Eurostar Plus is becoming worse

[Mikey C]

Maybe it’s just the Amsterdam route. I’ve voted with my feet today & booked standard for today’s return

If the Amsterdam price is cheap enough, then it's worth it for the greater comfort - I do like the single airline seats. Just don't expect much service between Brussels and Amsterdam!

 

[NCT]

I'm sure you're right. I won't name the service or date but on one recent journey home from Brussels the wonderful pair doing my carriage basically made clear that they regarded making passengers feel welcome as an act of resistance against miserly instructions from management.

Very interesting ... really makes you wonder about the values of that certain state owned operator.

 

[MrJeeves]

I've had a positive experience so far on my journey from London to Amsterdam, with extremely friendly staff attempting to pile me up with as much wine as possible!

Either they're trying to put us all to sleep, or making up for the smallest chocolate bar in the world for dessert.

I do still enjoy the Eurostar food, but the shrinking desserts is rather annoying.

---

Okay nevermind, I have been told no more drinks ("everything is closed now") and we've only just gotten to Lille. It's as bad as others have suggested.

 

[nwales58]

… the smallest chocolate bar in the world for dessert.

It was Green&Blacks but the ultra-sickly milk chocolate the other day. For me, no little starter salad is a greater loss. Still, on Interrail I only paid Eur 5 extra for the seat and tray meal.

Still better than the onward ICE with no at-seat service in 1st, no restaurant tables free and 100% grump bistro staff. Pannendeutschland.

 

[mad_rich]

Still, on Interrail I only paid Eur 5 extra for the seat and tray meal.

It's not just €5 though. You've already paid the first class premium when you bought your pass.

The extra €5 for your reservation is just (even more) greed from Eurostar. Like how they charge higher refund/ cancellation fees in Plus (why? The cancellation isn't any more 'premium' than a Standard cancellation!)

 

[sh24]

The main course salads are really good IME, but the chocolate/nougat "bar" and Greggs quality roll are not. It's still worth the premium for decent seating.

 

[Failed Unit]

I have found Eurostar Plus disappointing for a while, the desert replacement with a chocolate is just the “why do they bother at all”. To be honest I mainly eat before / after the train. The amount of time the table is space is taken up for the meal service now just is not worth it as I like to also work. As are Carte Blanche user for Breakfast I might as well eat in the lounge. For the evening meal now I know you are not getting anything worthwhile I tend to grab a takeaway on arrival to my destination. (Granted the 4 hour journey to Amsterdam will probably involve a trek to the buffet)

Maybe one for a different thread, but the voucher they offer in Amsterdam as it doesn’t have a lounge doesn’t work. I queue for a coffee, by the time i got to the front of the queue we were boarding so I couldn’t use it anyway. If they had a vending machine with a token to operate it at least you would have the chance to get a coffee if you wanted. The shop in Amsterdam was not exactly the fastest service which didn’t help.

 

[Freemo]

On a journey this summer the dessert was some sort of rocky road bar which could've been used as shielding on a nuclear reactor.

 

[beckyblondon]

If the Amsterdam price is cheap enough, then it's worth it for the greater comfort - I do like the single airline seats. Just don't expect much service between Brussels and Amsterdam!

I think the challenge is it’s not cheap enough to make it worthwhile. I took LDN>AMS last week and AMS>LDN today and I could have flown business for a similar price.

But I like train travel and have found Eurostar Premier (now Plus) to Paris and Lille in the past good. So didn’t hesitate to book it again for AMS.

But it was super sub par between AMS and Brussels. On the outbound, I did notice no service after Lille, but had been fed and watered well. And was working away, so didn’t give much thought to it. But on the return it was demonstrably bad. There was no staff on that part of the train on boarding in Amsterdam. I went looking as wanted to change seats. As my assigned one was really dirty/stained. I decided to go ahead and take the opposite seat as I couldn’t find anyone. The first time we see staff is after leaving AMS and only to check our tickets. Multiple people asked about service to be told there was nothing until Brussels after 9pm. We had departed at 18:40, service arrived about 21:05. The staff between AMS Brussels, were not rude, but not at all the usual service, no Welcome etc. Not what you would have got in Standard Premier until recently on other routes.

