Odd incidents in 1st class

[Cheds]

Scotsman at post #81 writes:

I hold a ScotRail Advance pass - I used it on a train from Queen Street - Edinburgh last year. I was challenged by a punter "Excuse me, you do know this is First Class?" "Yes" *taking my seat, leaving standard ticket in full view*


Am I missing something? I dont understand this and do have a ScotRail Advance card............

Thanks in advance

 

[MCR247]

Enjoy Weekend First FREE which gives you weekend upgrades to First Class (subject to availability). **

Presumably referring to this?

(Taken from here http://www.scotrail.co.uk/advance/index.html)

 

[yorksrob]

Oh...now we're talking! In the space between First Class and the bog, the furthest of the last two seats opposite the sliding toilet door is way better than any first-class seat - it's the only seat on the train where you don't feel the icy blast of the air conditioning! Aim for it every time, me, and I'll hang around if it's occupied hoping the passenger gets off!!

If it's at the far end of the platform at Piccadilly and the rest of the train looks like it's going to be rammed, I find that section's usually a good bet for a seat.

 

[table38]

Oh...now we're talking! In the space between First Class and the bog, the furthest of the last two seats opposite the sliding toilet door is way better than any first-class seat - it's the only seat on the train where you don't feel the icy blast of the air conditioning! Aim for it every time, me, and I'll hang around if it's occupied hoping the passenger gets off!!

I know the seats, but...

Did that guy who just went in the toilet lock the door? I didn't hear a click... OMG now someone else has arrived and is heading for the toilet... should I warn them someone is in there or not get involved...

Oh No - she's pushed the button - and I was right - the door is opening... aaargh!

Now there's something else in my brain that I can never "un-see"

 

[calc7]

I know the seats, but...

Did that guy who just went in the toilet lock the door? I didn't hear a click... OMG now someone else has arrived and is heading for the toilet... should I warn them someone is in there or not get involved...

Oh No - she's pushed the button - and I was right - the door is opening... aaargh!

Now there's something else in my brain that I can never "un-see"

I've done that three times this year already! I'm scarred. :cry:

 

[Monty]

I know the seats, but...

Did that guy who just went in the toilet lock the door? I didn't hear a click... OMG now someone else has arrived and is heading for the toilet... should I warn them someone is in there or not get involved...

Oh No - she's pushed the button - and I was right - the door is opening... aaargh!

Now there's something else in my brain that I can never "un-see"

That reminds me of a incident on a train after I had just completed a ticket check, I was in need to answer the call of natureand when I went to use the toilet I just so happened to pick one that was occupied by a young lady who unfortunate enough not to lock it. The poor girl was mortified!

 

[scotsman]

Scotsman at post #81 writes:

I hold a ScotRail Advance pass - I used it on a train from Queen Street - Edinburgh last year. I was challenged by a punter "Excuse me, you do know this is First Class?" "Yes" *taking my seat, leaving standard ticket in full view*


Am I missing something? I dont understand this and do have a ScotRail Advance card............

Thanks in advance

Was just winding them up - my advance card is in my wallet, but I left the ticket on the table, so that they could see it, meaning they could get all annoyed until the conductor checked and let me stay.

Won't lie, never really put that much thought into it.

 

[Cheds]

mcr247.scotsman - thank you both and no, the weekend first hadnt registered with me.

cheds

 

[broadgage]

I often travel first class, wearing somwhat scruffy but clean clothing and notice that my ticket may be asked for before other tickets are checked.
Provided that this is done politly it does not worry me.

I am far more concerned at the numbers in first whom I suspect should not be there, than I am about having my ticket checked.

FGW staff are in my experience more polite than Virgin.
Virgin ticket checkers often seem rude to those whom they suspect should not be in first.
FGW are more polite, and presume that one belongs in first unless a ticket check shows otherwise.

At Paddington, my ticket is almost allways checked on entry to the first class lounge, which is not true of all pasengers.
But there is little point in a daily check for regular customers whom the staff know have a first class season.

