VT Access to 1st Lounge

[Failed Unit]

I have used most of east coasts varying quality Edinburgh Waverley, Leeds and Kings cross good. Newcastle ok. Darlington and Wakefield just a room with drinks. East Coast have reduced the staffing at Edinburgh so you "waiter" service is gone.

Scotrails at Edinburgh does the job and staff are very pleasent.

No complaints about Euston. The showers are excellant following the sleeper.

 

[WestCoast]

When I was under 16, various rules were made up by people. No, sorry you can't do this e.t.c despite there being absolutely no rules against it. I suppose if they wanted to make a rule, seeing that a child has paid less for their ticket they could refuse admittance if you were on your own, however I doubt they would do that.

Off-topic but I used to live on a bus route that was served by an open-top bus, it was a touristy thing but local people (like me) often used it because it was convenient and faster than the other services. It was a franchised Citysightseeing route operated by the local bus company. One day I boarded with my pass and the bus driver very rudely said "how old are you?", I told him my age and he barked "downstairs only" very loud so the whole bus could hear. I complied because I couldn't be bothered arguing with him. I got up near my stop and pressed the bell he yelled "sit down" at me. I was enranged and gave him an absolute ear bashing and told him he was being reported immediately. The absolute sod!! There was no rule whatsoever and he got told off.

 

[bengolding]

As an aside, does anyone regularly use the Lounges of Virgin, or of other operators? Any comments on best / worst?

I used the Kings Cross lounge last week, which was empty at 5pm, but the self service facility was a big improvement on having to wait to be served by the friendly staff at their old lounge. Whilst their entry policy may not suit everyone, it's nice to get some exclusivity over places such as the Euston lounge, which has a much more leniant entry policy so you have to fight for a seat at busy times.

I tend to use airline lounges now more than rail but my personal favourite is the FGW Paddington lounge. Nice new contemporray seating area alongside a more traditional room on the other side. Poitless lounges have to be at Wolverhampton (almost a mile walk (!) to plat 4 where the Euston and Scotland services don't even go from) and Liverpool St (not even a ticket check so effectively open to all, although you do get a complimentary drink which you otherwise woudln't on board First to East Anglia!).

 

[MidnightFlyer]

I used the Kings Cross lounge last week, which was empty at 5pm, but the self service facility was a big improvement on having to wait to be served by the friendly staff at their old lounge. Whilst their entry policy may be rigorous, it's nice to some exclusivity over places such as the Euston lounge which can get very overcrowded at the same time.

I tend to use airline lounges now more than rail but my personal favourite is the FGW Paddington lounge. Nice new contemporray seating area alongside a more traditional room on the other side. Poitless lounges have to be at Wolverhampton (plat 4 where the Euston and Scotland services don't even go from) and Liverpool St (not even a ticket check so effectively open to all).

Soton Airport Pkwy is meant to have one too, but I cannot see it anywhere.

 

[Failed Unit]

I used the Kings Cross lounge last week, which was empty at 5pm, but the self service facility was a big improvement on having to wait to be served by the friendly staff at their old lounge. Whilst their entry policy may not suit everyone, it's nice to get some exclusivity over places such as the Euston lounge, which has a much more leniant entry policy so you have to fight for a seat at busy times.

I think that is exactly why East Coast stopped entry with advanced tickets. Although it was only orginally at King Cross as it had such a big problem with crowding. They banned APs from there first than all East Coast stations. It is odd considering how empty the lounges at the other end of the route are.

Considering the price of some of the 1st APs it seems a bit odd, but at least you can get in £5 now.

Some people using Virgin have drank more than the ticket value in alcohol!

 

[laird]

It is a little while since I used the lounge at Wolverhampton, I think last time I got away with the tenuous excuse of using a ticket to Banbury as I was going to use the Virgin service to connect at Coventry. Perhaps they took pity on me!
I wonder why station operators are not required to provide access to facilities evenly across all train companies serving the station?