The “new” Amsterdam boarding experience is as painful as always. Massively overcrowded departure lounge. One cafe with long queues and long waits for basics like coffee. I’ve been lucky I’d got accustomed to the Business Premier lounges via Plat Amex, which vary from brill in Paris, to ok in London to :/ in Brussels. But there is nothing at all in Amsterdam after security. I read later about possible access to the Dutch Railways lounge on the other side of the station, but this doesn’t help with the horrible departure lounge experience, not least as they want you there for an hour in advance. Not enough seats etc.

There is no mention that there is zero service between AMS - Brussels when you book.

 

[country_end_37]

I'm on Rotterdam to London now, in Eurostar Plus, and the food, such as it was (just a near-freezing temperature couscous salad for the vegetarian option, with a miniature Green & Black's chocolate bar), didn't come out until Lille. From Rotterdam to Brussels, nothing: no welcome from staff, no mention of when the "evening meal" (not that it's sufficient for a meal) would be arriving. And when it did arrive, there are "no hot drinks tonight at all", apparently. No coffees, no teas. It's just such a low standard of service compared to what it used to be, what it could be. Such a disappointing experience. This time it was "free" for me in the sense of spending Eurostar points on it, but on reflection it would have been better to keep the points and go on more trips in Standard and just bring nicer, better value, more substantial food (that i could eat when I like!) of my own.

From my experiences over the past few months, it's no longer worth paying for either Eurostar Plus (or Premier) unless you want a little bit more legroom, and less noise from other passengers. That's all it offers.

 

[johncrossley]

From my experiences over the past few months, it's no longer worth paying for either Eurostar Plus (or Premier) unless you want a little bit more legroom, and less noise from other passengers. That's all it offers.

Having a single seat is a massive difference. If they removed the pointless food and reduced the price accordingly that would be even better. If you want food, there is a better choice of food from the buffet anyway.

 

[Sad Sprinter]

I'm on Rotterdam to London now, in Eurostar Plus, and the food, such as it was (just a near-freezing temperature couscous salad for the vegetarian option, with a miniature Green & Black's chocolate bar), didn't come out until Lille. From Rotterdam to Brussels, nothing: no welcome from staff, no mention of when the "evening meal" (not that it's sufficient for a meal) would be arriving. And when it did arrive, there are "no hot drinks tonight at all", apparently. No coffees, no teas. It's just such a low standard of service compared to what it used to be, what it could be. Such a disappointing experience. This time it was "free" for me in the sense of spending Eurostar points on it, but on reflection it would have been better to keep the points and go on more trips in Standard and just bring nicer, better value, more substantial food (that i could eat when I like!) of my own.

From my experiences over the past few months, it's no longer worth paying for either Eurostar Plus (or Premier) unless you want a little bit more legroom, and less noise from other passengers. That's all it offers.

Interesting. I went to Brussels in January 24 and thought it very good. Full meal from London to Brussels. Things must have changed quickly

 

[styles]

I found it grand in May last year heading to Lille and back. Food served quickly, good quality, plenty of drinks, friendly service. I had a wheelchair user with me and they were top notch on the accessibility front also.

 

[Jimini]

Based on previous posts, I'm guessing the experience falls over when you're on a 'spoke' origin, rather than a hub. I've done London <> Lille / Paris / Brussels relatively recently, and the food turns up pretty quickly. If you're starting out in Amsterdam, for example, then you don't get anything until you hit the "mainlines", so to speak.

 

[sh24]

The breakfasts are poor, and the rest of day meals suffer from a small chocolate bar or piece of nougat replacing a proper dessert. Still worth it for the space, relative peace and quiet and a single seat if travelling solo.

 

[Gerald Fiennes]

The salami-slicer strategy at work again! But the last time I used Eurostar it still had a large compliment of staff serving the meal/tea and coffee so the saving, in terms of % of total cost to provide at-seat catering in 6 carriages of the train must be tiny!

Simialrly, they've also now chopped distributing newspapers in the Premier Lounge at StP.... but still have about 4-5 members of staff on duty at anyone time (it seemed) to top-up the snacks (essentially crisps and tortillas)....

 

[styles]

The salami-slicer strategy at work again! But the last time I used Eurostar it still had a large compliment of staff serving the meal/tea and coffee so the saving, in terms of % of total cost to provide at-seat catering in 6 carriages of the train must be tiny!

