bb21
Emeritus Moderator
- Joined
- 4 Feb 2010
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So it is. I just typed from memory after looking at the journey planner.
It would appear that you're correct.
So it is. I just typed from memory after looking at the journey planner.
I just realised that we don't actually know where you're travelling from, although the advice given above doesn't really change. However given who your daughter & co are travelling with, we might be able to say whether the first class offering's worth it or not.
Upgrades only available for walk up ticket holders, not standard class advance ticket holders.
Again, not quite, do the math. Many ADVANCE 1st class tickets are cheaper than the off-peak standard class ticket, even before the weekend 1st upgrade is added. However, they do have the advantage of flexibility.In short, if going on a weekday it's probably cheaper to book in advance, otherwise on a weekend or bank holiday for both outward and return get two off peak returns and upgrade will probably be the cheapest, and has the advantage of not committing to a specific train.
So should be with First Great Western who do First class advances and also the £5-£20 weekend/bank holiday upgrades on the train.
The summary of your situation is:
First class discount on advance fares, book at firstgreatwestern.co.uk, any other train company website or your local staffed station. These commit you to a specific train - by the way, don't book on the trainline, they charge booking fees.
No discount on first class on the day (walk up) fares such as off peak returns, except on a weekend/bank holiday you can buy them a standard class ticket and upgrade for up to £20 each way on the train.
Edit: £15, as you pass through three upgrade zones: See here http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=3973
Upgrades only available for walk up ticket holders, not standard class advance ticket holders.
In short, if going on a weekday it's probably cheaper to book in advance, otherwise on a weekend or bank holiday for both outward and return get two off peak returns and upgrade will probably be the cheapest, and has the advantage of not committing to a specific train.
First class freebies are a hot drink, mineral waters, biscuits and crisps.
is that unlimited drinks crisps etc?
thank you for the advice.
is that unlimited drinks crisps etc? as thinking of booking them 1st class to come home as they'll probably have no money left!!
The only way we could deal with him was to start opening all cans one at a time and handing them to him opened. When he objected, we'd say "But they are for on-board consumption, what's the problem with them being opened for you?"
He should have brought a couple of empty 2L bottles with him the second time around.
Maybe a condition should be added to the TOC's passenger charter - doubt the CoC is the right place for such a triviality as complimentary products. Citing "ensuring availability of complimentary products throughout the entire journey", it would state that complimentary products are only claimable every x number of miles/ y number of minutes on board, starting at 0. This would vary depending on the route, I admit this opens up claims of people saying "I travelled from london to Carlisle, and I didn't get my second bottle of juice". You can't win..
Maybe a condition should be added to the TOC's passenger charter - doubt the CoC is the right place for such a triviality as complimentary products. Citing "ensuring availability of complimentary products throughout the entire journey", it would state that complimentary products are only claimable every x number of miles/ y number of minutes on board, starting at 0. This would vary depending on the route, I admit this opens up claims of people saying "I travelled from london to Carlisle, and I didn't get my second bottle of juice". You can't win..
When we used to give away cans of pop in 1st class, there used to be certain individuals well known on the route, who used to come up the buffet and demand 24 or 48 cans on production of their £10 weekend upgrade slip. One of them had armed himself with a letter from some muppet which said that there was no limit on items, and used to produce it in a very aggressive manner.
The only way we could deal with him was to start opening all cans one at a time and handing them to him opened. When he objected, we'd say "But they are for on-board consumption, what's the problem with them being opened for you?"
Eventually a limit of three items was introduced on Weekend First. It's not still in place, but we don't give away anything more portable than 330 ml bottles of water any more.
How can you enforce it though? If it can't be enforced, then it's pointless putting it in there.
In my heart of hearts I do believe there is nothing wrong with the current system, it's just the very few that take advantage spoiling it for everyone else again which makes me a sad panda
How do conductors remember who got on where and who does/doesn't need their ticket checked? It isn't beyond the limit of a person's ability to identify who's had their share.
Has the said "response" materialised yet ?I emailed ATOC about this last week actually, and am awaiting a response.
A 16-25 railcard can't though... which is what this thread's about.P.S. For those with "stereotyped" vision - a Student railcard can be purchased by anyone in full time education, regardless of age.
A 16-25 railcard can't though... which is what this thread's about.
They are the same thing. A 55 year old man can have a 16-25 Railcard if he's in full-time university education.
You're quite right, you can! Defeats the point of calling them 16-25 railcards then...
No official limit with FGW, but it is intended for on-board consumption, a request for 24 bottles of water might be rejected.