Best booking site and first on SWT

[sliver]

Hi, I don't THINK I need help with fares but I'll post my route anyway just in case.

My main question is what is the best value booking site and then should I bother with First class on SWT?

In terms of booking, I haven't purchased a ticket for a long time as I have been abroad. I used to use Red Spotted Hanky alot due to free points but see they charge a booking fee as do The Trainline. Brief research suggests booking on Trans Penine via Quidco might be the way to go. Thoughts please.

In terms of First, I'm travelling on 14Dec from St Alban's City to Honiton in the morning (8-11am departure) and am waiting a few days for advances which should hopefully be £47.50 for 2adults and 1 child. I am debating whether there is any merit buying a F&F railcard. Anyway, my question, Is it worth paying extra for First Class in members opinion. I saw mention of hot drink and a biscuit but for approx £30 extra that's in itself isn't a big incentive in itself.

 

[Kite159]

You don't get anything refreshment wise in SWT 1st Class (apart from morning peaks where I believe you get a hot drink from the trolley)

What you will be getting on the 159s is 2+1 seating with power sockets (and curtains).

 

[AlterEgo]

One thing to be aware of is that a F+F railcard does not entitle you to any discounts whatsoever on any First Class fares except for weekend upgrades.

http://www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk/using-your-railcard/travel-times-tickets/

 

[30907]

To state the obvious, you'll save about £20 with a F and F, so it doesn't pay on that one trip alone.

 

[sliver]

Many thanks for the comments so far.
Looks like first isn't worth the extra.

Any thoughts on booking sites, cachback, etc please?

 

[All Line Rover]

One thing to be aware of is that a F+F railcard does not entitle you to any discounts whatsoever on any First Class fares except for weekend upgrades.

http://www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk/using-your-railcard/travel-times-tickets/

It doesn't usually offer a discount on first class upgrades, either (not on any TOC, as far as I'm aware).

The Railcard website only states that Railcard-discounted standard class tickets are valid in first class at the weekend when a weekend upgrade has been purchased.

 

[Mojo]

Many thanks for the comments so far.
Looks like first isn't worth the extra.

Any thoughts on booking sites, cachback, etc please?

There is no answer to the question "which is the best booking site?" as all booking sites charge the same prices [see here].

For this journey, there are no special offers available so there is no advantage for you in booking through a specific booking engine.

The highest cashback at the present moment is with Virgin Trains (Topcashback).

You could also look at splitting tickets; Trainsplit.com will do this automatically but will charge you 10% of the saving you make. If there are no savings, there are no fees. https://raileasy.trainsplit.com/?brand=railukforums This link helps make a contribution to the running of the forum if you use it.

 

[AlterEgo]

It doesn't usually offer a discount on first class upgrades, either (not on any TOC, as far as I'm aware).

The Railcard website only states that Railcard-discounted standard class tickets are valid in first class at the weekend when a weekend upgrade has been purchased.

Yes, that's what I meant albeit I didn't write it very eloquently!