I have been on the Goldenpass web site for reservations but do not see how to reserve VIP seats or seats on a Vintage car? I only seen options for 1st class or 2nd class reservations. Also, when I put in my starting point of Interlaken OST to Montreux, it only allows me to purchase one leg rather than both (Interlaken OST to Zweisimmen and then I guess I have to select Zweisimmen to Montreux as a second search). How do I do this?
Carol, your problem reminded me that I need to get reservations for VIP from I. Ost to Montreux for July 15, 2013. Thought I would help you, but can't, I'm also having an issue. Went to my old notes from Rick, read you can reserve up to 60 days in advance. But.....when I tried 60 days or earlier, I couldn't. If I figure it out I'll re post. From my past experience, they will send an email for your seat reservations that you carry and show conductor/train ticketer. I remember purchasing actual ticket in Switzerland.
Try contacting the Montreux Berner Oberland-Bahn (MOB) directly. http://www.goldenpass.ch/CMS/default.asp?ID=190. If that doesn't work contact the Swiss Railroads (SBB) http://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and-tickets/tickets-for-switzerland/seat-reservations.html. In a worst case scenario, just call the SBB directly. Since they're able to reserve any seat on any train in Europe they should be able to do it for you.
Carol, I just sent an email to them requesting help.
The Classic (vintage) train doesn't have VIP seats; just first and second class. Also seat reservations can only be made from Zweisimmen to Montreux. On the other segments of the journey they use "regular" equipment with general seating, you have to change trains at Zweisimmen. I have traveled on the Classic train and it is amazing. It's definitely worth the splurge for first class! I just went on the Golden Pass site and was able to make seat a reservation for a random date in June. Click Booking, select english again, choose Zweismann/Montreux as your origin/destination, click one of the icons of the carriages that has seat available, and then click the individual seat you want.
Carol, Michael was correct, the VIP are from Zweismann to Montreux. I received an email from Swiss (goldenpass.ch) stating....to my dismay, there are only two times the VIP' are available, 12:25 and 18:25. What a bummer for us, we were hoping it would available for 9:35 ish. Did you have any luck?
I wrote to them and they let me know which trains had VIP tickets. Then I could go online to that train and find a car with the front seats available and I was able to book it.