To wonder who travels premier class on the Eurostar these days

[DervlaGlass]

You used to be able to get reasonable deals but now it's all £300+ a pop. And once upon a time businesses would have let you expense it but don't most places have a standard class travel policy now?

I got upgraded for free once. Not worth paying the extra for a short trip.

My company lets you book first class train travel but only economy class for short haul flights. Nice incentive to take the train when going to Paris.

As with anything - people who can afford it easily without worrying about it will pay it. I wouldn't be shelling out £300+ myself, but for some people that's barely a drop in the ocean.

I would probably book forst for the single seat

I would normally go Plus - but Premier is not worth the extra for such a short journey. Especially when you compare the cost of a long journey on e.g. Railjet (Germany / Austria) where First Class is lovely.

Some companies DO pay

You can check -in and arrive at pretty much the last minute, that's worth a lot.

Frequent travellers get free upgrades. If we don't use it, they can't get used for something else, so might as well travel marginally better. I wouldn't bother paying for it.

Which ones cos I want to work there please!!

My last 2 companies (both within 5 years) allow first class on the Eurostar. I’m now self employed and not sure I’d pay, even if it is a ‘business expense.’

I’m waiting to get on the Eurostar in Paris. Eurostar Plus cost me £84.

I wonder if anyone ever pays for Premier themselves.

Don't forget that gate arriving 25 to 15mn latest before the train leaves often allows you to slot another meeting, or to leave later. When you only go for the day, it makes sense. If you spend the night, then the company has to pay for hotel which cost more for a decent business hotel in central London/ Paris.

Tickets are refundable, the others are not.

There's only £100 difference between economy and Premier on some tickets for next week - and that's quite last minute. It's not that much, and even less between Plus and Premier.
For many people, it's nothing. For me it's a pair of shoes, so I wouldn't waste it 😂

We do. We always traveled on the cheap but the past few years we’ve upgraded because it’s what we want to do. 🤷‍♀️

Ed Sheeran does. My friend saw him there

I knew I was missing out!!!

This! Time is money and all that.

DH does, because of the generous refund/reschedule options. He's a high earner, but work schedule is unpredictable, so it's worth it in case something comes up at the last minute and he has to delay or cancel the trip.

I went with him once and it was a pleasant way to travel - not mega luxurious (the station lounges are underwhelming), but a hell of a lot better than queuing and crowding into the main waiting areas in the stations (why are they so shit?!), and the train seats were comfortable. But the Economy Plus seats are comfy as well, and I think the meal was pretty much the same standard. Not sure whether I would go Premier if I was travelling without DH - more likely Plus.

We used to travel Eurostar Plus a lot (I think it used to be called Leisure Select) as Mr Monkey used to get a pretty hefty discount through his work.

It was pretty nice, but we don't bother now we have to pay the full price.

Yeah, it feels like premier class has turned into more of a luxury now than something people book often. Most companies do stick to standard class these days to save money, and £300+ is a big jump compared to the regular fares. I guess it’s mostly business execs with bigger budgets, people using points, or travelers who just want to treat themselves.

My company allow first class rail travel - with the expectation that you work on the journey

My company has a policy that anyone going to Paris for a work meeting must travel business class.

this is because:

• they’re often travelling there and back same day
• they can then work on the train whereas cannot in standard due to confidentiality reasons (seats too close together, strangers can see your screen)
• last minute check in
• complete flexibility re changing tickets last minute (I changed mine 4 times in one afternoon once as my schedule kept changing, each time at a couple of clicks on the app, no stress)
• the Paris lounge is excellent for catching up on emails and working before travelling back.
• It’s civilised and staff don’t lose energy and productivity due to travel stress.

no brainer really!
was at a coffee table with Anna Wintour in the Paris lounge once.

We probably would. Bit more comfortable.