Things that make railway staff suspect that the customer has only a steerage ticket, if that
1) dog on string
2)baby carriage tied together with string.
3)luggage consisting of checked laundry bags or refuse sacks
4)a packed lunch
5)supermarket beer or vodka
6)wearing overalls, or even carrying same not wrapped up
7)a cellphone with a silly ringtone
8)more than 2 kids

None of the above are a reliable guide as to whether or not the customer has a first class ticket, but they are an indication.
Numbers 3 and 6 are the only ones of which I have been guilty when travelling first class.

 

[calc7]

I often travel first class, wearing somwhat scruffy but clean clothing and notice that my ticket may be asked for before other tickets are checked.
Provided that this is done politly it does not worry me.

I am far more concerned at the numbers in first whom I suspect should not be there, than I am about having my ticket checked.

FGW staff are in my experience more polite than Virgin.
Virgin ticket checkers often seem rude to those whom they suspect should not be in first.
FGW are more polite, and presume that one belongs in first unless a ticket check shows otherwise.

At Paddington, my ticket is almost allways checked on entry to the first class lounge, which is not true of all pasengers.
But there is little point in a daily check for regular customers whom the staff know have a first class season.

Things that make railway staff suspect that the customer has only a steerage ticket, if that
1) dog on string
2)baby carriage tied together with string.
3)luggage consisting of checked laundry bags or refuse sacks
4)a packed lunch
5)supermarket beer or vodka
6)wearing overalls, or even carrying same not wrapped up
7)a cellphone with a silly ringtone
8)more than 2 kids

None of the above are a reliable guide as to whether or not the customer has a first class ticket, but they are an indication.
Numbers 3 and 6 are the only ones of which I have been guilty when travelling first class.

Do you mean "silly" or "annoying"? Quite a lot of well-off older folk begrudgingly use a phone and use a horrendous or default ring-tone! Contrast with annoying, which is when you get people have the latest chart hits (and less likely to be found in First Class).

What you have said explains the situation fairly well though. Based on experience, or gut instinct, the guard/host does a quick "risk assessment" based on the customer's appearance and mannerisms and acts accordingly.

Whilst the FT-wielding suits might not have a ticket, my guess is that would be a much less frequent occurence than people matching your indicators above. But if people don't get offended by being asked as you say, then there's no problem anyway.

 

[tsr]

4)a packed lunch
5)supermarket beer or vodka

You evidently haven't taken note of the extensive complaints in the EC First Class Service thread (and elsewhere), have you...? :P

 

[Monty]

I often travel first class, wearing somwhat scruffy but clean clothing and notice that my ticket may be asked for before other tickets are checked.
Provided that this is done politly it does not worry me.

I am far more concerned at the numbers in first whom I suspect should not be there, than I am about having my ticket checked.

FGW staff are in my experience more polite than Virgin.
Virgin ticket checkers often seem rude to those whom they suspect should not be in first.
FGW are more polite, and presume that one belongs in first unless a ticket check shows otherwise.

At Paddington, my ticket is almost allways checked on entry to the first class lounge, which is not true of all pasengers.
But there is little point in a daily check for regular customers whom the staff know have a first class season.

Things that make railway staff suspect that the customer has only a steerage ticket, if that
1) dog on string
2)baby carriage tied together with string.
3)luggage consisting of checked laundry bags or refuse sacks
4)a packed lunch
5)supermarket beer or vodka
6)wearing overalls, or even carrying same not wrapped up
7)a cellphone with a silly ringtone
8)more than 2 kids

None of the above are a reliable guide as to whether or not the customer has a first class ticket, but they are an indication.
Numbers 3 and 6 are the only ones of which I have been guilty when travelling first class.

As I've said before body language and general behaviour is more if an indication than clothing ever is.

 

[AndrewP]

I travel first class regularly and generally can choose which class I travel in.