Years ago there was a separate sleeper lounge (all the look of a portacabin on the platform), I guess it was sponsored by the Scotrail of the time, probably for the motorail service that was still about. Combining efforts with Virgin does seem more sensible but couldn't Network Rail operate a lounge on behalf of all the operators that wish to contribute. That would be similar to the airport model where the alliances tend to share one lounge (separated by class of travel) often with the the local or dominant airline at that location taking responsibility for running it on behalf of all the others.

Or what about an independent lounge provision, similar to that of the handling agents etc. Maybe a ticket seller like the Trainline could open a lounge and then using their normal model of charging an add on fee? It would be independent of the train companies but the train companies could agree to use the lounge in place of making their own provision.

 

[Failed Unit]

It is a little while since I used the lounge at Wolverhampton, I think last time I got away with the tenuous excuse of using a ticket to Banbury as I was going to use the Virgin service to connect at Coventry. Perhaps they took pity on me!
I wonder why station operators are not required to provide access to facilities evenly across all train companies serving the station?

I think it is this is down to non agreement between the TOCs. If an XC passenger goes into an East Coast lounge they don't get and share of the revenue so east coast are using their heat, light etc for no gain. It is a strange situation we are in now.

At Edinburgh Waverley we have 2 lounges (East Coast and Scotrail) used to have a Virgin one as well but it has gone with XC now under Arriva, I guess Virgin don't think they have enough passengers now they only have the Birmingham passengers. I am not sure if TPE passengers can use the Scotrail lounge, but the East Coast one has enough capacity for all first class passengers at the station (as it did in Inter-City's days). It is just GNER at the time could get agreement on how much Scotrail and Virgin should contribute to let thier passengers use them. Sad really.

We also have lost the lounge at Glasgow Central for the same reason, if it could be used by East Coast, Virgin and Scotrail it may have stayed, but they could never get agreement on how to cover the costs.

 

[laird]

I don't suppose any of the operators will ever truly agree, no doubt they all pay slightly different amounts for their supplies or have preferences over suppliers as in the case of Virgin.
That would be the advantage to taking it out of the hands of any one operator, tie the lounge to the station provision, yes there would need to be some element of re-charging but perhaps that could be on an ORCATS style basis.
I guess there might be a case at a station like Edinburgh where more than one operator might traditionally have operated a lounge or at Glasgow Central where the leading operator doesn't provide First Class on their commuter trains. Surely though it should be about improving the service to customers since a customer of East Coast today could easily choose to come back and travel on another route of say Virgin.

 

[wintonian]

Soton Airport Pkwy is meant to have one too, but I cannot see it anywhere.

To the right of the ticket desk as you face it, though I have never seen anyone use it and I think it only contains ex SWT travel centre type seats and a coffee machine.

Paddington has got to be my favourite for the same reasons people have mentioned.

The coffee lounge at Euston on the only time I have used it was unstaffed with no entry check, rather shabby with no water, which meant I had to either go and buy some or trek over to the other lounge as I don't drink much coffee.

Birmingham new street is a bit poky IMO but Birmingham International is quite nice. Liverpool has too many bar stools and not enough comfy seats but then it is quite small.

Would be nice it Waterloo had one then I could sit down whilst waiting for a train and find some space and quite in rush hour.

 

[bnm]

Liverpool has too many bar stools and not enough comfy seats but then it is quite small.

Too many bar stools? There's only 4.

 

[Invincibles]

A little bit of a waste of paper, but maybe they could print "Lounge Invitation" tickets for those who are entitled. It might make people more aware (particularly people going first class for a treat from somewhere like Wolverhampton where the lounge is less clear) and that could improve usage.

It would certainly remove any doubt about whether someone was entitled to use the lounge or not.

I have certainly used the lounge at Euston a lot, it is very handy when connecting through London on advance tickets

 

[Mr Spock]

I understasnd that the coffee lounge at Euston is now shut and is to be turned into some sort of retail outlet.

