Leeds to Manchester Transpennine

[Redshoe]

Shortly to be going from Leeds to Manchester Piccadilly and usually when I travel that route, it's from platform 16. Almost every time I've been on that journey the platform is full of other passengers and it can be a struggle to find a seat and sometimes standing is the only option I think partly due to the train has come from somewhere else so plenty of people are already seated.This time we have a couple of cases so I'm wondering if its a better idea to travel first class. Would that be less crowded and do you always get a seat ?

 

[Iskra]

First class should be less crowded and you should get a seat. I think you are also able to claim for a partial refund if you have to stand in first class, where you would at least benefit from a more spacious standing experience if nothing else. You could reserve seats though with your booking.

Although in Standard class, you could always just board and then stand until some seats become free on the approach to any intermediate stops such as Dewsbury or Huddersfield.

 

[xotGD]

If you have plenty of time, you could take a Northern service via the Calder Valley to Victoria. A cheaper way to ensure a seat.

 

[Kite159]

If you have plenty of time, you could take a Northern service via the Calder Valley to Victoria. A cheaper way to ensure a seat.

Those can be just as bad for overcrowding and having large crowds building up outside the train waiting for the doors to get released for a "fastest person" first with boarding

 

[Redshoe]

Thanks for the suggestion xotGD but do not really have plenty of time as will be making a connection. Thanks also for your replys Kite159 & Iskra. One of the reasons I was thinking of first class is because one of the people has got some mobility issues so prefers a seat to standing and then waiting for people to get off at Dewsbury / Huddersfield. They don't look as if they have mobility issues so sometimes people might give up a seat but it doesn't happen that often.