How good is the Seatfrog App ?

[Willie Bee]

I was looking on the LNER website and they mention Seatfrog .. something I had never heard of.

The idea sounds good, but I looked on the Google Play store, before downloading and see two recent reviews, both only giving it 1 star.

There are more 1-star reviews than 5-star ones, with 2,3 and 4-star reviews way behind in numbers .. so it seems the app is thought of as either v good .. or v bad.

Overall it only gets 2.7 stars

In the end, I didn't download it .. anyway, my next trip is at the end of March, so there's plenty of time to consider it.

 

[Hadders]

Nothing wrong with the app. I'd say if there's an issue it's more to do with the chance of winning the auction.

 

[mangyiscute]

The app works fine, if thats what you mean. I know that there have been some potentially dodgy actions of say if there are 2 users bidding for 2 seats, it will keep on telling them they've been outbid but then ultimately give both seats
At the end of the day may as well download and if you fancy the upgrade check out what price it is, if its too expensive just don't buy it

 

[_toommm_]

I always get £6 upgrades on the last train out of London to Leeds. Definitely worth it. You can set a max price you’re willing to pay and it will bid for you.

 

[Willie Bee]

I always get £6 upgrades on the last train out of London to Leeds. Definitely worth it. You can set a max price you’re willing to pay and it will bid for you.

Thanks .. I might give it a go after all .. what have I to lose .. n'out really !

 

[MrJeeves]

I've often won auctions immediately when they go live! Nothing to complain about from me.

I usually use it on GWR.

 

[Jimini]

It's rubbish on Avanti -- understandably mainly due to the option of standard premium onboard. Can't remember the last time I saw an auction starting price lower than £35 on the Euston <> Birmingham corridor.

Conversely, I do use it quite a bit on XC. Regularly get a £6 upgrade in the mornings. Hot bacon roll and a couple of brews (and a nice big seat). Can't really argue with that. As an aside, it's £4 for a coffee at Starbucks on P1 @ Coventry these days, so makes it seem even more worthwhile!

Since the 2015 and 2113 northbound departures from Reading have been extended back down to the south coast, I've regularly paid £5 for an upgrade from Reading to Coventry, just to get a big seat and a bit of peace and quiet. Going back a few months they (well certainly the 2113) turned back at Reading so wasn't really worth it as the train was empty anyway.

 

[Willie Bee]

Regularly get a £6 upgrade in the mornings. Hot bacon roll and a couple of brews (and a nice big seat). Can't really argue with that.

Yes, I wouldn't mind that.

My wife and I are travelling to / from Edinburgh from Newcastle at the end of March on LNER and to Glasgow at the end of May ( again probably LNER) so we'll give Seatfrog a go

I suppose it's easier if there's only a single traveller .. we'll have to download the app onto both our phones I guess.

It would be annoying though, if I get an upgrade, and she doesn't .. agh well, I'll see her again at Edinburgh

 

[superalbs]

Yes, I wouldn't mind that.

My wife and I are travelling to / from Edinburgh from Newcastle at the end of March on LNER and to Glasgow at the end of May ( again probably LNER) so we'll give Seatfrog a go

I suppose it's easier if there's only a single traveller .. we'll have to download the app onto both our phones I guess.

It would be annoying though, if I get an upgrade, and she doesn't .. agh well, I'll see her again at Edinburgh

You can also do multiple passengers on one phone.

 

[Skiddaw]

I use it when on longer journeys (no point for a short hop) and I rather like it. If nothing else, it's always a bit of a thrill when you 'win' a seat.

 

[Tetchytyke]

The app is a bit shonky IME, but it works. It also still flies somewhat under the radar so upgrades at the £5-£15 mark are often achievable. Just be aware of what you consider the upgrade to be worth- especially with Weekend First- and don't get sucked into the bidding frenzy.

 

[Aaron1]

Have only entered into 3 auctions and won all 3 for a total of just £40 for the 3, from Doncaster to London, also on all 3 occasions first class was declassified midway through (not before I got fed and watered) so I got my money back on all 3.

I will add I never once asked for a full refund on all 3

 

[richw]

Have used it a a couple of times. Never paid more than £25 for Cornwall to Paddington. Last time was reading to Cornwall £14 each.
It’s eBay for first class seats. Winner is automatically charged and non refundable

 

[Merseysider]

It works, and does what it says on the tin. It also accepts 3 letter station codes which cuts down search time.

Be aware that you cannot withdraw bids so if your plans change you’re SOL.

When trains have been cancelled I’ve never had an issue getting a refund or using it on the next service.

Never had any problems with guards / TMs accepting it, either - scanned and passed every single time.

Avanti think they’re something special (they aren’t) and have a minimum price of £35, even for short journeys like Manchester to Wilmslow, but for other TOCs it can be exceptional value for money.

The price is normally the same regardless of how far you travel on the same train.

You won’t find upgrades on XC (and possibly others) at the weekend as you can just pay Weekend 1st onboard.