Avanti short notice reservations

[Lemmy99uk]

I arrived at Carlise station at 09:40 this morning to catch the 09:48 to Lancaster.

There was a queue at the booking office and so I used the Rail Staff Travel website to book a ‘priv’ day return.

I’ve found a seat in unreserved coach C but on checking my ticket it has given me a booking in coach B, seat 44. I’m quite comfy where I am so I haven’t checked the display in the other vehicle so I don’t know if it exists, but How long have Avanti been offering 3 minute reservations? (Purchase was fulfilled at 09:45)

 

[Bletchleyite]

At least a couple of years as I've had them quite often, though now the displays should update (I've seen one change en route) and I think the camera system checking if people are sat in seats before reserving them from under them might be in use now too?

 

[Lemmy99uk]

Curiosity has gotten the better of me and so I have checked the reservation in coach B. Seat is empty and display is correct.

Very impressed.