To think people should know this about Trainline

[Ocean59]

That their seat reservations are often duplicates of those booked directly with the train company.

I'm on a full train travelling from Leeds to London and at each stop people are getting on with the seats already booked.

The train guard says it happens all the time and so those people are having to stand. She also said, the company policy is to honour seats booked directly with the train company.

I have had this before too.
I was told it happens because train line dont update the available seats frequently, so the train company sells seat 1a at 2pm and train line don't update their availability list until 3pm
( I have no idea on the actual timeliness) so seat 1a still looks available at 2.55pm
While I accept and like the ease of booking and prices that trainline offer if I want a seat I would book directly with the company.

I think train reservations are part of a clunky system

I have had train companies book me seats over the phone or on X, but it’s not updated on the actual train. Tends to be a free for all

Sometimes I reserve a seat then the reservation system doesn't work so one mad scramble when people get on the train

Yes. I had a very upset woman at Euston demand I leave my seat. I had booked through Avanti, she through Trainline. TBH if she has got there first, I would have let her stay there.

Rubbish and antiquated system all round.

That’s really useful to know. Thank you.

Thanks, I didn't know this.

It is truly rubbish.

That's one of the reasons I always book direct with the train company.