1st class v Standard on train

[antwacky]

Does anyone know if there is much if any difference in the comfort of the seats in 1st class compared to standard class?
Thanks

I am a disabled train user. I have been put in first class and the difference is amazing. Extra leg room, very comfy seats and free tea/coffee/, juice. Well worth the extra money in my opinion 😍

Not usually significantly different enough to justify the price of a first class ticket, personally.

I agree with Frothy

Also depends which company you’re travelling with. Pretty sure on London northwestern for example first class is practically the same as standard, just hidden behind a door!

The only one worth is it LNER imo

I’d pay for it on LNER, booked in advance some of the 1st class tickets are not outrageously priced.

Things to consider are...What's the financial difference for you and do you have any medical reasons etc why a 1st class seat might be better for you or is it a very long journey?

It also depends on when you get on, our longest journey from our train station is less than 3 hours and is to London, I get on at the start of the train journey when the train is empty so always get the table seat facing the buffet/shop so have plenty of room until we get about 30mins from London when other people want to share the table so wouldn't bother with first class.

If I was more likely to have to stand etc or had mobility problems, or it was a very long journey then I would.

Some places have a first class lounge you can wait in, on GWR long distance the seats are wider, have more legroom, can recline, have a charging point, window blinds and free drinks and snacks from the trolley

Depends how long the journey is and what train line and if you can get advanced priced fares. I do first class with work on LNER and the tables are better if you want to use a laptop. I wouldn't do it for the food and drink which is mediocre at best.

In first there are three seats across a carriage. In standards there are four seats. So yes, more elbow room.

If you want the comfort but aren’t bothered about the food standard premium is a good option. West coast main line, not sure if it’s called the same on other lines. It’s basically a first class carriage layout with plugs and tables but no food/drink service.

LNER - more width, more legroom, more comfortable seat, endless free tea or coffee, free meal (depending on the time of day and whether it’s the weekend).

Some other lines there was almost no difference at all. It really varies.

If I travel by train I try and book 1st class advance if possible. If you have a planned journey book 12 weeks in advance it's worth it just for the cost. Often do Trans Pennine Express as the entire train is rammed with standing everywhere except in 1st class. Can be cheaper 1st class advance than on the day standard as well. Free drinks and snacks too and so much quieter. LNER the same and guaranteed seat reserved.

I used to do the "weekend first" upgrade which let you travel in 1st for only an extra £20 rather than the usual £100+ when DC young enough that the ticket inspectors would kindly not charge for them - but you don't get the same kindness with hulking great teenagers so that's a thing of the past.

I'd say it was totally worth an extra £20 but I'd never pay full whack for 1st

It really does depend on the train operator sometimes you are lucky if you get a bottle of water out of some of them for the extra cost

saying that for £32 extra cost return I’m currently in Scotland after a 3.5 hour trip. On the way up with Northern I got loads of space, free coffee, soft drinks, cake, jerk chicken and 2 cans of wine so I got my monies worth

only annoying thing is because I wasn’t sure what I was going to get I spent a small fortune at Pret before I got on the train

LNER through the week - totally worth it. LNER at the weekend - not at all worth even a fiver more,

It is nicer and comfier, and usually has lovely staff too.

I treat myself at Christmas when I have extra luggage (Cross Country).

Sadly my budget doesn't stretch to it more often.

Depends on the style of train. On ones that are "commuter" style the difference between 1st Class and Standard is 1st Class has a large material handkerchief over the top of the seat 😂
What train company would you be going with?

I travel First Class with Avanti West Coast,to London.Well worth the extra cost,although I always book in advance and get a good price.

Hugely more comfortable. Especially if travelling a distance.

Thanks for all of your replies.
It's roughly a six/ seven hour journey on GWR. My back was giving me gyp after an hour on a recent train journey which thankfully was only a two hours long. I couldn't face that again on a long journey.

Thanks again for taking the trouble to reply, ti's much appreciated.

Very much depends on the train provider. On LNER its nicer seats, more room, food & drinks included served to your seat. I dont travel enough on the others to know.

So I travel a lot on LNER and the new azuma trains the seats are awful in standard, much worse than the old trains. First class far more comfortable.

i believe GWR use a class 800 train which is a different badged azuma. Obviously different train companies will have different seat specs put in as they can choose the interiors. But according to Google the GWR class 800s are very uncomfortable, near upright and minimal padding. So so7nds the same as the LNER azuma.

not sure if GWR use any other trains.

It depends on the journey.

Often you get free tea and coffee and the price is the same as second and a coffee from the buffet.

Sometimes the offerings in first class are a full three course meal.

Some stations have first class lounges with free refreshments.

It used to be that if a train had a restaurant car, if you were travelling in second but they had room you could get the meal and sit in a first class seat for the duration of the meal.

@CormorantStrikesBack - YES! WTF is it with the brand new shiny LNER trains with seats far less comfortable than the old ones? Azuma standard class seats are awful.