Virgin Trains first class query

[tedted]

What are the benefits of travelling in First Class on Virgin Trains during the week (Wednesday) with an advance purchase ticket? (apart from the obvious like wider seats etc)

Thanks

tedted

 

[Max]

Depends whether its Cross-Country or West Coast.

In cross-country you get an at seat service with small 'snack-boxes' on the core sections of the routes. These boxes may include things like a sandwich, chocolate bar, packet of crips etc. At breakfast time you often get a hot bacon roll. You're also entitled to free tea, coffee, juice and virgin cola (so horrible compared to normal Coke :roll, and some of the staff will top you up with extra biscuits and chocolates. Outside the core central zone (eg. south of Reading, south of Bristol etc.), you can collect free boxes from the shop, but these aren't generally as nice, and only include a few light snacks.

One of the other benefits of first class on Voyagers is that if you are travelling alone you can have a seat alone with a generously sized table rather than have to share with someone.

Not sure about west coast, but I believe you get more of a hot meal (though someone will have to confirm that for me).

 

[Mojo]

In cross-country you get an at seat service with small 'snack-boxes' on the core sections of the routes. These boxes may include things like a sandwich, chocolate bar, packet of crips etc. At breakfast time you often get a hot bacon roll.

I've been offered a hot bacon roll in the afternoon before.

Outside the core central zone (eg. south of Reading, south of Bristol etc.), you can collect free boxes from the shop, but these aren't generally as nice, and only include a few light snacks.

It depends what they have. The ones given out by the trolley staff actually need to be refrigerated because of their contents. The 'Ambient' ones seem to be kept in a drawer. I did once get the one the same as what they dish out on-train which was in the fridge, but that's only happenned once, so I don't know if it's at all that common.

Not sure about west coast, but I believe you get more of a hot meal (though someone will have to confirm that for me).

Believe it depends on the train. On the afternoon services all I've been offered is some freshly made sandwiches.

 

[Max]

It depends what they have. The ones given out by the trolley staff actually need to be refrigerated because of their contents. The 'Ambient' ones seem to be kept in a drawer. I did once get the one the same as what they dish out on-train which was in the fridge, but that's only happenned once, so I don't know if it's at all that common.

Ah I see, when I collected my snack-box after Bristol in the week it was one of the weekend ones, but maybe its possible to be given one with a sandwich in too. Those weekend ones are awful, they seem to choose the most disgusting food for those!

 

[voyagerdude220]

Well i'm the resident First Class traveller on VT, and so i can tell you:

Voyagers-

Exactly as described. Snack boxes are ok as long as you get the roll one, and not the weekend ambient box which is rubbish. I normally travel within the at seat service anyway, so don't have to move 90% of the time on weekdays.

Pendolinos-

My favourite. 4 very quiet coaches when travelling off peak, but you can get 4 quite full coaches in the evening peak.

Breakfast is very good- Full english before 08:30, with the smaller cooked breakfast 08:30-11:00

11:00 onwards- All day snacks- Sanwhiches, bagels (really nice!), filo parcels (also great), that kind of thing. The menus rotate weekly.

Pendolino Primo-

I once sampled this a year or two ago, before VT noticed the fact i snatched a Value First on the train i used.

I was highly impressed with the Beef Bourigion (dodgy spelling) , the drinks, and the following cheese & biscuits afterwards. Served with tea/coffee and luxury chocolate.

I've never been Standard on a Pendolino before, but may have to one day, when i'm paying for my travel myself.

Small tip: DON'T sit in the Kitchen carriage on Pendos- No matter if you going forwards or backwards, the tilt is a bit more rough, due to the way the tilt system works on the leading and rear carriages. (Leading to a more shakey ride) I don't personally mind it alot.

But the biggest problem for me, was the noise from the kitchen. Even at weekends, before the at-seat catering was introduced at Weekends, the kichen on Pendos still seemed to be noisey, but with the machines etc making the noise, and not any staff.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I did once get the one the same as what they dish out on-train which was in the fridge, but that's only happenned once, so I don't know if it's at all that common.

When I go to the shop, I always check in the fridge, that there isn't any of the roll boxes in there, or ask the RSM about it.

Believe it depends on the train. On the afternoon services all I've been offered is some freshly made sandwiches.

