A 5 hour Alvia route we'll be taking shows a $5 per person difference between first and second. The Man in Seat 61 says there is no significant difference between 1st and 2d seating (for 2 together). I do notice there is access to the 1st class lounge prior to departure in Madrid tho. I'm thinking its worth $5 but since trainline is currently glitching on buying 1st class seats I thought I'd collect thoughts while waiting.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
$5 per person? So your question is whether you should blow $10 or not? I would do it just to see for myself the difference.
Posted by
San Antonio TX, United States
2393 posts
For $5 I'd do it!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
It has to be a deal or a promotion as the difference is always substantially more. Access to the lounge is a greater value than the seats.
Posted by
898 posts
You may get wine and meal (sandwich and chocolate) with a first class ticket.
Posted by
11570 posts
You'll have more room in the first class car for luggage. Grab this promotion!
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
368 posts
Agree with Suki, more luggage space, less crowded. I believe weekdays service at seat.
Posted by
California 🦋
5294 posts
$5 per person is a steal!
I booked 1st class seats (Sevilla to Madrid) at a great discount (we usually book 2nd class).
The lounge was very nice, with comfortable seats, TV, free coffee, soda, water and snacks.
Enjoy your trip!
Edit to add...
Where will you be traveling to on this 5 hour train ride?
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
I'd go for it. I've got 1st class deals at €10 before today, but not less. You get such deals at the weekend, when 2nd class is nearly sold out and full price, but 1st class is nearly empty and cheap.
"no significant difference" - not quite true. 2nd class is 2+2 seating, 1st class 2+1 with proportionately more width and legroom. If you are a couple, getting two facing single seats (the "1" of 2+1) is good.
Posted by
Houston, Texas
975 posts
Ten bucks total; go for it. Don't know about the lounge; but the seating is worth it alone.
Ed
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
488 posts
While I'd probably do it, if you like to talk to other folks on the train, 2nd has generally more interesting people in my experience.
The lounge might be nice, but I love wandering around a train station. If there's a meal, then definitely. Not sure why there would be one.
Posted by
OP
262 posts
Thanks, definitely the way I'm inclined.
However - further research shows this on the Renfe site "Tickets obtained with Promo rate do not entitle the use of the Club Rooms."
Had anyone had experience being rejected? Is is something carefully scrutinized? No big deal if we are (I'm from out-of-town after all), just wondering.