Howardh
Established Member
- Joined
- 17 May 2011
- Messages
- 8,154
Last Weds (sorry to just be writing it now but I have been otherwise engaged) came back from Euston to Manchester on the 7.20pm.
Had a seat booked, on my table was a cup and no glass - the seat next had glass but no cup. Not a very impressive start.
Came round and filled my glass (I swapped with the bloke sat next) with red quite early which was good, but the mediterranean Whatever food I asked for was appalling, a few sticks, olives and a gue which I couldn't identify. If I'd known what was inside the packet I'd have plumped for a nice filling ice-cube.
Then I asked do we get a refill, "yes"....it arrived just leaving Stoke.
To top it off the Avanti table mat is as dull as it gets.
The trip was supposed to be a nice break but I haven't had a worse experience on a train in First; and I certainly won't be booking first again unless these reports improve.
But in fairness the train did leave and arrive on time, just wish I hadn't slummed it in first and paid less for second.
But it's not just me.....read some of this lot...
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/avantiwestcoast.co.uk
Do they think they have a captive market and don't want to try??
Had a seat booked, on my table was a cup and no glass - the seat next had glass but no cup. Not a very impressive start.
Came round and filled my glass (I swapped with the bloke sat next) with red quite early which was good, but the mediterranean Whatever food I asked for was appalling, a few sticks, olives and a gue which I couldn't identify. If I'd known what was inside the packet I'd have plumped for a nice filling ice-cube.
Then I asked do we get a refill, "yes"....it arrived just leaving Stoke.
To top it off the Avanti table mat is as dull as it gets.
The trip was supposed to be a nice break but I haven't had a worse experience on a train in First; and I certainly won't be booking first again unless these reports improve.
But in fairness the train did leave and arrive on time, just wish I hadn't slummed it in first and paid less for second.
But it's not just me.....read some of this lot...
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/avantiwestcoast.co.uk
First Class Rip Off - what are you up to Avanti?
What has happened to this service since Avanti took over?
I've been travelling from London to Manchester for over 20 years for work and never had a problem with VT.
First Class is now a rip off joke - there is no FC service any more.
The trains are dirty with mess left on the tables, glasses are grubby and that's if you can find one, the loos are filthy, the staff have been changed for the worse, their customer service is simply appalling.
A truly dreadful experience since this company took over, and note that I travel twice a week and have done so for 20 odd years.
They've only been going a month and I hate them already.
I'm going to start driving as I can't give this shower another penny.
I wish I could give them zero stars
Avanti - Demise of the West Coast Line
Second trip with Avanti - wish it was the last. What a comedown in service after Virgin. Don’t bother with first class at the weekend as it’s waste of money. Lack of staff and a miserable stale croissant on offer for breakfast but you can buy a hot bacon roll in the shop - another rip off. Wonder which government minister benefited from selecting Avanti as it certainly isn’t the travelling public.
Bring back Virgin
Terrible Mistake Dropping Virgin - Avanti is Awful
I travel regularly between Liverpool and London. Never had a problem with Virgin, apart from the odd delay.
The drop in service levels on Avanti is astounding; in just a couple of months they've taken all the joy out of the journey.
Trains are never fully staffed; those that do work are very mixed, with some making the best of it and others not bothering at all.
First class is pointless. Never any service or food, just a standard announcement directing you to the onboard shop.
Virgin had a 90% approval rating. The DfT should have thought about customers before dropping it.
Do they think they have a captive market and don't want to try??