National Express Exit Seat Tips

[Butts]

Having moved from Scotland to South Wales, in order to get to Birmingham, I have been utilising NE from Newport Direct to Birmingham which takes about 2 hours.

Have tried Megabus but you have to change in Bristol and hang about for ages for a connection although it is generally cheaper.

As you cannot reserve an exit seat I suppose if the service originates from where you board it's a case of first come first served ?

For the first time I managed this today on the 1115 Birmingham to Cardiff Service. Having a "hold bag" I thought I'd have no chance as several people got on before me. But lo and behold it was free !!

Imagine on a longer trip London - Aberdeen what a difference having that exit seat would make to your journey.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Yes, first come first served. The inability to book extra legroom is a big off putting factor for me using Nat Ex. A few premium rows at the front with a few extra inches would do the trick.

 

[Butts]

Yes, first come first served. The inability to book extra legroom is a big off putting factor for me using Nat Ex. A few premium rows at the front with a few extra inches would do the trick.

I notice the Drivers often have their gear on the "disabled" seats at the front which have extra space. Once one of them had to remove it as some people who had booked (think you can these if you qualify) actually turned up when he was not expecting them.

Also noticed some drivers don't even check your ticket !!

 

[Bungle965]

I notice the Drivers often have their gear on the "disabled" seats at the front which have extra space. Once one of them had to remove it as some people who had booked (think you can these if you qualify) actually turned up when he was not expecting them.

Also noticed some drivers don't even check your ticket !!

I have found that if the driver has their gear on it a simple request does not get turned down and that he removed his gear.
I do agree that these are the best seats and I certainly would not object to paying a bit more to use them. The only problem that I have found with them is that they do not recline.
Sam

 

[Butts]

Having quite a few journeys in South Wales under my belt now I am constantly amazed how many times I manage to secure an Exit Seat either Row 2 at the front or at the rear by the toilet. People seem to either walk right past (the front ones) or not far enough to the rear ones. This applies in Birmingham / Newport or Cardiff boardings.

"Stopped Short" at Newport today getting off the Coach there instead of Cardiff where I'd booked to.(ticket was half the price to go further when I booked it)

No one else got off and the driver did not bat an eyelid !!!

 

[Bletchleyite]

The seats by the bog are generally narrower and smell of the bog so aren't *that* popular.

However I would very much like there to be a "first class" with extra legroom I could pay to reserve. Certainly I wouldn't consider one of the overnighters without it, I've had DVT once and I don't want it again.

 

[Butts]

Row 2 on the right have to be the best seats on the Coach - and they have no disabled signs either unlike row 1 in front.
Sometimes drivers make unscheduled stops at The Services if they are ahead of time rather than hang about at Worcester Warndon P&R - bonus if you are a smoker like me.

I have not been on a coach more than a third full so far - have I just been lucky ?

 

[Bletchleyite]

I have not been on a coach more than a third full so far - have I just been lucky ?

I've generally found them a lot busier than that. So yes I think

 

[Welshman]

I note from the National Express website that it is now possible to reserve an actual seat in the first five rows for a supplement of £2 per person.
However, this facility is only available on certain services at present.

http://www.nationalexpress.com/seat-reservation.aspx