GWR First Class Host checking tickets

[RJ]

You may be reading too much into it. For all you know, their reactions could have been related to the fact that they knew the First Class offering wasn't particularly good and they were shocked that someone would actually pay money to travel in it. eg - not anything about you in particular.

Definitely not.

 

[voyagerdude220]

This certainly happens on the front set of a 10 Car GWR.
I believe GWR operate with a lead host who is trained in checking tickets.

I remember many years ago being sat in the front set of 2x221 leaving Carlisle heading to Preston via Settle one Sunday afternoon.

We unusually had at seat service in First Class. The Host checked my ticket and tried to move me to Standard, unaware that Virgin at the time allowed you to upgrade for free to First Class at Weekends/Bank Holidays if you held a Standard Anytime ticket.

Only after they disappeared and crew called the Train Manager, who was in the rear set, did they retract their insistence that I moved. I did ask them what they would have done if I wanted to pay the Weekend First upgrade, which of course they wouldn't have been able to sell me without a ticket machine.

 

[Tetchytyke]

Just made the whole experience awkward, they should leave the ticket inspections to the guards who are trained in how to check tickets without coming across as judgemental.

You say that, but last time I was in GWR first class it was the RPI who was trying to argue that my First Class Britrail pass wasn’t valid in First Class.

The GWR host earlier had got it spot on before offering me a mug of tea.

 

[ABB125]

Last time I was in first (about a year ago I think) I was on a very cheap advance ticket (which was also a massive loophole ticket...). Journey involved Avanti, XC and LNER. I can't remember if I was asked on Avanti, I don't think there was any ticket check at all on XC (but it was a Turbostar route so basically no different to standard anyway), and I wasn't asked on LNER either.

 

[Essexman]

To answer the poster who asked what train I was on, it was Paignton to Paddington.

The host checked tickets as he gave out refreshments which I haven’t experienced before.

One person had a standard class ticket and said he’d upgrade. The host said he could only give him a water until he’d done so and the passenger got off (or moved?) before the train manager checked tickets after Exeter.

I find that on trains to the West Country very few passengers sit in first class without a first class ticket and with no intention of upgrading. It was very different when I used to travel regularly to Oxford. Most train managers would check tickets very soon after departure from Paddington and there were generally about six ejected to standard. Sometimes they would stand at the door at Paddington and point out it was first class but not actually ask to see tickets before departure.

 

[RJ]

To answer the poster who asked what train I was on, it was Paignton to Paddington.

The host checked tickets as he gave out refreshments which I haven’t experienced before.

One person had a standard class ticket and said he’d upgrade. The host said he could only give him a water until he’d done so and the passenger got off (or moved?) before the train manager checked tickets after Exeter.

I find that on trains to the West Country very few passengers sit in first class without a first class ticket and with no intention of upgrading. It was very different when I used to travel regularly to Oxford. Most train managers would check tickets very soon after departure from Paddington and there were generally about six ejected to standard. Sometimes they would stand at the door at Paddington and point out it was first class but not actually ask to see tickets before departure.

I find it’s normal on GWR for the hosts to check everyone’s tickets before bringing the trolley, at least on the South Wales route.

You say that, but last time I was in GWR first class it was the RPI who was trying to argue that my First Class Britrail pass wasn’t valid in First Class.

The GWR host earlier had got it spot on before offering me a mug of tea.

A ticket inspector’s apparent unfamiliarity with rail products, while annoying if they persist without properly checking the validity, is a different matter.

 

[station_road]

The Avanti First Class hosts in the front set of a 10 coach Evero check tickets before serving, as the train manager is usually in the rear set. I say usually, I have started to see the TM sometimes move into the front set at an intermediate stop and do a ticket check.

 

[Essexman]

I find it’s normal on GWR for the hosts to check everyone’s tickets before bringing the trolley, at least on the South Wales route.



A ticket inspector’s apparent unfamiliarity with rail products, while annoying if they persist without properly checking the validity, is a different matter.

Interesting. I've done return journeys Paddington to Torquay about once a month for the last six years and it's been very rare for first class hosts to check the tickets. Other than between Torquay and Exeter it is also rare for someone to sit in first class without a first class ticket or an intention to upgrade. As I said earlier, very different to Paddington to Oxford trains (especially when they stopped at Slough).

 

[sh24]

Agree, it is very not normal on West of England trains for the host to check. Also not that common on South Wales albeit my experience is much more limited.

 

[trainbow]

Which is the correct way on LNER.
Only the Train Manager and Revenue Protection check tickets.

With the exception of a 10-car in the front, where a senior host will check either manually or with a scanner.

 

[800001]

With the exception of a 10-car in the front, where a senior host will check either manually or with a scanner.

Never seen a host check a front 5 car in LNER.

 

[Blaine]

I've seen it before, a quick check of the ticket as they come round with the trolley.

 

[roadie]

On my GWR line (NDL, with clsss 165s), the guards don't seem to know what first class is, as I have never seen them challenge anyone, even school children, in first class who clearly don't have first class tickets! Catering provision is sparse too...

Then you have SWR that runs between Wokingham and Reading (at the western end of the North Downs Line(NDL) where according to the timetable 1st is declassified on all services but the station display show the 1sr class sections and trains have clearly marked 1st class compartments.

