting at an angle so that I effectively occupied two seats. I didn't like that, I didn't like the feeling of burdening someone else, impacting someone else's journey, or that I was in the way, no matter the assurances of staff. So for me the £15-£30 over for standard premium is alright and gives me peace of mine.
Posted by
Preston UK
890 posts
Standard Premium is a nice way of getting more space if you want it and are happy to pay for it. But bear in mind that not every Avanti train has a coach or more designated as Standard Premium. There are some services where they still believe they can sell more First Class tickets so don’t allocate any.