Simialrly, they've also now chopped distributing newspapers in the Premier Lounge at StP.... but still have about 4-5 members of staff on duty at anyone time (it seemed) to top-up the snacks (essentially crisps and tortillas)....

The main advantage of the St Pancras lounge for me is just being less sardine-packed. I usually find it's in a pretty unclean and untidy state. Crisps and a can of Coke doesn't really sell it otherwise.

 

[TravellingPhil]

What annoys me the most about Eurostar Plus is that you have a higher risk of getting your seat changed.

When I travel solo, I like Eurostar Plus so I can select a solo seat. The food is just a bonus really. However, for my journey next Tuesday, they have relocated me into a different coach as they are now using my original coach as a Premier coach. I have been put on a table of 4 with strangers and all the solo seats have gone. I might as well have booked Standard.

This is the second time this has happened to me. It seems the only way to guarantee the seat you want is to travel in Premier or Standard, barring a set swap of course. In Plus, you run the risk of losing your desired seat if they convert your coach into a Premier coach.

 

[styles]

What annoys me the most about Eurostar Plus is that you have a higher risk of getting your seat changed.

When I travel solo, I like Eurostar Plus so I can select a solo seat. The food is just a bonus really. However, for my journey next Tuesday, they have relocated me into a different coach as they are now using my original coach as a Premier coach. I have been put on a table of 4 with strangers and all the solo seats have gone. I might as well have booked Standard.

This is the second time this has happened to me. It seems the only way to guarantee the seat you want is to travel in Premier or Standard, barring a set swap of course. In Plus, you run the risk of losing your desired seat if they convert your coach into a Premier coach.

Interesting, I've never had this before and Plus is my default class for Eurostar.

I suppose technically there is a consumer rights avenue to explore in terms of partial refund or compensation for a service advertised then not delivered. Whether it's the worth the time fighting it for what would realistically be a couple of quid at most I doubt it.

 

[TravellingPhil]

Interesting, I've never had this before and Plus is my default class for Eurostar.

I suppose technically there is a consumer rights avenue to explore in terms of partial refund or compensation for a service advertised then not delivered. Whether it's the worth the time fighting it for what would realistically be a couple of quid at most I doubt it.

No, on the seat selector they have this covered in the small print by saying they may need to change your seat due to operational reasons. This disclaimer is hidden in a drop down menu under ‘Seat Information’.

 

[styles]

No, on the seat selector they have this covered in the small print by saying they may need to change your seat due to operational reasons. This disclaimer is hidden in a drop down menu under ‘Seat Information’.

Yeah but it depends if it's part of the marketing and to what extent.

A bit like how LNER spend a lot of their 1st class marketing talking about food, then when it's unavailable refer to this ''complimentary" clause. It's a nice get out clause but it's incompatible with the Consumer Rights Act unless it's always stated up-front. If complainants push it hard enough they pay up.

I don't think Eurostar do actually market seat selection as a benefit of Plus, or at least I've never noticed it, so there's probably nothing to claim. But if they do happen to do so, there might be something in it.

 

[TravellingPhil]

Yeah but it depends if it's part of the marketing and to what extent.

A bit like how LNER spend a lot of their 1st class marketing talking about food, then when it's unavailable refer to this ''complimentary" clause. It's a nice get out clause but it's incompatible with the Consumer Rights Act unless it's always stated up-front. If complainants push it hard enough they pay up.

I don't think Eurostar do actually market seat selection as a benefit of Plus, or at least I've never noticed it, so there's probably nothing to claim. But if they do happen to do so, there might be something in it.

All three classes can select their own seats after booking. Everyone is subject to a change of train (except Rotterdam and Amsterdam passengers) and their seat being changed. But Plus can also have their seat changed if they need more Premium seats.

 

[styles]

All three classes can select their own seats after booking. Everyone is subject to a change of train (except Rotterdam and Amsterdam passengers) and their seat being changed. But Plus can also have their seat changed if they need more Premium seats.

Ah I understand, I haven't booked standard in years, and when I book premium it is usually for a wheelchair space. Yeah in that case no recourse really!

I'm like you though, I prefer the solitude if I'm travelling solo. I often have work to do and prefer to be free of distraction.