Yeah thats Pendolino Primo- www.virgintrains.co.uk/firstclass

http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/img/first_and_club/PendolinoMenu.pdf

An old Pendolino Primo menu link(removed from VT website) :
http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/img/first_and_club/PrimoMenu.pdf

 

[Max]

To be honest, unless you just want a little more space, it isn't worth travelling First class on VXC at the Weekend in my opinion.

 

[Mojo]

Yeah thats Pendolino Primo- www.virgintrains.co.uk/firstclass

http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/img/first_and_club/PendolinoMenu.pdf

An old Pendolino Primo menu link(removed from VT website) :
http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/img/first_and_club/PrimoMenu.pdf

What do you mean? Above, you said that you get sandwiches in the Afternoon. And it wasn't Primo, because I travelled before that was 'invented.'

 

[voyagerdude220]

To be honest, unless you just want a little more space, it isn't worth travelling First class on VXC at the Weekend in my opinion.

Yes i'd agree, which is why i don't travel that much on Voyagers at the weekend, although i often use them over diversionary routes, and i can often get a very cheap Value first, for not much more than SC.

My main reason though for avoiding travelling at weekends, is because FC is opened up to everyone else, for just £10-20 weekend first upgrade.

What do you mean? Above, you said that you get sandwiches in the Afternoon. And it wasn't Primo, because I travelled before that was 'invented.'

Ok, it would've been when Pendos still offered the evening meal between 17:00 and 20:00. I've got one of those menus upstairs, but missed the connection at Tamworth by a minute, so didn't get to use it.

Does anyone possibly know where you can obtain any other old Pendolino Primo menus, before it was combined with the ordinary Pendolino menu? (Apart from the link i made up)

 

[VTDan]

To be honest, unless you just want a little more space, it isn't worth travelling First class on VXC at the Weekend in my opinion.

Even in the week when the VXC services get really busy people
just pile in Club Class anyway, so you don't get any refreshments
because the host cannot get through the carriage.

So it's hardly ever worth paying out for Club Class on VXC.
But definately is on VWC services.

 

[tubenutter]

Yes i'd agree, which is why i don't travel that much on Voyagers at the weekend, although i often use them over diversionary routes, and i can often get a very cheap Value first, for not much more than SC.

So, you're saying you only travel on VT if its worth travelling first class?

This seems bizarre. Surely, even if it isn't 'worth' travelling at first class, you should just get a cheaper standard class ticket rather than avoid the trains altogether?(!)

 

[voyagerdude220]

So, you're saying you only travel on VT if its worth travelling first class?

This seems bizarre. Surely, even if it isn't 'worth' travelling at first class, you should just get a cheaper standard class ticket rather than avoid the trains altogether?(!)

No I don't avoid travelling at all, i just meant to say that i prefer it when there isn't all the plebs in FC on the weekend.

I always travel FC, unless there's a very good reason not to do so.

I've always been a fan of Pendo FC like i said, and have always been disapointed with the snack box since VXC limited to just one from the host, and another one whenever the host gets off.

I'm also very annoyed that VT only does decent food on routes which go to/from London, and has also pledged to improve catering on some 221's- As long as they're on the Euston-Holyhead route :x

 

[Max]

No I don't avoid travelling at all, i just meant to say that i prefer it when there isn't all the plebs in FC on the weekend.

Oh cheers, so because I travel standard class does that mean I'm a 'pleb'? Charming...

 

[voyagerdude220]

Oh cheers, so because I travel standard class does that mean I'm a 'pleb'? Charming...

Yes

I actually had a woman on my train upgrade to FC between Preston and Carlisle, because of all the children making alot of noise, and ignoring her requests to be quiet whilst the TM in the other set did announcements about the route over the S&C.

 

[Techniquest]

No I don't avoid travelling at all, i just meant to say that i prefer it when there isn't all the plebs in FC on the weekend.

Dear Sir,

I do request that you care to elaborate on your comments quoted above.

I am one of the many people who take advantage of Weekend First (although usually only with FGW).

My personal view is we are doing exactly what the Train Operating Company wishes us to do, that being to use up spare capacity in First Class at weekends (such capacity would not be available on weekdays due to the volumes of business passengers) for a small extra fee. It is also an opportunity for many to experience travel in First Class, something not all of us passengers have the guilty pleasure of doing whenever possible.

My point is, good sir, that we have paid for the privilege to travel in First Class, so please do not treat as second-class citizens. As I say, we pay for the luxury as requested and expect to be treated as the regular First Class passengers would. To be classed as a 'pleb' is most offensive.

Kindly explain your views on the matter of Weekend First, sir.

