Reserved window seats not by windows.

[Master29]

Fairly often I have reserved seats with both local TOC`s XC and GWR and found that in asking for windows I get an opaque plastic view. XC are worse. I use their choose your seat page where it says if there is an obstruction to the view so I chose a seat where there is supposedly no obstructed view and guess what happens when I get on the train...Plastic partition.
GWR you reserve a window seat in the hope you get precisely that, but again not always. Is this similar with other TOC`s?

 

[Envoy]

If space is available by a non reserved window seat, I would simply move. Another reason why I move is I dislike seats that are facing the sun.

 

[Bletchleyite]

It wouldn't be rocket science to allow seat selection and show the precise window positions, allowing a proper choice. Airlines could do with doing this as well, as there are few reasons to bother beyond window, middle or aisle (or exit row) unless you know the window layout.

 

[StarCrossing]

If you get on a quieter service on XC (yes, they do exist!), it might be worth walking down the aisle, noting down the seat numbers that do have a window view. You can then refer to this list next time you select your seat.

However, I agree it would be better if the seating plans were clearer.

 

[BestWestern]

It wouldn't be rocket science to allow seat selection and show the precise window positions, allowing a proper choice. Airlines could do with doing this as well, as there are few reasons to bother beyond window, middle or aisle (or exit row) unless you know the window layout.

This is a possibility for XC, but a no-go for GWR. As has come up quite a bit lately in different threads, the GWR HST fleet is rather 'fluid' at the moment in terms of formation. Coach A is always the same, but B/C/D - all of the other reservable STD coaches - can be subject to differing layouts as the 'proper' carriages are replaced with something else; indeed that has been the situation for quite some time. Sadly that would make detailed seating plans rather superfluous and prone to disappointment.

 

[Bletchleyite]

This is a possibility for XC, but a no-go for GWR. As has come up quite a bit lately in different threads, the GWR HST fleet is rather 'fluid' at the moment in terms of formation. Coach A is always the same, but B/C/D - all of the other reservable STD coaches - can be subject to differing layouts; indeed that has been the situation for quite some time. Sadly that would make detailed seating plans rather superfluous and prone to disappointment.

Ah, didn't know that. But it certainly could be done for TOCs operating fixed-formation units.

It's a bit less of an issue for Mk3s and things like 350s, because the windows are large and the bodyside doesn't intrude into shoulder room, I suppose.

 

[Master29]

If you get on a quieter service on XC (yes, they do exist!), it might be worth walking down the aisle, noting down the seat numbers that do have a window view. You can then refer to this list next time you select your seat.

However, I agree it would be better if the seating plans were clearer.

I did that at Penzance recently on a XC Voyager when it was empty at Penzance and made a mental note (though with my mind should've been a physical one) of some good seats. Sometimes however, they often travel in a reverse formation (if you can call it that on a Voyager) and as they don't have facing direction of travel unlike GWR it can be pot luck which direction you're going to face.
All academic if there is a good seat available elsewhere of course.

 

[crehld]

Ah, didn't know that. But it certainly could be done for TOCs operating fixed-formation units.

Virgin (West Coast) manage it with their new seat selection facility. Seats with a "limited view" are clearly marked in purple, so it clearly is possible.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Virgin (West Coast) manage it with their new seat selection facility. Seats with a "limited view" are clearly marked in purple, so it clearly is possible.

Yes, this is a very good start by VT, though even better would be to show the *actual* window positions rather than just "limited view".

Would just require the image being used to be like these:
https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/globalassets/downloads/pdf/vtechst-2015-dl.pdf

 

[TUC]

I have very rarely travelled on a train where it has been impossible to see out of a window. Sometimes I can only see out of half of a window, but not obscured. I suspect that most passengers reserving window seats are indicating the seat location (i.e. not aisle seats-I do this so that i am next to a power point) and that it is mainly rail enthusiasts who seem to have a concern about having the whole window available.

 

[yorkie]

For some people it really does matter, while others are not fussed. But for those who are interested, JakeF is working on a Seating plans project. So if anyone has any information which would be useful, please contact him.

Some operators indicate which seats have window views, while others do not.

In some cases it's not even possible to find an up-to-date seating plan (e.g. FGW refurbished 1st class, since the change from forward/back to individual seat numbers) so we may have to create them from scratch ourselves.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I have very rarely travelled on a train where it has been impossible to see out of a window. Sometimes I can only see out of half of a window, but not obscured. I suspect that most passengers reserving window seats are indicating the seat location (i.e. not aisle seats-I do this so that i am next to a power point) and that it is mainly rail enthusiasts who seem to have a concern about having the whole window available.

The position of the window is important to me as a tall, broad-shouldered passenger, as to have a panel there ensures an uncomfortable journey on modern stock with thick, sloped side walls. Seeing out is secondary to this (though I do like a view out!)