Is First class rail travel worth the extra?

[RattyTat]

I have to make a journey in July. It'll take about 5 1/2 hours. It's with Virgin trains. Is it worth paying the extra?(About another £40 for first class?)

having done this recently for the first time in Virgin id say a resounding yes. I ate and drank at least £40 quid worth of (pretty good) food and drink which was plied upon me.

Usually it's worth the money and especially so if you have a long journey.

However, the last time I travelled First Class (on Cross Country Trains), the carriage was taken over by drunk football supporters and it was horrendous, the train manager and two BTP Officers were hidden away in the staff compartment by the doors and just let them get on with it. First Class hadn't been declassified on that occasion but the train manager had basically lost control of it and the police officers failed to step in.

Yes at that price for a long journey.

£40 : YES!
£400 : maybe (if it was a very long flight)
€4000 : no way, (it's only a few hours and I would prefer to spend it on the holiday)

Absolutely. It's spoiled me for future rail travel

Use of the lounges at the stations at either end. Food and unlimited drinks. I had to be poured off the train, after a fantastic 6 hours.

With Virgin, absolutely worth it.

Train journey. Sorry for my stupidity there!

Different situation but, looked into First Class with Virgin last Friday but decided not to as it as an additional £30 for a journey of 1 1/2 hours (original fare was only £20!!). However, because of trespassers on the line near Leighton buzzard, there were loads of cancelled or delayed trains from Euston that day; when our train was finally announced there were people in the seats who refused to move. Train manager told me to try FC and sit there if available. Was brilliant and most definitely would have been worth paying the additional money for it - got treated as if I’d paid for FC and got the provided brunch and refreshments as well as peace and quiet and free WiFi. I would definitely do it in future if funds allow - and best bit is, because of delay, I automatically got 50% refund on my original ticket!!

Weekdays yes, weekends no.

On Virgin yes. The food and service is really good

You also get access to their first class lounges

NEVER bother on GWR though.
LNER is also worth it.