 

[YorksLad12]

I was on a 10-car LNER service yesterday, front half, First Class. No ticket checks (but well looked after!). When we reached Doncaster a few people got on and took a table. Customer host asked them if they had valid First Class tickets; they didn't, they moved on. Swiftly and quietly done. But no actual ticket checks, possibly because we were all sat in reserved seats and the Doncaster boarders sat in a may-be-reserved bay, which is easier to spot in a half-coach.

 

[DDB]

On EMR its standard procedure, the hosts always check all tickets in first class. They must receive some ticketing training as often that‘s the only onboard check and they seem quite good at recognising Seatfrog, Railcards etc.

They try to but they don't appear to have anything to check smartcards with so often my ticket doesn't get actually checked.
I suspect sometimes staff think it is a staff pass but I can't know if that is true.

 

[Ellwill]

I don't think I've ever had a first class journey where my ticket hasn't been checked before giving refreshments.

Once in COVID times with LNER I travelled between London and Edinburgh in 1st without a single ticket check. This was despite having been served refreshments. Wasn't until after Haymarket that someone asked to see it.

 

[styles]

Once in COVID times with LNER I travelled between London and Edinburgh in 1st without a single ticket check. This was despite having been served refreshments. Wasn't until after Haymarket that someone asked to see it.

I travelled Edinburgh to London during COVID and it was creepy AF. My partner and I had the whole carriage to ourselves. A staff member walked past us once during the whole journey, all three of us wearing face masks and having a slightly odd expression. This was standard class mind.

 

[Amaranthe]

XC is the only TOC I have seen that sometimes checks tickets before even letting you board the train through the doors on the first class coach. Doesn't make it feel very welcoming!

I had that happen at Birmingham NS last Month when I was on my 1st class ALR trip.

 

[voyagerdude220]

I had that happen at Birmingham NS last Month when I was on my 1st class ALR trip.

I once had a XC TM being very argumentative towards me after we left Wolverhampton towards Birmingham. [connecting towards another Voyager towards Bristol] I boarded by the very rear First Class door, where the TM was doing the doors from. As I boarded, they asked me if I was travelling First Class, to which I replied yes I am. When he checked my ticket, I asked to upgrade (it was a Saturday) and he said I should have told him when I boarded..

 

[Tester]

I once had a XC TM being very argumentative towards me after we left Wolverhampton towards Birmingham. [connecting towards another Voyager towards Bristol] I boarded by the very rear First Class door, where the TM was doing the doors from. As I boarded, they asked me if I was travelling First Class, to which I replied yes I am. When he checked my ticket, I asked to upgrade (it was a Saturday) and he said I should have told him when I boarded..

Whilst the conditions of travel seem to get tweaked in passengers' disfavour, we are not yet at the point that one is required to second guess what staff really mean!

 

[voyagerdude220]

Whilst the conditions of travel seem to get tweaked in passengers' disfavour, we are not yet at the point that one is required to second guess what staff really mean!

Very true. I'd understand if it was during the week, when a specific "upgrade product" isn't available, but seeing Weekend First is widely available (yes I know it's subject to availability) and I remember the carriage being almost empty.

 

[Amaranthe]

I once had a XC TM being very argumentative towards me after we left Wolverhampton towards Birmingham. [connecting towards another Voyager towards Bristol] I boarded by the very rear First Class door, where the TM was doing the doors from. As I boarded, they asked me if I was travelling First Class, to which I replied yes I am. When he checked my ticket, I asked to upgrade (it was a Saturday) and he said I should have told him when I boarded..

My experience was a Saturday as well. To top it off he then went on to allow a load of football fans to stand in 1st class for 2 stops as it was "easier than trying to check tickets and likely have to move them to standard" which was already rammed.

But to be fair after that he did arrange for the hostess to come through to the rear 1st class section with the catering offer.

 

[voyagerdude220]

My experience was a Saturday as well. To top it off he then went on to allow a load of football fans to stand in 1st class for 2 stops as it was "easier than trying to check tickets and likely have to move them to standard" which was already rammed.

But to be fair after that he did arrange for the hostess to come through to the rear 1st class section with the catering offer.

Surely it would have been safer for the football fans to be seated, regardless of whether they had Standard or First tickets?

 

[Amaranthe]

Surely it would have been safer for the football fans to be seated, regardless of whether they had Standard or First tickets?

Sorry might have not made myself clear the whole train (both Standard and First) was full and standing.

 

[voyagerdude220]

Sorry might have not made myself clear the whole train (both Standard and First) was full and standing.

Oh ok, fair enough.

 

[railfan99]

I’m on a FGW train this morning. Tickets in first class being checked by first class host before he gives out complimentary refreshments. Pleased to see it. Is this now general (I’ve never seen it on GWR before) or is he just being very thorough.

Travelling on GWR during holidays for each of the last four years, I've usually been asked for my ticket before any food or beverages are served.

On Avanti, one lady conductor asked me 'does the Eurailpass give access to the dining?' to which I replied 'yes'.

It is a perk for which I am very appreciative. I never order excess food or drink that I won't consume on board.

 

[Ashley Hill]

Some hosts are keen and will check first class tickets before offering complimentary refreshments. This is a good thing especially on a 10 car where the guard may not be readily available to ching a passenger up. It at least:-
a. Gives the chance for the host to ask a standard passenger to move.
b. Deny them complementaries.