WWYD? Travelling on crazy busy train.

[harrowgreen]

Next week I'm due to travel to London and back for work. I'll be almost 35wks pregnant (so very visibly knocked up :) ). I've just looked at tickets (last minute meeting) and it's saying that there are no seats available for reserving on the way back and (in red) that this train is always very busy. ie - people sitting in the aisles the whole way.

Train company is Virgin.

I'm not at all averse to asking for a seat due to being pregnant when on the tube/bus (where people just grab seats), but I feel it's maybe different when people have reserved seats, plus I'll be booking in full knowledge that I won't have a seat.

DH says to go straight to First Class and just sit there (I won't be able to fight my way through the packed carriages to First if I get on in standard class). He thinks the conductor will be able to find me a seat/leave me sitting in First (assuming First isn't also full....).

Is this realistic? My concern, as I said above, is that the train company could easily argue that they have no responsibility to find me a seat, since I paid for the journey knowing there wouldn't be one.

Any views?

[weeblueberry]

Have you tried calling Virgin and asking them? You've nothing to lose really and they might have seats they keep aside?

[harrowgreen]

Ooh good idea. Their customer services line is closed now I think but I could try them in the morning.

Just don't want to be worrying about it the whole day: it's a big day for me career-wise.

[weeblueberry]

Give it a bash pet - lay it on thick if need be!

Good luck. :)

[AnythingNotEverything]

Have you checked the cost of a first class ticket? In this situation work might pay, especially if the difference isn't great. (I understand the difference could be hundreds of pounds!)

I'd just get on as usual. Someone will give you a seat, and if not the guard will find you one.

[LovelyWeatherForDucks]

There are usually two unreserved carriages - marked U - so get there early enough to get a seat there

[ireallydontlikemonday]

If it was a cross country train and I had reserved my seat I wouldn't be thrilled to give it up I have to admit - how would you choose who to ask (if it's anything like the tube you would have to ask!).

My company would def pay for first in those circumstances - prob worth a go first?

[Kelbells]

I'm pretty sure that Virgin trains will upgrade pregnant women (train guard's discretion) to first class if the carriages are full. It might be worth calling them or speaking to the guard when you get there?

[SilverLinings2014]

Before starting mat leave i commuted to london regularly on Virgin Trains. On days when it was so busy there were no seats in standard I found the train manager and explained I couldn't stand for the whole journey. They always allowed me a seat in first.

[Chatty987]

Check if there are any priority seats or if you cannot contact Virgin before, speak to the train manager before you board. They should be able to help. Failing that just sit in first class and explain to conductor you had to sit down. They should understand. Would your work fund a first class ticket. Better they pay for that than you miss trip to london etc.

[Thenorr]

I commute from Bristol to London and I'm also 35 weeks. If you let the conductor know they will always bump a pregnant lady up to first class if it's busy (and there are ALWAYS seats in first class) :-)

[SoMuchForSubtlety]

Yes definitely talk to the train manager. I wouldn't rely on people offering their seat. I commuted when pregnant (and I worked up to 38+2 so it was quite obvious) for 40 mins into London and regularly had to walk almost the entire length of the train in the evening before someone would offer, you could see people ducking their heads as I approached in order not to make eye contact. I would never ask, you can't tell if someone has a reason they need a seat.

[Flingmoo]

you could see people ducking their heads as I approached in order not to make eye contact

Yep, this happened to me every time I travelled on a busy train. Really made me realise how kind, considerate people seem to be in the minority when on public transport.

[harrowgreen]

Thanks. I'll speak with my manager today and ask about an upgrade and if that can't happen I'll contact virgin. Happy to argue with the conductor if I have to, I'd just rather it all go smoothly..