AIBU to think empty first class should be opened on crowded trains?

Also one for hen and stag do’s and also football fans.

It's truly pathetic op, first class is only marginally more worth the money and often its a small increment, not exactly luxury, so they should declassify it in that case and if the first class ticket holders dared to protest, refund them the difference instead. Its ridiculous to treat the majority like that so a few people could sit in 1st class.

They should definitely have a special carriage for people wearing Polyester - especial tracksuits.

They should also have special carriages for people looking for quiet spots so they can scream into their phones for the duration of the journey. Why is it so hard for people to understand that nobody else wants to hear your conversation.

Creche carriages wouldn't be a bad idea too, for those who travel with screaming kids and can't be bothered to parent.

I also wouldn't mind a party carriage for those of us who are social and like a drink. Not 80s disco, but Witty Conversationalists Cocktail Carriage.

You have never been guaranteed a seat in second class though.

Have you often travelled in First class? They may be stereotypes but in First I've never been surrounded by loud, obnoxious, drunk people like I have in standard.

I do think so yes. The passengers who've paid for first class should be offered a partial refund to the same value as a standard class ticket and perhaps there's an argument those carriages should only have seats filled rather than aisles, but it's clearly wrong to hugely overcrowd part of the service while leaving part empty or almost empty.

I can't even count the number of times I've spent ~£100 on a standard class ticket with reserved seat only to spend hours standing or sitting on the floor because of reduced carriages or cancelled reservations. Why is my money less important than someone who's paid for a first class ticket?

Now that is not acceptable, but should also not be acceptable in standard class.

If I'd paid for first class I'd be more than happy for others to have a seat so long as I got a seat - you're not paying to secure an empty carriage! A couple of months ago MIL (age 85) had reserved a 1st class seat, they declassified the train due to cancellations and she was left standing. That was extraordinarily poor form from GWT and the other passengers.

But it's alright for people to pay "overpriced extortionate" prices to stand in rammed carriages in standard class? Just as long as those who've paid (possibly not even more) for a first class ticket are not disturbed.

Personally I think it's disgusting standard class passengers can stand on the same section of platform.
It was ok when the cheap carriages were open topped, as that avoided any chance that their out breath could mix with the first class passengers' breath.

My experience has been that when there are only first class seats left available on busy trains you can pay extra to occupy them, plus get the free drinks and snacks they offer. If your train is seriously delayed you can get a full refund through the delay repay system, so you may not end up out of pocket. The main problem I have found is people refusing to move from seats which have been reserved by others, and there are rarely train staff available to support them.

You sound soooooooo nice.🤣

I'm loving all these stereotypes of the standard class passengers - unemployed and noisy now!

I'd be furious if I'd paid some overpriced extortionate amount to travel first class to then have someone gate crash. I don't care if your child is autistic!

I'd definitely be demanding a full refund and maybe even compensation.

DS was once standing on a packed out train, between carriages and was told by a female conductor - ‘ooh you’re too good looking to be standing’ and was told he could move to first class! 🤣 true story!

Well the train is going to your destination anyway, so why bother paying at all?

I often travel on trains at peak times. I have been on trains before where they have allowed people to stand in first class because they have been so crowded. I have also been on trains where they’ve denied allowing extra people to board because it’s dangerously full. Most of the trains I get cancel reservations because the logistics make it impossible.

I sympathise with you because there is so much injustice with the railways. I have paid thousands of pounds because of delays and cancellations and many more thousands to stand in a crowded vestibule in the height of summer. I do think it’s a rip off.

But I don’t think seat reservations are a deal breaker.

Stop being a snippy Queem. She's right. I've seen some horrors just sit in first class and never be challenged, so I don't pay extra to sit withe them🤷‍♀️

Did you get delay re-pay for your late train? If it was over an hour you get the whole fare back. Use the fare refund to pay for first class next time.

If the chances of the train being late is high, I'd risk booking a first class ticket in advance and then if it happens to be late, claim delay repay.

No. It’s about different expectations of behaviour. Business people use first class so they can work and concentrate on the journey. It’s usually very quiet and calm. That’s what you’re paying for. I wouldn’t mind others coming in in a crisis situation but they should be prepared to be very quiet and not disturb those who’ve forked out.

First class is more expensive so it stands to reason that a lot of people won't want to pay the extra and therefore there is more likelihood that the carriage will have less purchased seats and fewer bodies in there. That's one of the bonuses of paying for first class.
OP, not really sure why you asked the question because you are adamant that people should be allowed to use it at no extra cost.

I was once on a very overbooked train with my then small child. A guard stuck me in first class. He probably shouldn't. The first class passengers would probably been annoyed if they had realised, but I just figured he was being nice. We were very well behaved. Not one person would have realised we were as common as muck.

I was in first class that was declassified, I received the refund for the difference- didn’t bother me as I had already had a free coffee. I think they stopped handing out drinks once it had declassified

I second the seatfrog app. Avanti do full breakfasts on some services

I always travel First Class on long train journeys.As long as people payed to upgrade to First Class,no problem,but they shouldn’t be de classifying the train! I stood once from Euston to Birmingham because this happened,it was horrible,but I did get a refund,they also refunded me for my outward journey,added bonus!

I think if it really matters to you pay for first class.
I cant see the class system prevailing if it can be overridden tbh.

Oftentimes first class is declassified on my busy commuter train.

For a longer journey where I’ve upgraded, I’d be annoyed if they opened first class to everyone. I upgrade for space and peace and quiet. Understandable if they’d refund for the declassification, but I doubt they would!