 

[Amalie]

I honestly don’t know the faff on Eurostar’s side and why they are so greedy and so cumbersome with catering on premiere based on your responses.

It’s only around 33(?) seats that need serving food, and airline style catering was designed to be not complicated and be efficient to serve. There are airline carriers in Asia that do more extensive hot meal catering to the entire plane on short haul destinations, and even more locally, I know of at least KLM that at least gives a drink and a sandwich, even on short haul flights like Amsterdam-Dublin. Giving and taking a tray away instead of just a sandwich for just 33(!) people is definitely not in the greater realms of difficulty. There’s really no reason for Amsterdam-Brussel to not have catering or for them to suddenly stop after Lille or otherwise.

 

[30907]

I honestly don’t know the faff on Eurostar’s side and why they are so greedy and so cumbersome with catering on premiere based on your responses.

It’s only around 33(?) seats that need serving food, and airline style catering was designed to be not complicated and be efficient to serve. There are airline carriers in Asia that do more extensive hot meal catering to the entire plane on short haul destinations, and even more locally, I know of at least KLM that at least gives a drink and a sandwich, even on short haul flights like Amsterdam-Dublin. Giving and taking a tray away instead of just a sandwich for just 33(!) people is definitely not in the greater realms of difficulty. There’s really no reason for Amsterdam-Brussel to not have catering or for them to suddenly stop after Lille or otherwise.

The thread, and I think nearly all the posts, are about Plus (ex Standard Premier) not Premier (ex First) which I doubt many of us use .
Plus has considerably more than 33 seats - but I agree a drinks run and a snack north of Brussels should be offered.

 

[STINT47]

Amsterdam to Brussels takes around two hours. I think they're should just be enough time to serve a drink and snack.

 

[robertbishop]

What annoys me the most about Eurostar Plus is that you have a higher risk of getting your seat changed.

When I travel solo, I like Eurostar Plus so I can select a solo seat. The food is just a bonus really. However, for my journey next Tuesday, they have relocated me into a different coach as they are now using my original coach as a Premier coach. I have been put on a table of 4 with strangers and all the solo seats have gone. I might as well have booked Standard.

This is the second time this has happened to me. It seems the only way to guarantee the seat you want is to travel in Premier or Standard, barring a set swap of course. In Plus, you run the risk of losing your desired seat if they convert your coach into a Premier coach.

I have had this problem too and am glad to see it mentioned! The draw for me is the solo seat.

Does anyone know which carriages they convert to Premier first? That way, one could try to book a seat in a Plus coach that is less likely/not going to be reclassified.

(For what it's worth, sometimes I get a 'your seat has changed' email and my seat has really changed, which I assume is due to the change in class from Plus to Premier. But on other occasions I get a little slip out of the machine at St Pancras saying 'your seat has changed' and it hasn't.)

 

[D6130]

I have had this problem too and am glad to see it mentioned! The draw for me is the solo seat.

Does anyone know which carriages they convert to Premier first? That way, one could try to book a seat in a Plus coach that is less likely/not going to be reclassified.

(For what it's worth, sometimes I get a 'your seat has changed' email and my seat has really changed, which I assume is due to the change in class from Plus to Premier. But on other occasions I get a little slip out of the machine at St Pancras saying 'your seat has changed' and it hasn't.)

Sometimes it's due to a short notice change of the type of stock allocated. For example changing from a class 373 to class 374 unit or vice-versa.

 

[Starmill]

All three classes can select their own seats after booking. Everyone is subject to a change of train (except Rotterdam and Amsterdam passengers) and their seat being changed. But Plus can also have their seat changed if they need more Premium seats.

Eurostar do actually market "free seat choice after booking" as part of the benefits of travelling with them in all three classes. It's not very obvious but it is there.

 

[TravellingPhil]

In the end, I checked the seat map again a day prior to my travel and a solo seat had suddenly become available, so I grabbed it.

It was a very pleasant journey from Brussels to London in the end, lovely crew who were more than happy to do a second drinks round between Lille and the tunnel.

I agree that it would be good to know which coaches are at risk of being reclassified.

You can never know when they're going to do a last minute set swap though and get your seat changed at check in with the paper slip being printed out on the gate. (Unless it's an Amsterdam service of course)