Kind regards,
WSXFan

(and in case it isn't obvious, it's a parody of sorts from the Letters section of The Times)

 

[voyagerdude220]

I wasn't using the term "Pleb" to offend anyone.

I'm personally just as "plebbish" (if that's the correct term) as most people on here, and use weekend first myself sometimes.

 

[yorkie]

Voyagerdude, unless you are on a FOR, you are yourself a "pleb" getting a cheapo FC upgrade yourself

At least you admit it

There's absolutely no way anyone on a Saver (which could cost, say, £60) plus a £20 weekend 1st upgrade, is more of a "pleb" than you on your £22 (or whatever) cheap ticket!!!!

 

[voyagerdude220]

Voyagerdude, unless you are on a FOR, you are yourself a "pleb" getting a cheapo FC upgrade yourself

At least you admit it

There's absolutely no way anyone on a Saver (which could cost, say, £60) plus a £20 weekend 1st upgrade, is more of a "pleb" than you on your £22 (or whatever) cheap ticket!!!!

£22? That is cheap! (for GNER- i would get charged £100 etc for travelling 3 minutes earlier)

TBH if i ever get a railcard, i'll be using savers sometimes/most of the time, as AP First's are already discounted quite heavily, and so only get another few pounds knocked of with a railcard.

 

[Max]

TBH if i ever get a railcard, i'll be using savers sometimes/most of the time, as AP First's are already discounted quite heavily, and so only get another few pounds knocked of with a railcard.

In fact there is no discount on FC with a YP Railcard

 

[yorkie]

In fact there is no discount on FC with a YP Railcard

There is on the Virgin Pleb Value cheapo tickests that VoyagerDude gets, when he infiltrates the posh £210 FOR club

 

[Techniquest]

That actually raises an interesting question...Obviously those on FORs (or whatever the full-fare First Class tickets are called up there) have full access to First Class lounges (which depending on your location of choice are either good, very good or really swish). I've certainly enjoyed First Class lounges in Cardiff, Paddington and Bristol plenty of times!

The query that comes up is that GNER certainly do not allow passengers on advance-purchase First Class fares to use their First Class lounges (yet more evidence of GNER wanting to become an exclusive club). This is not the case with Farce GW (which does surprise me), however is this the case with Virgin? I recall MML doing the same sort of thing as GNER with regards to their First Class lounges, so the £10,000 question (soon to become the cheapest fare on GNER...:razz is do Virgin allow AP FC passengers into their FC lounges? Perhaps even more importantly, does Crewe have a First Class lounge, and is it open on Saturdays?

Also, I do believe Virgin allow Y-P discount on AP FC fares. I have a recollection of the AP FC fare I have for Saturday being £33.xx, with a Y-P it dropped to £25.xx. Which is a bargain, more so as there were no AP SC fares!

Whilst we are on the subject of Virgin, has anyone else found their website to be superior for booking fares? I've found cheap fares on there whilst other TOC websites have shown none! Also, only Virgin's fares website allows purchase of the Saver Half Return (the most ingenious fare creation since extending the Freedom of the South West Rover's boundaries). Perhaps it is suffice to say I've spend more money booking tickets through Virgin's website than any other all-time, especially during this month!

Maybe I should get my username changed to VXCFan...

 

[voyagerdude220]

I've edited your quote, to make it easier for me below:

1) This is not the case with Farce GW (which does surprise me), however is this the case with Virgin?
do Virgin allow AP FC passengers into their FC lounges?

2) Perhaps even more importantly, does Crewe have a First Class lounge, and is it open on Saturdays?

3) Also, I do believe Virgin allow Y-P discount on AP FC fares. I have a recollection of the AP FC fare I have for Saturday being £33.xx, with a Y-P it dropped to £25.xx. Which is a bargain, more so as there were no AP SC fares!

4) Whilst we are on the subject of Virgin, has anyone else found their website to be superior for booking fares? I've found cheap fares on there whilst other TOC websites have shown none! Also, only Virgin's fares website allows purchase of the Saver Half Return (the most ingenious fare creation since extending the Freedom of the South West Rover's boundaries). Perhaps it is suffice to say I've spend more money booking tickets through Virgin's website than any other all-time, especially during this month!

5) Maybe I should get my username changed to VXCFan...

