Friday afternoons are very busy even in first class in my experience.I'm suprised given how much it costs.
Friday afternoons are very busy even in first class in my experience.I'm suprised given how much it costs.
Not just your view. As a leisure traveller, I either don't use the train or buy a very cheap standard advance.Avanti are now (at least up my way) charging similar prices for what used to be first class for standard premium, and first prices are through the roof. I can’t justify paying them on my budget, so I can’t comment, but I’m hugely disappointed and thought virgin did a far superior offering at a much more reasonable price.
Bar the talking toilets.Indeed, Virgin is superior in every way compared to Avanti.
AgreedVirgin took pride in their first class, offering often good value fares for what I thought was, by far, the best service on the network. Food, service and comfort were excellent.
AgreedAvanti are now (at least up my way) charging similar prices for what used to be first class for standard premium, and first prices are through the roof. I can’t justify paying them on my budget, so I can’t comment, but I’m hugely disappointed and thought virgin did a far superior offering at a much more reasonable price.
AgreedIndeed, Virgin is superior in every way compared to Avanti.
AgreedI'd have them back in a flash talking toilets and all!
I don't even look at first class now whereas before I was a regular customer. Though as I say, perhaps that's what they want.
Can't believe I've had to pay just short of £40 each for EUS to SAD on Sunday 10th July for Advanced 1st Class Tickets with a Railcard.
Used to be dead easy to get sub £20 fares not that long ago.
£40 sounds like a much more sensible price (they ought to charge you extra though given the amount of freebies you seem to consume ) but can you please use station names and not just codes the first time they are used, as not everyone will know that SAD = Sandwell & Dudley and it saves people looking it up. ThanksCan't believe I've had to pay just short of £40 each for EUS to SAD on Sunday 10th July for Advanced 1st Class Tickets with a Railcard.
Used to be dead easy to get sub £20 fares not that long ago.
Yep, it is possible.I (used to) like using the lounges; now as thay are unaffordable, I wonder if anyone's travelled in Standard (Manchester/London) but bought a FC ticket to Macclesfield and used that simply to gain access to the lounge (or MK on the return leg)? Is that possible?
£40 sounds like a much more sensible price (they ought to charge you extra though given the amount of freebies you seem to consume ) but can you please use station names and not just codes the first time they are used, as not everyone will know that SAD = Sandwell & Dudley and it saves people looking it up. Thanks
Well yes, if those people pay Standard Premium or a higher First class fare. But not if they drop to standard. But I am sure it has been calculated that the overall change in fares will attract a higher income, and presumably less staffing costs.Selling First Class fares for £20 sounds like commercial nonsense, borne of the need to get a scattering of bums on seats across 3 coaches, at times when there was barely any demand at a realistic price.
Not surprising that Avanti/DFT have put a stop to this, to get more revenue via the Standard Premium offer.
MAN always used to prohibit the use of Stockport tickets for the loungeYep, it is possible.
Stockport would be a better bet, only £1.70 more than a standard single (advance).
Next time I’m on a London service I’ll ask one of the catering staff before we set off if they could fill my bag with goodies as I’m leaving at Stockport.. for a laugh of course!
Also don’t forget at the moment it’s only one hour before departure for the lounges and zilch on return.. this is supposedly changing soon ..
Those were my thoughts too. Virgin used to accept Macclesfield - do Avanti?MAN always used to prohibit the use of Stockport tickets for the lounge
For those of you complaining about the one hour limit in lounges, I’m surprised you want more than an hour. These aren’t airport lounges, with shower, spa, buffet and sometimes an a le carte menu. They’re at most a tiny room with a coffee machine, mini fridge, and a couple of biscuits. Plus an overpriced bar at Euston. I certainly couldn’t fill two hours in there.
Spoilsports.MAN always used to prohibit the use of Stockport tickets for the lounge
I suppose a lot of people don’t spend two hours there, but it’s nice to know it’s there if you arrive for whatever reason before the hour mark.For those of you complaining about the one hour limit in lounges, I’m surprised you want more than an hour. These aren’t airport lounges, with shower, spa, buffet and sometimes an a le carte menu. They’re at most a tiny room with a coffee machine, mini fridge, and a couple of biscuits. Plus an overpriced bar at Euston. I certainly couldn’t fill two hours in there.
However, in line with airline lounges, they are populated by people who enjoy taking as many complimentary goods as possible!For those of you complaining about the one hour limit in lounges, I’m surprised you want more than an hour. These aren’t airport lounges, with shower, spa, buffet and sometimes an a le carte menu. They’re at most a tiny room with a coffee machine, mini fridge, and a couple of biscuits. Plus an overpriced bar at Euston. I certainly couldn’t fill two hours in there.
I think the idea of First Class fares between Manchester and Stockport is a bit silly anyway. It's such a short journey on a Pendolino (less than 10 mins I believe) that you'll barely be able to sit down in the special comfy seat you've paid extra for before you have to get up again!MAN always used to prohibit the use of Stockport tickets for the lounge
So classyHowever, in line with airline lounges, they are populated by people who enjoy taking as many complimentary goods as possible!
It does, I think it’s the only Avanti lounge that has a (pay) bar.Apart from Euston I'd agree with you.
It is much bigger than the average Avanti Lounge and has a wider range of freebies. Much better than milling about the concourse aimlessly for ages.
However, in line with airline lounges, they are populated by people who enjoy taking as many complimentary goods as possible!
I notice Avanti have got a "Summer First Class menu" on their website now, which I like the look of, but..
Even with the usual very good (imo) hot breakfast menu, I certainly wouldn't call it good value for money, considering the large premiums being charged for First Class tickets compared with Standard Premium. At the very least I think they should offer a high quality hot meal service in the evening (or even all day).
Yep!The price differential*, to me, would necessitate an experience like Italo's Club Executive Class, not Standard Premium plus free drinks and about £1 worth of food. It really is exceptionally poor value.
* Ignoring Seatfrog which is a minority pursuit.