As others have said Virgin only accept first class passengers using their services (plus Scotrail sleeper passengers at Euston) so the example of a first from Euston-Watford would not be accepted.

 

[wintonian]

Too many bar stools? There's only 4.

Oh ok I've only been their once and obviously can't remember it that well, I do remember however not being that fond of it.

If I remember correctly you have to walk all the way down between the platforms to get to it and then all the way back again to enter platform no? which I found quite a pain when they could just open the gate outside the lounge.

 

[rail-britain]

Virgin only accept first class passengers using their services (plus Scotrail sleeper passengers at Euston)

They also accept First Class tickets from London Midland
I have been asked numerous times by people travelling out of Euston on such tickets
One person did encounter an issue, but I had included advice to visit the Station Managers office, and the issue was resolved

Equally, holders of Cross Country tickets run into a similar issue at Wolverhampton
Sadly the only solution there is to complain in writing, but complaints about this appear to have ceased (well reduced)

 

[rmt-driver]

They shouldn't sell child tickets for first class.... I always travel 1st long distance, and on of the reasons is to avoid children etc...

 

[Geezertronic]

They shouldn't sell child tickets for first class.... I always travel 1st long distance, and on of the reasons is to avoid children etc...

That's an extremely blinkered and naive point of view and you're welcome to it. I always take the wife and kids First Class when going to London and if anyone said anything like that to me, I would point them in the direction of the First Class quiet coach with a flea in their ear

I have as much right to take my kids First Class as you have to travel First Class

 

[wintonian]

If there are children in the lounge then you have the option of going to the nearest bar/ pub instead.

 

[bengolding]

They also accept First Class tickets from London Midland
I have been asked numerous times by people travelling out of Euston on such tickets
One person did encounter an issue, but I had included advice to visit the Station Managers office, and the issue was resolved

Equally, holders of Cross Country tickets run into a similar issue at Wolverhampton
Sadly the only solution there is to complain in writing, but complaints about this appear to have ceased (well reduced)

I think you're mistaken about Euston. The Lounge is managed by VT so surely only customers using theri services (or Scotrail) can gain entry? Unless of course they have come to a reciprocal arrangement with London Midland to accept their tickets.

I'll be travelling First Class from New St to Sunningdale via Reading tomorrow. I'll see if I'm permitted entry at New St as I'll catch a VT to Coventry and intend to stop there for a while.

 

[Mojo]

They also accept First Class tickets from London Midland
I have been asked numerous times by people travelling out of Euston on such tickets
One person did encounter an issue, but I had included advice to visit the Station Managers office, and the issue was resolved

Equally, holders of Cross Country tickets run into a similar issue at Wolverhampton
Sadly the only solution there is to complain in writing, but complaints about this appear to have ceased (well reduced)

This is the third time I have had to correct you on this, as have others! What you are saying is simply not true and does not apply to the lounge at Birmingham New Street (I cannot speak for other locations, but others have also said Euston is for VT+Sleeper pax only). There is a clear sign by the entrance stating that tickets not valid on Virgin Trains services are not valid for lounge entry. This is not someone making up a rule, it is clear and documented with a sign from Virgin Trains at the entrance.

 

[voyagerdude220]

Well said Mojo!!

I personally find it very annoying when people repeatedly post wrong information on here, despite them being politely informed that they are incorrect.

I get the impression it's not the first time RB has done this either. - I've seen a few posts by him, which may come across as being 'well informed', but aren't actually the case. (Particularly on things about VT, as I use VT alot myself)

I am 100% sure that VT will not permit passengers using FC for other TOCs in their lounges.

I don't see why VT should allow them to either.

This is the third time I have had to correct you on this, as have others! What you are saying is simply not true and does not apply to the lounge at Birmingham New Street (I cannot speak for other locations, but others have also said Euston is for VT+Sleeper pax only). There is a clear sign by the entrance stating that tickets not valid on Virgin Trains services are not valid for lounge entry. This is not someone making up a rule, it is clear and documented with a sign from Virgin Trains at the entrance.

