There is a lot of hyperbole in this thread.
I have used Eurostar regularly since its introduction, and currently make 5-10 return journeys per year in standard class (and very occasionally, standard premier or business). I am also a regular business and leisure traveller by air. Let me give a realistic perspective.
Queuing and immigration:
- You may have to queue at busy times, but I have never been close to missing a train (as claimed by someone above) even arriving rather less than 45 minutes in advance.
- All security and immigration formalities are dealt with at the departure station. This does mean you may have to queue multiple times before getting on the train, but this would be wasted time sitting in the (not very nice) departure areas anyway, so is no great hardship. Typically all queuing takes less than ten minutes, although it can be more at busy times.
- There are normally no immigration checks on arrival, and you will walk straight out of the station in a few minutes. At St Pancras (but not in Brussels or Paris) it is possible that you may be checked again. This has happened to me once since Eurostar moved to St Pancras in 2007, and that was at least five years ago. I haven't heard of it happening recently and you would be unlucky to encounter it. Unless there is an immigration check, I have never experienced queuing to leave a Eurostar train.
- Claims that security queues in Brussels were "very very long" don't match my experience. This might be true for the train from Amsterdam to London where everyone has to get off and be checked. However, this is a temporary problem and will be solved when the new facilities are available in the Netherlands.
Trains:
- I tend to agree that the unrefurbished old trains are nicer, but that's because I prefer the colour scheme and lighting.
- The seats are similar to other Intercity trains in the UK. The airline seats have similar or slightly better legroom. Legroom at the table seats is not good indeed and I avoid them unless I am in a group. Both old and new trains are more comfortable and spacious than a Virgin Voyager or a Pendolino.
- I haven't experienced problems with the toilets.
- The ride of the new trains is hardly that bad. I even like it! I am mystified by claims that the new trains are noisy.
- The buffet is a bit disappointing and expensive. Bring your own.
- I haven't tried the wifi since roaming became free within the EU. Phones work well for most of the journey, including the tunnel.
- I agree that it's not nice to be sat next to a pillar instead of a window (it's common on trains in the UK too). I recommend booking on the Eurostar website, where you can select your own seat. The process is a bit strange - you can change your seat after the ticket is issued, but it works and the seating plans are accurate. Thanks to this, I haven't sat next to a pillar for years.
Prices:
- Eurostar uses the same pricing model as airlines and other long distance rail operators. Prices vary from very cheap to very expensive. I don't like it either but that's how the world works. At least there are no extra fees for luggage, "priority boarding", etc.
Timetables:
- Whether Eurostar is faster or slower than flying depends on the exact journey you are making, and when you want to travel.
Staff:
- I have never had problems with Eurostar staff. During a normal journey you're not likely to speak to them anyway.
General:
- It's a train service. It's a fast and efficient way to get between London, Paris and Brussels, and maybe beyond. It is not the Orient Express. Its competition is largely the airlines, which hardly set a high standard for customer experience. Set your expectations accordingly.
I'm happy to answer any questions people have about the service, based on my experience.