Even though most of my travel is business and therefore not out of my pocket but I never charge or pay more than an open standard single. This means you are likely to see me in first or standard expensively suited and booted. I have never had any issue in either.

I travel in first for leisure too and often take my small children too (not sure if this is setting the wrong expectation but thats a debate for Mumsnet and I am a bloke) and a 3 or 4 year old with their own seat (with ticket) has raised some eyebrows. This also means that I can be a bit scruffy too - if I am tired and rushing for the train I can be unshaven, crumpled and not exactly looking my best (I have looked worse in business and first on long flights though).

I must point out that the staff (mainly east coast) are no different how I am dressed and weather I am in business mode or family mode but they univerally appeciate the kids saying please and thank you in a way that suggests its something many adults can't manage!

As with most things the worst are people who are not happy with their lot - i.e. they are travelling in standard and think they should be in first or are in first and think it should only be for the likes of them. There is a technical term for them - berks (and I mean that with its true rhyming slang meaning!!!!!)

 

[The Ham]

The only time I've travel in first class was on a train which was running between two stations to get the train & crew back to the right depot and the guard allowed those of us travelling there (with valid tickets, but not for first class) to take advantage of this.

I can't remember some details as it was some time ago, but also will not give details that I can remember as I would rather the staff who allow such things to happen to get away with doing so.

 

[Thumper Bill]

Odd incidents in first class:-
Caught a girl snorting cocain in Class 309 first class compartment in 1980

 

[CaptainHaddock]

Odd incidents in first class:-
Caught a girl snorting cocain in Class 309 first class compartment in 1980

You'd think cocaine would be complementary in first class, wouldn't you?

 

[jon0844]

At its current price (I should point out that the only coke I 'do' is the carbonated variety), you should be able to afford it in standard these days!

 

[Deerfold]

A party of 4 (2 bloke/2 women) did that in front of me on the 0106 out of Kings X going to Hitchin a few years back - you could tell they were already coked up (they did it then asked me if I was an undercover cop) and they were talking about finding a club in Hitchin to carry on parting at - which seemed unlikely at 2am on a Friday morning...

This was in standard class though.

 

[3141]

I'll be travelling first class on the 21.40 Euston-Manchester on Friday evening, the first time I've been in Virgin first class, and after reading this thread I'm looking forward to my most exciting train journey ever, especially as I'll be casually dressed.

 

[calc7]

I'll be travelling first class on the 21.40 Euston-Manchester on Friday evening, the first time I've been in Virgin first class, and after reading this thread I'm looking forward to my most exciting train journey ever, especially as I'll be casually dressed.

Somehow I doubt the 21:40 on a Friday will be full of snooty people.

 

[HST Power]

At its current price (I should point out that the only coke I 'do' is the carbonated variety), you should be able to afford it in standard these days!

It was £78 a gram in 1998, now the most common price is about £40. Which is just under what I pay for a First Class single from London to Newcastle! Though I imagine that you can buy less pure stuff for about £15-£20.

I should just point out that I did some research into pricing, I haven't got any expierence in the matter!

 

[3141]

Somehow I doubt the 21:40 on a Friday will be full of snooty people.

Spoil sport! I shall have to consider demanding my money back.

 

[table38]

I've heard cases where the riff-raff in standard sneak along the train to use the First Class toilets hock:

 

[37372]

Late last year I was sat in FC on a 170 at Glasgow Queen St, waiting for departure to Edinburgh. The train was busy but I was the only person in FC.

Shortly before departure the driver walks through the train heading for the cab just behind me. He began to open the cab door and then paused. "You do know that this is first class don't you?" he said to me. "Yes thanks." I replied, and he walked away.

I suppose a 20yr old in jeans and a hoody looked suspicious, but we're not all trying to eff it.

 

[tsr]

Though I imagine that you can buy less pure stuff for about £15-£20.

"Less pure stuff" is generally the same price as a ticket for the Scone Express.