Answers:
1) Virgin definately accept VT First in lounges, as they're my favourite TOC's lounge which i've used- I love changing at Birmingham N St, and popping into the small, but very comfortable lounge, whilst there's a big crowd of people on the concourse.. Euston's lounge even has showers, and a bar, but i've not used them yet.

2) I've been very surprised before, that Crewe doesn't have a FC lounge, yet Stoke-On-Trent does?

3)VT DEFINATELY accept YP Railcards on AP First singles, but like i originally stated, unfortunately with little difference on the examples i've tried.

4) I always use www.virgintrainsfares.co.uk to book tickets, but that's the old system, and the new system IMO, is very good when it works, but it doesn't show the fares properly for some journies which start/terminate at a small local station (e.g. Anywhere on the GNER network ) e.g. Bedminster

5) Say these words: Being on a Voyager, is better than being chinged on a GNER train for being 3 minutes early, or breaking your journey on the return portion of a saver, which isn't valid on GNER apparantly....

 

[Techniquest]

Surprised there isn't a FC lounge in Crewe! Pity that, I would have liked to pop in there for a coffee before getting on-board to Newquay!

With the example I use, ie Crewe to Newquay, bought only a couple of weeks before the date of travel, my Y-P saves me around £8 on the AP FC fare! £25 Crewe - Newquay in SC would be reasonable, but in FC that is excellent!

As for your thoughts at the end there, I always will, always have, preferred to travel on a Voyager instead of GNER. Well, unless the GNER move is a HST! But yes, being on a Voyager vice being chinged by GNER is far superior!

 

[voyagerdude220]

As for your thoughts at the end there, I always will, always have, preferred to travel on a Voyager instead of GNER. Well, unless the GNER move is a HST! But yes, being on a Voyager vice being chinged by GNER is far superior!

Well I've only done GNER once, and it was between Edinburgh & Inverness, on the Highland Chieftain. I was in FC with an AP single, as I was with my Dad at the time, and he payed for us both for a meal in the restaurant.

Staff were OK, but i seem to remember that the service was very busy at the time, and the restaurant was unsurprisingly full after we were asked if we would like to use it.

I'm just looking at One's restaurant service between Norwich & London, to see if there's any routes which i could do, which include this.

 

[tedted]

In fact there is no discount on FC with a YP Railcard

One August 8 I'm going to Edinburgh. On the way I've bought a FC ticket with my railcard. And £19.15 for a single would be cheap even in SC (which I'm travelling back for just £7.60)!

In conclusion, you can use a Y-P to travel in FC with an AP. (at least on Virgin)

 

[voyagerdude220]

In conclusion, you can use a Y-P to travel in FC with an AP. (at least on Virgin)

Yes I said that before.

I looked up Crewe-Holyead FOR, to see if ATW offered YP discount on the Avantix, and it said they did, even though i thought FOR's definately didn't offer a YP discount?

 

[Techniquest]

NO walk-up First Class fare should have a Y-P discount.

Although I have had Y-P discount on a Saver First Return between Swansea and Cardiff before now! £11.xx for a SFR, bargain!

 

[voyagerdude220]

NO walk-up First Class fare should have a Y-P discount.

Although I have had Y-P discount on a Saver First Return between Swansea and Cardiff before now! £11.xx for a SFR, bargain!

Thanks for sharing that, as I didn't know you can get discounts on Saver Firsts with FGW

 

[ChrisCooper]

You can't get discounts on First Class with Family Railcards either, but you can with Senior and Disabled ones, which always strikes me as discriminatory. It's also odd since you can get child rate 1st class tickets, which afterall are cheaper than railcard discounts.

 

[voyagerdude220]

You can't get discounts on First Class with Family Railcards either, but you can with Senior and Disabled ones, which always strikes me as discriminatory. It's also odd since you can get child rate 1st class tickets, which afterall are cheaper than railcard discounts.

That's exactly what i've been thinking recently, when i've realised the difference in AP First's with a YP railcard, the full adult AP single, and the child fare- AP firsts with a railcard, and the full adult AP single are very similar.

The child fare is obviously 1/2 fare, which has been very good to me.

Edit: Don't be surprised if you see me using YP saver returns in future if i get a railcard.

Do you need a passport for an application, as i don't have an up-to-date one, and i've changed since i was 3/4/5

 

[Techniquest]

Thanks for sharing that, as I didn't know you can get discounts on Saver Firsts with FGW

You cannot get a Y-P discount, officially, on SFRs. I was highlighting the fact it has happened before now once, which I must say I was well happy with! Never happened since though!