AIBU to think East Coast trains are not child-friendly?

[seoladair]

I've previously booked passenger assistance several times to help me change trains when travelling alone with baby in pram, big suitcase, changing bag and handbag. The staff have been kind and helpful, and so have the people at the end of the phones when I've made the booking.

I recently got through to a jobsworth though, who said that I can't book help as the baby isn't disabled. It doesn't make sense to me - I won't be able to change platforms on my own. I physically will not be able to get from one train to the next, especially in the limited time available between trains.

East Coast is not some budget company - the train ticket between London and Scotland costs about £120, and I believe our trains are the most expensive in Europe. At these silver service prices, why can't I book help? In the past I have been helped while disabled passengers have also been helped, so I don't think it's to do with staff availability.

I think I will have to travel by plane in future, which is a shame as I'd rather take the environmentally friendly option of going by train, but with the plane, I know I'll get the help I need.

BTW when I was pregnant and tried to book help with luggage with Scotrail, they refused on the basis that getting pregnant was my lifestyle choice. That attitude oesn't help much when you need to travel alone somewhere.....

Honestly...it never occured to me to book help. (I didn't know there was such a thing!)
I travelled a lot by train with a baby/suitcase etc, and found that the best thing was to enlist the help of fellow passengers-some people don't really want to help, but can't exactly say no!
If there was no-one in my carriage to help I would throw the buggy, suitcase etc onto the platform, clutching baby, and find of those trolley thingys to get to the next place.
My tip is to look helpless and someone will give you a hand.

Thank you, that's a good idea. I shall look very helpless tomorrow.
It does annoy me though, as generally the trains are rubbish whilst being amazingly expensive. When I have booked help before, I have been so impressed by the service, but everything else with East Coast is crap - rubbish punctuality, dirty toilets, often no running water, and extortionate prices. So I'm sad that the one aspect of my journeys with them which was excellent is no longer available.

I used to travel to Newcastle by train and it was a good service. Then trains were privatyised and prices went up. Now I always fly because prices are cheaper or comparable and it takes a shorter time.

I travelled with my kid when he was tiny, from Reading to Cambridge and across the London tube.

1. I used a sling/baby bjorn and my changing bag was a backpack that also served as my handbag (not so stylish but practical for trips).

2. I took a smaller soft suitcase. I can fit the clothes I need for five days in a school sized backpack if necessary, so I don't need a huge suitcase for two of us. Taking less stuff was usually a godsend.

3. back pack went on the back of the pushchair (little folding McC) and the suitcase in the seat of the buggy.

If necessary I could carry the baby on front, the nappy bag on back and the suitcase in one hand and the buggy in the other. I looked like a packhorse and it was tiring but people usually offered to help. It was doable for short distances.

I've also done a rolly bag (like a airplane carryon) with the nappy bag on the handle of it.

How much help do you really need?

When I have travelled with a baby, I have managed with sling, backpack and trolley case, and perhaps an umbrella stroller. I have planned my journey to minimise escalators from the Tube and changes.

It wouldn't occur to me to book assistance as I am not disabled. I am an able bodied person doing normal things.

Oh, yeah, meant to say-backpack, not handbag, every time!

Backpack is a good idea! I need a lot of stuff as I will be away for 2 weeks, and will need clothes, baby stuff, laptop, work stuff etc...
They've just always been so helpful and lovely in the past. Maybe I always managed to book previously with train staff who had kids, so understood the logistics!

You might want to think about posting some things ahead, so that you don't have to travel with them.

My next door neighbour's 90 year old mother visits every year from Dundee, and she always posts her clothes, and then has a stress free train and tube journey.

I don't think it's unreasonable to expect help with a baby/buggy/luggage on a service you are paying for.

You can pay for porters. Perhaps that is what the OP needs.

I don't think she should have to pay extra.

Train tickets are not cheap- assistance to catch her connecting train should be offered as part of the ticket price.

Yes, if I was flying by Ryanair I would expect a no-frills service in return to a no-frills fars, but East Coast charges the earth for a sub-standard no-frills service. If they specified on their Passenger Assistance page that no help will be given to parents struggling with baby gear etc then that would be one thing, but they don't mention it. Corporate bloated plutocrats!

So who is supposed to howf her pram and suitcase onto the train? The guard? I would be more concerned that the guard has important safety duties at that time.

It is pretty standard that if you won't/can't carry your own luggage, you hire a porter. That's what they are there for.

Sorry for typos - first line should say "a no-frills service in return for a no-frills fare"

Cut down your luggage- you can buy baby stuff anywhere in uk. I've travelled abroad on my own with a toddler- you just need to think creatively. There is a good book- have toddler will travel with good tips.

I'd suggest a sling and taking a bag that can double as changing/handbag.

Exactly, Victoria.

Anyone who has access to a washing machine only has to carry max. 2 days worth of clothing.

Mrs Meaner "So who is supposed to howf her pram and suitcase onto the train? "
The staff always helped before, with good grace.

YANBU. Before our time, so I'm told, trains used to be something this country could be proud of, and staff would go out of their way to assist, be polite and welcoming and try to ensure everyone had a good journey. It's sad that these days customer service seems so far down the list of priorities.

We are demanding cheaper and cheaper fares. You can't expect the train companies to provide a platinum service when were are only willing to pay tuppence-ha'penny for the ticket.

Are you travelling first or standard class, OP?

Hiring a porter? Can you really do this or is this a joke that I'm not getting!?

Are you joking, DG?

Have you heard of the legendary British Rail pork pie?

I am wondering what era you are thinking of. It was not the 70s or 80s.

DoubleGlazing, you've hit the nail on the head. I've found that the staff individually are lovely, but when it comes to following corporate guidelines, that's when they can be really unhelpful, as their hands are tied by rules

Another example - in my local station, they used to be fine about letting my family onto the platform to help me board with the baby. Then a new station manager arrived who said no-one could go onto the platform without a ticket. So for a time I would book assistance to help me board. Now I can't do this either. The staff have privately said it's really stupid and not very human, and they told me to complain, as that's the only way it'll change.

Jobsworths are everywhere...

MrsMeaner are you an East Coast manager? :)

What connection are you talking about?

London to Scotland is just getting on at Euston isn't it?

Or is the connection at Edinburgh to further up?

I think maybe you just got a cumudgeon on the phone OP have u tried calling back and trying to ask someone else?

When travelling alone with my three on east coast ive always had some help, just make it known to the station manager when you get there, good luck!