 

[broadgage]

I got told off once in First for "spreading fear and alarm" against which there is no doubt a byelaw.
The train had coasted to a halt after running into floodwater which had stopped the engine. After wisely ordering pudding and some more wine in the restaurant, and comsuming same, there seemed little progress.

I therefore foolishly shouted out "first class to the lifeboats" and "lifeboats only for first class" and other similar remarks.
Those in the steerage end of the train started to panic at the horrifying thought that the train was possibly equiped with insufficient lifeboats to save all.
The train manager did not help initialy by informing them that rather than insuficient lifeboats, there where NONE AT ALL.
General panic ensued.
BTW the water was about 2 feet deep.

I intended my remark to be light hearted, and did not expect to cause a panic. Any fool knows that trains dont have lifeboats, not even for first class.

 

[jon0844]

Bizarre!

We all know that only the driver has access to one of these (under his or her seat, next to the parachute)

Everyone else is expected to go down with the 'ship'...

 

[caliwag]

In the days when the Eurostars ran from KX to York: not relevent really but dates it, a thoroughly obnoxious business type got on, sat next to me in a 4, and loudly slapped his brief-case on the table...clack clack...There was already a guy sitting quietly diagonally to me who looked at this 'clacking prat' implying 'there's loads more seats, why the hell did you chose to sit opposite me'...I sat tight and widely opened a newspaper...more harumphing, banging and clicking. Mr Diagonal got up and sought a 4 on his own.

Our 'friend' then turned to a guy next to him, in a two, who was talking pretty loudly into his mobile...'there's no need to shout' he trumpeted as if talking to a minion in his office, to which the other guy snapped back 'but I'm talking to someone in Canada' and then realised how stupid that sounded. FFS.:roll:

 

[tsr]

I got told off once in First for "spreading fear and alarm" against which there is no doubt a byelaw.
The train had coasted to a halt after running into floodwater which had stopped the engine. After wisely ordering pudding and some more wine in the restaurant, and comsuming same, there seemed little progress.

I therefore foolishly shouted out "first class to the lifeboats" and "lifeboats only for first class" and other similar remarks.
Those in the steerage end of the train started to panic at the horrifying thought that the train was possibly equiped with insufficient lifeboats to save all.
The train manager did not help initialy by informing them that rather than insuficient lifeboats, there where NONE AT ALL.
General panic ensued.
BTW the water was about 2 feet deep.

I intended my remark to be light hearted, and did not expect to cause a panic. Any fool knows that trains dont have lifeboats, not even for first class.

Quite.

I was in Standard Class on a train that hit an iceberg* the other year. Despite the fact that the captain** did not make any reasonable attempt to avoid the iceberg, therefore placing the vehicle in danger***, and then continued at speed after the collision, nobody panicked. This is obviously because we all knew that, firstly, the transboardment ramps supplied by FCC to distressed 377s probably do float, and, secondly, because we were all seasoned commuters, and knew that a 377 with even a large part of the hull breached (even though it wasn't) is largely unsinkable.

In fact, a 377 weighs quite a lot, and has probably sunk sufficiently before it even sets off.

The point and moral of the story is that even Standard Class passengers are sensible in most situations, and the incident you describe was certainly far from normal.

*Small lump of snow
**Driver
***Not really

 

[AndrewP]

Quite.

I was in Standard Class on a train that hit an iceberg* the other year. Despite the fact that the captain** did not make any reasonable attempt to avoid the iceberg, therefore placing the vehicle in danger***, and then continued at speed after the collision, nobody panicked. This is obviously because we all knew that, firstly, the transboardment ramps supplied by FCC to distressed 377s probably do float, and, secondly, because we were all seasoned commuters, and knew that a 377 with even a large part of the hull breached (even though it wasn't) is largely unsinkable.

In fact, a 377 weighs quite a lot, and has probably sunk sufficiently before it even sets off.

The point and moral of the story is that even Standard Class passengers are sensible in most situations, and the incident you describe was certainly far from normal.

*Small lump of snow
**Driver
***Not really

Being serious - how did a lettuce sink the Titanic?