Priority Seating - CrossCountry Trains

[Dlonra]

Can anybody advise what the difference is between the standard seating and priority seating on Voyager class trains with CrossCountry? If it is just extra leg room, do you still get a fold down table and access to a power socket in priority? Thanks.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Just extra legroom.

 

[Tazi Hupefi]

Just to be clear, priority seating in this context is priority for those with disabilities or accessibility requirements - rather than priority in the context of airlines with priority boarding/seating etc.

 

[Watershed]

Priority seating just has extra legroom. XC's Voyager trains have power sockets next to each window seat.

 

[LittleRedTrain]

Priority seating also tends to be nearer the ends of the carriage, so that it's easier for people with a mobility impairment to access.

Note, just because you attempt to book priority seating using XC's website, there's no guarantee that you'll actually get a reservation for it. (Booking via the XC Assistance team or this website's 'seat picker' is more likely to be successful).

Also, if you need one for genuine 'disability' reasons, be aware that which seats are priority differs between XC 220/221s and the ex-Avanti 221s. As these are used interchangeably, it's worth checking the seating plans at https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/on-board-with-crosscountry/our-trains to make sure the seats you're booking are priority on both types!

I don't know what the official position is if a person with no accessibility needs has reserved a priority seat but an elderly/disabled person without a reservation has a greater need for one, although I know what I'd consider the 'moral' position to be.

 

[sheff1]

I don't know what the official position is if a person with no accessibility needs has reserved a priority seat but an elderly/disabled person without a reservation has a greater need for one, although I know what I'd consider the 'moral' position to be.

More than once I been given a reservation for a priority seat when I did not request one. So it seems at least some TOCs would have no issue with it.

 

[Wallsendmag]

More than once I been given a reservation for a priority seat when I did not request one. So it seems at least some TOCs would have no issue with it.

Some of the newer Intercity trains have more priority seats than are needed, these are released into the main reservation pool but the actual trains haven’t been amended to say it’s a normal seat.

 

[TUC]

There is also the important issue that priority seats tend to be located near to toilets which is a key consideration for those with mobility limitations.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Some of the newer Intercity trains have more priority seats than are needed, these are released into the main reservation pool but the actual trains haven’t been amended to say it’s a normal seat.

Good that they haven't because those of us who need it can more easily find extra legroom.

 

[satisnek]

Priority seats on XC Voyagers have extra leg room.
Priority seats on XC 170s have leg room.