First class on Thameslink Services

[Jack D]

Hi all,

I've recently moved house and discovered that it's quicker for me to get Thameslink services rather than Southeastern. I noticed that the Thameslink train had a first class section with tables. This would be really useful for me as I like to work as I travel (I have a long commute and like to make use of the time).

How can I tell if the first class is declassified or not, i.e. free for anyone to use? There's nothing on the Thameslink website to suggest you can enter with a regular ticket, but from what I gather that seems to be the case.

There doesn't appear to be any signs in the first class section itself. I don't want to get caught out by a ticket inspector, but I do want to make use of the space.


Any advice is appreciated

 

[skyhigh]

On services operated by Thameslink the rear first class section is always declassified and able to be used legitimately by passengers holding standard class tickets. On certain services, both the front and rear are, but you'd need to let us know what route to advise if that applies.

 

[Jack D]

The route is Rainham to Luton

 

[Silver Cobra]

Luton to Rainham services have both first class sections declassified. This also applies to Luton/St Albans to Sutton and Blackfriars to Sevenoaks services.

 

[Jack D]

Perfect! I wish this had been advertised better by Thameslink.

 

[bakerstreet]

Information here in the link below.

First Class restrictions do not apply on some of our routes. Check the below map to see if you can sit in First Class with a Standard Class ticket on your service

https://x.com/tlrailuk/status/1150751882639548417?s=46

 

[stadler]

The easiest way to know is to check the destination of your train for Southbound services or check the origin of your train for Northbound services.

Services that start from or terminate at Brighton / East Grinstead / Gatwick Airport / Horsham / Three Bridges have only the rear first class carriage declassified but the front first class carriage is still first class.

Services that start from or terminate at Orpington / Rainham / Sevenoaks / Sutton / Wimbledon have both the front first class carriage and the rear first class carriage declassified.

Most of the North side origins and destinations are served by both types which is why checking the South side origin or destination is the easiest way.

 

[redreni]

Welcome to the area!

As you've evidently spotted, the declassified first class compartments are the only ones with power sockets and tables and thus the only ones where it's reasonably possible to work. They each seat about 27 people. It's not good, therefore, to make too many people aware they're allowed to go in there! If even a third of all passengers knew, it would be nigh on impossible to get those seats.

 

[Peter0124]

Welcome to the area!

As you've evidently spotted, the declassified first class compartments are the only ones with power sockets and tables and thus the only ones where it's reasonably possible to work. They each seat about 27 people. It's not good, therefore, to make too many people aware they're allowed to go in there! If even a third of all passengers knew, it would be nigh on impossible to get those seats.

In my experience a lot of people board the rear coach at Farringdon heading north (on 8 car sets) due to it being the closest to the entrance when it stops. Though I wonder if they realise they are in a first class area even though its declassified anyway!

 

[Jack D]

Information here in the link below.

There website isn't very clear, is it? I have the answer I need now

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Mar 2025 ==

In my experience a lot of people board the rear coach at Farringdon heading north (on 8 car sets) due to it being the closest to the entrance when it stops. Though I wonder if they realise they are in a first class area even though its declassified anyway!

The entrance to my local station is at the front of the train as is the exit I need when I arrive in London. The same is also true in reverse, on my homeward journey I need to be at the rear coach as that I'm closest to station exit. Handy!

 

[bakerstreet]

There website isn't very clear, is it? I have the answer I need now

The website is not but the tweet at least provides an official statement which may be useful in case of confused staff.

 

[mathstrains19]

The website is not but the tweet at least provides an official statement which may be useful in case of confused staff.

Another useful check is the onboard displays in a declassified first class area say 'This area may be used by customers holding a standard class ticket' (or similar) during their cycle (I think it's where the CCTV message is elsewhere on the train)

 

[redreni]

Another useful check is the onboard displays in a declassified first class area say 'This area may be used by customers holding a standard class ticket' (or similar) during their cycle (I think it's where the CCTV message is elsewhere on the train)

Yes, I believe that's now foolproof.

For several years after the Luton to Rainham route was introduced, only the rear first class compartments had this message, with the front first class compartment having the message "This area may only be used by customers with first class tickets." I complained at the time and received no assurance whatsoever that anything would be done, but then maybe a year later, I noticed it had been fixed. So you should see that message front and rear now on the Luton to Rainham route.

 

[saismee]

On services operated by Thameslink the rear first class section is always declassified and able to be used legitimately by passengers holding standard class tickets. On certain services, both the front and rear are, but you'd need to let us know what route to advise if that applies.

Can anyone clarify if this applies to King's Cross to King's Lynn on Great Northern? If so, where is first class declassified on double and triple units?

 

[bcarmicle]

Can anyone clarify if this applies to King's Cross to King's Lynn on Great Northern? If so, where is first class declassified on double and triple units?

It applies only to Class 700s, which are all externally branded Thameslink, even if operating a GN service. GN services operating using Class 387/379 do not have routinely declassified first class sections.

 

[saismee]

It applies only to Class 700s, which are all externally branded Thameslink, even if operating a GN service. GN services operating using Class 387/379 do not have routinely declassified first class sections.

That's unfortunate, thank you for the reply. I do wish GTR were more specific whether they mean GTR as a whole or Thameslink-branded trains when they use the term "Thameslink" - especially on the GN website!!!