Travel First Class with your Standard Class Season ticket on the train when pregnant!!

[Ruth3]

I am 5.5 months pregnant and just had a really upsetting experience on a packed commuter train. When I asked someone if they wouldn't mind giving me their seat, they completely lost it and subjected me to a aggressive and abusive response, which was pretty upsetting and frightening. Although, wierdly, they ended it by getting up and shouting "take it!" at me, but by this time I was too frightened to go anywhere near him or his seat.

Anyone else had a similar experience?

I was very shocked as on the tube and buses people have always been very polite and happy to offer their seat or give it up when asked.

I phoned up the train company - First Capital Connect - for advice and you can upgrade your season ticket at no extra cost to First Class whilst pregnant and sit there if there are no Standard Class seats.

So I am now waiting for my Maternity Upgrade letter and hoping that the First Class experience will be better!

Has anyone used the Maternity Upgrade on the trains?

Would be very interested to hear your views.

Thanks!

[KJ11]

Morning

What a complete arse that man was - i travel to London every day and have to say have never experienced anything but good manners.

I also use FCC and have been sitting in First Class since I was about 16 weeks, its much more comfortable, although not as airy when its hot but definitely make the most of it. i find some days that it is almost full of expectant mums!

[furrycat]

I did this on FCC when I was pregnant. A couple of times I sat in First Class even when the train wasn't full as it was less crowded and therefore cooler (it was during the heatwave two years ago). None of the ticket inspectors ever challenged me - but I got some dirty looks from some passengers who had clearly paid the first class fare and had to stand up.

[bikerunski]

A few weeks ago, when I was 24 weeks pg I was on a crowded train. I was sitting on a bench seat. Standing by me was a lady with a buggy. She must have been in her early 50s - not super old I wouldn't say - and the child in the buggy seriously was about 6 (and he didn't appear to have any kind of disability).

The lady was staring at me and giving me dirty looks. I refused to get up. Eventually she asked "Are you not going to give up your seat for an old lady and a child" and I said "No, I am six months pregnant and I don't feel very well". That shut her up, but I was amazed that she though her need to sit down was greater than mine. Especially as bump was clearly obvious at that point. Then the guard asked her to fold up the buggy and get the child to stand!

Unfortunately my local train don't have a first class.

[laweaselmys]

I just got really excited and then remembered that the trains I use most don't have first class either.

[ilovemydog]

Great Western Trains does the same, but think that you can sit in 1st class for the duration of your pregnancy? It's for season ticket holders, and have to show evidence of pregnancy (MAT B1)

Much better than if there aren't enough seats...

PS: In the meantime, just as the guard to help. They are usually very very nice and will put you in first if you ask

[elkiedee]

bikerunski, why did she pick on you? Surely on a crowded train there must have been other people who didn't look in need, or did she just see you as a woman as a soft target.

If GWT want to see Mat B1 then it's not for duration of pregnancy, as you won't get one until 20 weeks anyway.