Virgin lounge Euston

[CosherB]

Can one use this on arrival if one has arrived at Euston 1st class (from Wilmslow) but will be returning later on standard class?

 

[All Line Rover]

Can one use this on arrival if one has arrived at Euston 1st class (from Wilmslow) but will be returning later on standard class?

Yes. You can access the First Class lounge providing that you have a First Class ticket valid on that day on a Virgin Trains service where the origin/destination station is Euston. (So, basically, you can use the Wilmslow to Euston ticket on arrival - at any time. Just don't show them the Standard Class ticket!)

 

[CosherB]

Thanks, ALR.

Supplemtary question: the standard return I have is a Reading to Wilmslow valid one month and unused when I bought it late last month because I travelled to Reading to buy a motorcycle which I rode home.

Can I go to Wilmslow station and get a seat reservation for that ticket (no seat reservation was made for the return journey when I bought the ticket at Wilmslow).

 

[ian13]

Thanks, ALR.

Supplemtary question: the standard return I have is a Reading to Wilmslow valid one month and unused when I bought it late last month because I travelled to Reading to buy a motorcycle which I rode home.

Can I go to Wilmslow station and get a seat reservation for that ticket (no seat reservation was made for the return journey when I bought the ticket at Wilmslow).

Any ticket office will be able to issue you a reservation for free upon production of the ticket. Depending on the train, there may be a time restriction (you need to make reservations by 6pm the day before or similar). You don't need a reservation though.

 

[All Line Rover]

Thanks, ALR.

Supplemtary question: the standard return I have is a Reading to Wilmslow valid one month and unused when I bought it late last month because I travelled to Reading to buy a motorcycle which I rode home.

Can I go to Wilmslow station and get a seat reservation for that ticket (no seat reservation was made for the return journey when I bought the ticket at Wilmslow).

Providing the ticket is still "in date", I am 99% sure that the answer is yes (for a free reservation).

 

[bengolding]

All Line Rover will be along shortly to add that Virgin allow seat reservations up to two hours before departure of services from their origin station

 

[wintonian]

I have bought a Birmingham New Street to Birmingham International ticket before and used it at both lounges, also I sometimes buy a 1st ticket to London Terminals and use the lounge at Paddington and return via Waterloo. In other words using the lounge on arrival is no problem - that is what they are there for.

 

[John @ home]

Can I go to Wilmslow station and get a seat reservation for that ticket

Any ticket office will be able to issue you a reservation for free upon production of the ticket.

I am 99% sure that the answer is yes (for a free reservation).

Not all reservations are free.

CrossCountry
Seat Reservations are free of charge.

East Coast
East Coast do not charge for seat reservations.

First Great Western
The seat reservation charge is £5, except in the following circumstances where reservation is free of charge:
* one reservation if reserved at the time of purchasing the ticket;
* wheelchair spaces, assisted passengers and their companions;
* holders of Rail Rovers.

National Express East Anglia
The seat reservation charge is £2.50 for holders of Standard Class walk up tickets and passes, where all or part of the journey involves a National Express East Anglia train. The fee only applies when the customer chooses to make a seat reservation for their journey. Seat reservations made on these ticket types are optional for the customer and if they do not want to reserve a seat, there is no additional charge.

Virgin Trains
Seat Reservations are free of charge.

 

[LexyBoy]

Obvious question, but is the charge determined by the TOC managing the station, the TOC operating the train being reserved or the TOC who prices the flow?

 

[wintonian]

Obvious question, but is the charge determined by the TOC managing the station, the TOC operating the train being reserved or the TOC who prices the flow?

I doubt it's the former, the TOC operating the train would be my guess.

How did it work in the 90's when some TOC's stopped charging but others still did?

 

[marks87]

Speaking of the lounge at Euston, I found it strange there's no departure boards (or if there is, they're not visible from all areas).

Last week, I relied on the "we're closing, get lost" announcement to tell me where the Caley Sleeper was departing from..they said 15, but in reality it was 1, resulting in much confusion. But if there had been a departure board, I'd be got the platform from that instead (and believed it, or at the very least checked with someone).

 

[John @ home]

is the charge determined by the TOC managing the station, the TOC operating the train being reserved or the TOC who prices the flow?

NXEA make it clear they expect everyone to charge for Standard reservations on NXEA and they will conduct audits to ensure this happens.

 

[AlterEgo]

Speaking of the lounge at Euston, I found it strange there's no departure boards (or if there is, they're not visible from all areas).

There are departure boards in there for sure....but I think there are a few "blind spots".

 

[Butts]

There are departure boards in there for sure....but I think there are a few "blind spots".

Yes there are two or three screens but the physical layout as mentioned precludes a clear view from all areas.

 

[bsillett]

Can I ask, I'm thinking of attending Warley model railway show Birmingham and can travel from Strood in Kent to Birmingham first class for £30 each way with tickets from trainline. Would this ticket gain me entry to the lounge. Also what is first class like on Virgins pendolino.
Thanks

 

[SS4]

Can I ask, I'm thinking of attending Warley model railway show Birmingham and can travel from Strood in Kent to Birmingham first class for £30 each way with tickets from trainline. Would this ticket gain me entry to the lounge.

Yes. At Euston and at Birmingham International although you may have a hard time convincing the guy on the desk that your ticket is valid with virgin.

Also what is first class like on Virgins pendolino.
Thanks

This has been answered a fair amount

First class on a Pendolino largely depends on what time you're travelling. Given the price of your ticket it will not be anything fancy. You will get hot drinks and a selection of cold drinks. I believe food wise there are crisps, biscuits and fruit, nothing hot though.
The main reason for first class for me is for some peace and quiet and it's not too expensive on advance tickets.

 

[LexyBoy]

...and can travel from Strood in Kent to Birmingham first class for £30 each way with tickets from trainline.

it'll be cheaper anywhere but Thetrainline!

 

[MarkyMarkD]

Yes. At Euston and at Birmingham International although you may have a hard time convincing the guy on the desk that your ticket is valid with virgin.

Why do you say that? The obvious and fastest route is with Virgin via Euston.

There is no availability at £30 each way for either day of the Warley show. Maybe there was when the OP looked, but it's all £51.50 now.

 

[SS4]

Why do you say that? The obvious and fastest route is with Virgin via Euston.

There is no availability at £30 each way for either day of the Warley show. Maybe there was when the OP looked, but it's all £51.50 now.

True, if it says VWC + Connections I don't think there will be a problem.

 

[AlterEgo]

True, if it says VWC + Connections I don't think there will be a problem.

No, there wouldn't be a problem at all! It's valid on VT.