Are virgin first class upgrades flexible?

[Pauljsgreen]

Hi,

I am looking to travel Glasgow to London 29/4 (0940) returning 2/5 (1630) on Virgin.

I was considering an off peak return as, even though I’m unlikely to need the flexibility, it will be handy, especially as the advance tickets are no cheaper.

However, there is the opportunity for first class upgrades in both directions - £25 outward, £15 return.

I have a couple of questions:

Are these the weekend / bank holiday fares? Why the price difference?

If so, no hot food, lounge use, etc?

If I have to change the train I get in either direction are these upgrades flexible like the off peak standard return?

If the are not flexible or cannot be used, can they be refunded? Any penalty?

I’m grateful in advance for any help I receive on this.


Thanks
Paul

 

[island]

Hi,

I am looking to travel Glasgow to London 29/4 (0940) returning 2/5 (1630) on Virgin.

I was considering an off peak return as, even though I’m unlikely to need the flexibility, it will be handy, especially as the advance tickets are no cheaper.

However, there is the opportunity for first class upgrades in both directions - £25 outward, £15 return.

I have a couple of questions:

Are these the weekend / bank holiday fares? Why the price difference?

£15 is the usual weekend upgrade fee. I am extrapolating that they are allowing that fee on May 2nd as it's a normal bank holiday; don't know whether they have the 29th loaded as a bank holiday etc. or where the £25 is from.

If so, no hot food, lounge use, etc?

Lounge use yes, hot food no. Onboard free offering is tea/coffee, crisps, cookies, and soft drinks.

If I have to change the train I get in either direction are these upgrades flexible like the off peak standard return?

The upgrades are valid on any train.

If the are not flexible or cannot be used, can they be refunded? Any penalty?

I assume they're refundable with the usual £10 admin charge.

I’m grateful in advance for any help I receive on this.


Thanks
Paul

P.S. Welcome to the forum

 

[Pauljsgreen]

First, many thanks for the prompt reply.....

£15 is the usual weekend upgrade fee. I am extrapolating that they are allowing that fee on May 2nd as it's a normal bank holiday; don't know whether they have the 29th loaded as a bank holiday etc. or where the £25 is from.

Lounge use yes, hot food no. Onboard free offering is tea/coffee, crisps, cookies, and soft drinks.

The upgrades are valid on any train.

I assume those trains need to be weekend / bank hol?

Thanks again
Paul

 

[All Line Rover]

First, many thanks for the prompt reply.....



I assume those trains need to be weekend / bank hol?

Thanks again
Paul

Yes, the £15 upgrade is only available on weekends and bank holidays. I'd also point out that it can be purchased on the train, so you'll have no worries about refunds!

 

[voyagerdude220]

As others have said, £15 upgrade is the "normal" Weekend First price. Unfortunately no food apart from crisps/soft drinks etc- in my opinion, catering wise it's rubbish, but it at least gives you added privacy/legroom.

I've a feeling the £25 upgrade on 29th, is a "special" Royal Wedding offer- available on the same basis- i.e. you can upgrade on the train, but for a one-off, you'll be offered the usual weekday food/drink, which is why it's £25 for a change. Info from a previous Rail Mag. I'm assuming alcohol/sandwiches etc are included- but not sure.

 

[Pauljsgreen]

Many thanks again for the reply....

As others have said, £15 upgrade is the "normal" Weekend First price. Unfortunately no food apart from crisps/soft drinks etc- in my opinion, catering wise it's rubbish, but it at least gives you added privacy/legroom.

I've a feeling the £25 upgrade on 29th, is a "special" Royal Wedding offer- available on the same basis- i.e. you can upgrade on the train, but for a one-off, you'll be offered the usual weekday food/drink, which is why it's £25 for a change. Info from a previous Rail Mag. I'm assuming alcohol/sandwiches etc are included- but not sure.

I read breakfast is available on trains before 1000 so if iget the 0940 from Glasgow sound likely I'll get a breakfast in your view?

Thx
Paul

 

[voyagerdude220]

Hi Paul,

It certainly would offer passengers boarding at Glasgow breakfast on a "normal" weekday, I'm just not sure what the "special" food offering will be on the 29th i'm afraid. I suppose you could ask onboard, before taking you seat & paying the upgrade, so you can decide on the day and not lose out either way?

Edit: I've just noticed a 'tweet' on VT's Twitter page, responding to someone asking about what will be offered on the 29th, for the £25 upgrade- Apparently, it will be the "full weekday offer"- so seems like food and alcohol will certainly be included! Have a great journey!!

 

[Pauljsgreen]

Fantastic. Thanks so much for your help.

Lots of interesting info here so i'll be doing plenty of surfing over the weekend.


Cheers
Paul

 

[voyagerdude220]

You're very welcome!! Enjoy your journey!

You could even do some surfing, if you were to take a laptop with you, and benefit from the complimentary wi fi in First Class on the Pendo.

 

[Pauljsgreen]

You're very welcome!! Enjoy your journey!

You could even do some surfing, if you were to take a laptop with you, and benefit from the complimentary wi fi in First Class on the Pendo.

Thx again.

My new iPad will be on the table in front of me

P

 

[voyagerdude220]

Sounds good!

 

[strange6]

Hi Paul,

It certainly would offer passengers boarding at Glasgow breakfast on a "normal" weekday, I'm just not sure what the "special" food offering will be on the 29th i'm afraid. I suppose you could ask onboard, before taking you seat & paying the upgrade, so you can decide on the day and not lose out either way?

Edit: I've just noticed a 'tweet' on VT's Twitter page, responding to someone asking about what will be offered on the 29th, for the £25 upgrade- Apparently, it will be the "full weekday offer"- so seems like food and alcohol will certainly be included! Have a great journey!!

That's not bad value in my opinion! If you can book a seat!

 

[rail-britain]

I read breakfast is available on trains before 1000 so if iget the 0940 from Glasgow sound likely I'll get a breakfast in your view?

Normally I would say yes, however this may be classed as a Bank / Public Holiday service and so normal weekend service would apply (hence why the Weekend First Upgrade is available)
Therefore assume breakfast will not be available

 

[voyagerdude220]

RB, the food available has already been covered earlier in the thread.

 

[Pauljsgreen]

Normally I would say yes, however this may be classed as a Bank / Public Holiday service and so normal weekend service would apply (hence why the Weekend First Upgrade is available)
Therefore assume breakfast will not be available

Altho we have the virgin twitter post and uplift from the normal £15 to consider ???