Is a first class upgrade via Seatfrog worth it?

[Britpopbaby]

Is it worth paying for a first class upgrade via Seatfrog in terms of what extras you get compared to standard class?

Which operator?

@BirdLandedonmyHead LNER

Free biscuits, drinks and a sandwich on virgin cross country. More space, less noise.

IME there's a difference between during the week and at weekends. During the week it's more geared to business travel and you're likely to get better food/drink options. (That said, it's a long time since I've travelled first class on LNER!)

LNER or Avanti - yes
Transpennine, X-Country, Grand Central - no.

Unless the train is likely to be very crowded in which case it might be worth it just to get a seat; or you value larger seats and better tables to the cost of the upgrade.

The food and drink offering on TPE, XC and GC is worth very little - bag of crisps or crappy sandwich, one drink and small cereal bar.

I travel on Avanti and they have a lounge for first and business travellers at Euston. Worth every penny of the upgrade not to have to be fighting for a seat on the concourse and snacks are plentiful. You can access it from 2 hours before the train iirc.

LNER also have lounges with drinks and snacks, great point. OP would need to check her departure station as it isn't every single station on the route.

I used it in the last month or so Bristol to Paddington.
I had a limit in my mind about how much I was willing to pay. It’s a bit like gambling you need to be prepared to stick to it.
First Class was much quieter with less people . And GWR has free snacks and drinks. You end up closer to the ticket barriers at Paddington.
So I thought it was worth it personally. But up to a limit for price.

And that's only if you're lucky on Cross-Country.

I do think an upgrade to First is worth it for the extra legroom alone.

You get a meal, seats are slightly better though all Azuma are uncomfortable. Depending where you leave from there may be a first class lounge with free coffee, biscuits, seating, tv, clean toilets, etc. I go first class leaving London but don’t bother going to London. Sitting in the lounge at kings x is better than sitting down below with the masses.

Ah, yes, good point. I have short legs so luckily I don't need to consider this aspect. A little consolation for having to turn up trousers all the time and looking rubbish in any kind of boots 😆

Yes, definitely, if it’s a long journey. I bought an instant upgrade and I’m going to use it later in the year.

The space and legroom is worth it, not the food, except for free drinks and fruit imv. Plus the loo is a bit nicer. But I’m short and found the seat, one of the single seats, too low so I’m going to get an inflatable cushion. If you’re not short, then of course it’s not an issue.

My friend gets the train all over the place for work, and swears by SeatFrog.

I tried it once, first class got declassified, and XC claimed to have no record of this so wouldn't refund. I know it's just a one off, but rather put me off trying again!

Yes. But only midweek when they serve alcohol. No alcohol is served on the weekends.