First Class cheaper than STD?

[Uzair]

Dear all,

Could use some quick advice here! I need to travel from CLJ [Clapham Junction] to PMS [Portsmouth & Southsea] on Friday afternoon, specifically getting the 1516 SN service PMS-CLJ. I have a YPR.

I am on thetrainline.com and it is coming up with a First Advance Single as £9.90 whereas a Super Off Peak Day Single is £11.40.

I would of course book the First Class ticket under normal circumstances - it's a win-win situation - however I will be travelling with my friend on this train back to CLJ and he will be in STD class.

Am I allowed to purchase the FC ticket at the lower price and travel in STD?

 

[bb21]

I don't think any guard would bat an eyelid if you book a ticket in First but travel in Standard. He will probably think you are bonkers but that's your choice.

Obviously if you miss your train your ticket will be worthless with an Advance ticket.

 

[TheEdge]

First class tickets allow you to sit wherever you wish in the train. I've seen people go from London to Norwich in standard on first class tickets before. Either they are travelling with a friend or don't realise they have a first class ticket.

 

[455driver]

I am a little concerned that the OP wants to travel from CLJ-PMS but is catching a train in the opposite direction?

 

[Uzair]

Thanks for your replies.

455driver - Nothing to be concerned about! I am taking the 1208 Clapham Junction to Portsmouth & Southsea. With this journey, the first class ticket cost more than the standard class one. However it was the 1516 Portsmouth & Southsea to Clapham Junction which was in question above. Hope this clears it up, and apologies for not making it clear with my first post.

 

[Kite159]

Although don't book via the Trainline as they charge fees, if you book via the TOC (Southern) than you don't pay any additional fees.

Although make sure you are booking the correct train (From Clapham to Portsmouth rather than Portsmouth to Clapham as your post suggests)

 

[Howardh]

As an aside, if First Class was packed with people yelling down their phones, and Standard had a nice half-empty quiet coach, which would be the real "first class" carriage?

 

[island]

Although don't book via the Trainline as they charge fees, if you book via the TOC (Southern) than you don't pay any additional fees.

Although make sure you are booking the correct train (From Clapham to Portsmouth rather than Portsmouth to Clapham as your post suggests)

I would suggest Clapham Junction to Portsmouth rather than the substantially longer Clapham to Portsmouth.

I agree that it is important to refrain from using Thetrainline as it charges totally avoidable booking fees without actually offering cheaper fares.