gopack

I am about to reserve 2 first class advance tickets from London to Edinburgh for July. (I should have done them sooner, I see!) When I did a practice reservation in order to find out the rates, etc., there was a seating option with 4 options (I think). There was single, forward, backward and airline. (Not sure I have these correct.) Can someone please explain these? How do I get 2 seats either next to each other or facing each other without other seats attached? Just for my husband and me.

Thanks again!

Ginny

PalQ

I've ridden this train in first class several times and inevitably there is a row of single seats either facing each other or solo and on the other side two seats facing two other seats with a table in between. don't know how to book but this is in the premium first class - many trains also have economy first class with perhaps different and less spacious seating. I travel with a BritRail pass which allows me into the "Gold" first class - other first class coaches are not gold and in these i think the discounted first class tickets are sold.

caroline_edinburgh

If you have a single option I'd think you in first class, so if you book 2 of those I'd expect you to get the 2 single seats facing each other combo. Otherwise book airline (2 seats side by side facing the back of other seats). With forward & backward you'd probably default to 2 seats side by side facing 2 other seats across a table. Personally I prefer the latter as I like having the table, but my husband prefers airline style as he reckons there is more legroom.

kybourbon

Pictures of 1st and 2nd cl are on this website. Scroll down the page a bit.
http://www.seat61.com/UKtravel.htm

Kate

PalQ, I've never noticed there being 'premium' first class and 'economy' first class - there's only one first class as far as I know.

Just one thing to add, first class is rarely full, and more often than not almost empty (unless it's at peak communter times). So, if you get there and don't like your seat, you can just sit in any other available seat. Also, people often reserve seats and then don't use them, so if a 'booked' seat isn't occupied, you can use that too. It's a much more casual arrangement than airline seating.

PalQ

Some trains do have a Gold or Premium first class and a non-Gold first class on several trains i've been on - Virgin i believe is one. The non-Gold first class is often fairly full and it seems with discounted tickets or on weekends with upgrades from standard class for only a few pounds. Many trains don't have two first classes but unless things have changed in the past few years some do.
In first class on most long-distance trains you get free coffee, tea and snacks - on some like Virgin you get a ton of free food and drinks, including booze in first class.

gopack

Thanks to all of you for your help with this. I have booked 2 first class advance tickets via Gner. I actually chose ANY for the seat options since I still not quite sure which option to choose. Hope they don't put us across a table from 2 other people.

Kybourbon, Thanks for that website. It is extremely informative!

Ginny

PalQ

As one previous post says first class is often half full or less so you probably can easily relocate to seats of your chosing - many travelers of course don't go all the way to Edinburgh so even if the train was full empty seats would open up en route. But you should be able to sit virtually where you want in normal conditions.

Morgana

Hi
I have done this train journey more times than I like to think, and I firmly believe that GNER are the best to travel with.
I have to admit that my husband and I have frequently sat opposite another couple, but as previous posters have said, there is usually room for manoeuvre.
The food on GNER is excellent - never thought I would say that about train food but it is. If you are travelling at a busy time and want to eat, then find your 'reserved' seat, dump your coats or whatever on it, and then make your way to the dining carriage as soon as possible. There are usually staff around there who will advise when food is being served. If the dining carriage isn't that busy then we often used to just stay in those seats for the rest of the journey. Otherwise go back to your 'reserved' seats once you have eaten. Alternatively, if you just want a snack there is no need to go to the dining carriage, they will serve you at your seat.
Another small point - once you get 'oop north' the scenery is stunning on the right hand side of the carriage (as you face the front). You get to see Lindisfarne (Holy Island) just off the coast of Northumberland, and then for quite a long period the train line hugs the coastline, which is beautiful. The waves seem to crash yards from the trainline in places. So nab a seat on the right if you can - it's worth it!
M

PalQ

Indeed, regarding scenic portion from north of Newcastle to Edinburgh - this section was recently voted the UK's most scenic rail line by readers of some large magazine - though i consider the West Highlands railway in Scotland to be number 1, this stretch is extremely scenic.

caroline_edinburgh

And watch out for Durham, and the Angel of the North (big sculpture) between Durham & Newcastle, both also on the right.

Dukey

My understanding has always been that those seats with the table between them are the so-called "airline" seats...what on some trains are called "club" seats.

caroline_edinburgh

No, the airline seats are the pairs which face the back of the seats in front of them, with no table just dropdown tray tables like on a plane.