TPE free first class upgrades for season ticket holders

[mikeg]

I hold a standard class annual season ticket from Thirsk to York. I just noticed on the TPE website that I am eligibile for free first class upgardes on a weekend. This would make travel much more bearable coming back from work late on a Saturday night, but the guards often don't put in an appearance at this time (who can blame them?)
Am I eligible just to plonk myself down in first or does a supplement have to be obtained first
?

 

[Dhassell]

Their website states....

Free First Class weekend upgrade
Buy a Season Ticket for one month or longer and you can enjoy free First Classupgrades on your normal daily TransPennine Express route at the weekend (excludes Bank Holidays).

So by the sounds of it you would be fine just to sit down in First Class! If any guard has an issue, I would just show them the Official TPE Website where it states the free upgrade.
https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/train-tickets/season-tickets

 

[IanXC]

Their website states....

So by the sounds of it you would be fine just to sit down in First Class! If any guard has an issue, I would just show them the Official TPE Website where it states the free upgrade.
https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/train-tickets/season-tickets

Indeed. No need to speak to the Conductor in advance.

Worth pointing out that this applies to point to point rail seasons and is not extended to PTE season ticket products.

 

[185143]

Just take a seat. Be aware that the catering staff are not generally aware of this and may ask you to move though.

 

[mikeg]

Thanks for the advice, will give it a try this Saturday.

 

[gray1404]

Do catering staff check tickets?

 

[185143]

Do catering staff check tickets?

They used to-no idea if they still do. I stopped using the upgrade mid 2016, so that may have changed.

I was told that they were to ensure passengers had valid tickets, or were aware they were in First and were going to upgrade before serving. Yet they have (or had) no revenue training, but would fail if they were being assessed and didn't check tickets...

 

[gray1404]

I had something similar on Midland Mainline (back in the day) and all they seems to look for was the fact it was a first class ticket - nothing further. I do not agree with non revenue trained staff checking tickets though. Although I think this happens daily with a lot of barrier staff I encounter.

 

[mikeg]

Just a quick update : chap at Thirsk ticket office hadn't heard of the offer but the guard knew about it and says it's fine just to sit in first. Sat in first class now on my approach to York now.

 

[BMIFlyer]

The policy applies on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.

I have been informed that the latest "Retail Matters" book doesn't mention the offer though, so I'm wondering if it will vanish when the new trains arrive.

 

[mikeg]

Except the website states that it excludes bank holidays. I do think its bad there isn't more awareness. This could be quite a selling point for season tickets on TPE routes.