 

[ukrob]

They shouldn't sell child tickets for first class.... I always travel 1st long distance, and on of the reasons is to avoid children etc...

I travel first class to avoid noisy inconsiderate adults, but sometimes there are some in first class. Lets not sell adult first class tickets.

 

[Mr Spock]

I have seen many people turned away from the New St lounge because they have XC tickets.

Virgin pay for the lounges and that is why they turn passengers of other TOC's away.

As others have said what has it got to do with the station manager, a NR employee, at Euston?

 

[bnm]

If I remember correctly you have to walk all the way down between the platforms to get to it and then all the way back again to enter platform no? which I found quite a pain when they could just open the gate outside the lounge.

Exactly what they did do at Lime Street, both on arrival and departure of my VT services. Even if they don't open the gate it's hardly much of a walk compared to, say, Euston's 1st Class lounge to platform 18.

 

[wintonian]

It seems more inconvenient when your 10ft ish from the edge of the plat form and the barrier is only waist high.

Euston is quite a pain when you have luggage, which is 90% of the time I use it.

 

[rmt-driver]

That's an extremely blinkered and naive point of view and you're welcome to it. I always take the wife and kids First Class when going to London and if anyone said anything like that to me, I would point them in the direction of the First Class quiet coach with a flea in their ear

I have as much right to take my kids First Class as you have to travel First Class

Many TOC's do not have a quiet coach in first

 

[ainsworth74]

Many TOC's do not have a quiet coach in first

Doesn't change the fact that anyone of any age or any other discriminating factor you choose has as much right as anyone else to be in first class as long as they've paid their way.

 

[googolplex]

The last time I encountered a child in first class he was travelling with his parents perfectly well behaved. I think he was probably under 5, so stopping the sale of first class child tickets wouldn't have stopped him travelling in first.

More recently I heard there was a boy who spent the whole journey standing in the vestibule with the window open, however he didn't upset anybody (perhaps other than those who got cold going into that vestibule to use the toilet). He was autistic and there were some last minute changes which threw him, so leaving him there was probably the best option!

I think in general people who take their children into first class also like it to be quiet and know their children will be well behaved.

 

[Geezertronic]

Many TOC's do not have a quiet coach in first

So? Since we are in a thread about VT (who do have quiet coaches), that is why I mentioned it. However you would still get a flea in your ear if you made unwanted comments about my kids being in First Class with me whether there is a quiet coach or not.

 

[Failed Unit]

So? Since we are in a thread about VT (who do have quiet coaches), that is why I mentioned it. However you would still get a flea in your ear if you made unwanted comments about my kids being in First Class with me whether there is a quiet coach or not.

I remember once travelling with my baby using a Gner time ticket from Edinburgh - London. He was crying for the first 20 minutes. Someone left the coach in disgust and made a point of doing so. Passengers sat close by said he wasn't that bad (even better when he fell asleep). The coach the person moved to had another baby board at Berwick.

I try to consider other passengers, but with the amount of money I spent that year with gner, I wouldn't have being impressed if I had to buy a standard class ticket than use my complimentary first!

The way the booking systems sometimes work I may have ended up in the quite coach anyway which restricts electronic devices not children.

 

[Geezertronic]

I remember once travelling with my baby using a Gner time ticket from Edinburgh - London. He was crying for the first 20 minutes. Someone left the coach in disgust and made a point of doing so. Passengers sat close by said he wasn't that bad (even better when he fell asleep). The coach the person moved to had another baby board at Berwick.

I try to consider other passengers, but with the amount of money I spent that year with gner, I wouldn't have being impressed if I had to buy a standard class ticket than use my complimentary first!

The way the booking systems sometimes work I may have ended up in the quite coach anyway which restricts electronic devices not children.

During last years school summer holidays there was a couple with a baby and the booking system had given them reservations in the quiet coach of a 390. Wasn't their fault and although the baby did get vocal at times, it wasn't the baby's fault or the parents so I for one didn't give them grief for it.