First class - need to book seats?

[Pauldubs]

I’m looking at doing a 1st class All Line Rover in mid June - are there any routes/ times when a seat reservation would be essential?
Many thanks

 

[Bletchleyite]

If using LNER's Edinburgh services or CrossCountry it's very well advised, these get very busy.

 

[Hadders]

You shouldn't have too many issues with 1st class but be aware that Avanti someties only have one 1st class car, with the others being turned over to Standard Premium.

Seat reservations cost nothing but can be worth it if travelling long distance.

 

[LittleRedTrain]

I'd certainly recommend it for CrossCountry routes, especially on a summer Saturday.
Standard gets so full that upgrading to First is often the only way to guarantee getting on the train at all, let alone getting a seat, so it can get pretty busy.

 

[sh24]

GWR mid morning departures to the South West can get very busy from June onwards, though the school holidays are the worst. However there will be other trains in the day which have copious seats. Obviously you should do, and reserve, Pullman Dining.

Agree with others, do reserve for LNER, Avanti and especially XC.

 

[6Gman]

You shouldn't have too many issues with 1st class but be aware that Avanti someties only have one 1st class car, with the others being turned over to Standard Premium.

Seat reservations cost nothing but can be worth it if travelling long distance.

Having had to walk the length of an Avanti 807 (on a Euston-Liverpool) the other day I was struck by how small - and crowded - the First Class section was.

 

[styles]

Mandatory? No.

Advisable - yes, on LNER, Avanti, and some GWR.

And of course the sleepers.

 

[Merseysider]

I have also seen First Class get very busy on TPE's more popular services - on a 3 car 185 (Liverpool/Manchester eastbound and v.v.) there is barely half a carriage worth of 1st seating, although you do sometimes get a 6 car. Leeds westbound in the afternoon peak is almost guaranteed to be full.

 

[Pauldubs]

Thanks for the feedback - I’ll certainly book the Avanti; GNER and Cross Country trips. Also planning to do Cardiff - Manchester with TFW so will also book that
Paul

 

[Bletchleyite]

Thanks for the feedback - I’ll certainly book the Avanti; GNER and Cross Country trips. Also planning to do Cardiff - Manchester with TFW so will also book that

TfW don't presently offer seat reservations so I'd save your time, all you'll end up with is a counted place

 

[AlterEgo]

You shouldn't have too many issues with 1st class but be aware that Avanti someties only have one 1st class car, with the others being turned over to Standard Premium.

Seat reservations cost nothing but can be worth it if travelling long distance.

This applies to all (or nearly all?) their weekend services - Coach K only on 390s, and for many Evero services regardless of the day of operation. I’d avoid the Everos though, if the same journey could be made by a 390.

 

[Wallsendmag]

Thanks for the feedback - I’ll certainly book the Avanti; GNER and Cross Country trips. Also planning to do Cardiff - Manchester with TFW so will also book that
Paul

Can I cadge a lift in your time machine please