Thinking about taking the ES from Paris to London 1st class. Will buy my ticket before I leave is the 1st class worth the extra money? Heard different takes give me yours

No, just go standard class. We just took the train from London to Paris last weekend. The only difference really is you get a little table thing in front of you with a little light on it. Think of the food, wine and sightseeing you can buy in Paris or London with the money you save on that little table and light. LOL! The trip is about 3 hours and I would definitely not spend the extra money on 1st class. Enjoy your trip!!

Agree with little. Having done both classes of service, I can not see the worth of the extra cost for first class. Standard is just fine and you will not be cramped. If you think you will want to eat and drink, take your own supplies with you, they will be tastier and cheaper than the train offers.

There is more to 1st class. You do get a 3 course meal with choice of wines and champagnes. You will also be allowed to use the departure lounge at the station. Free newspapers and magaxines as well. Wider full reclining seats. I'm not saying that this is the way to go, but littletraveler was little misinformed.

Ah yes, AA is right, I did neglect to mention the food, sorry. But in my opinion, if it comes to saving money on my preciously saved-for vacation, who cares about a 3 course meal on a 3 hour train ride? ;-) I was primarily concerned with the difference in comfort level on that trip (and to me there is no difference between classes, I am 5'9" and had plenty of leg room in standard class) and am only concerned with food and seats to sleep in on a very long trip, so for 3 hours - nope, I say spend the money elsewhere.

I'm not nearly a 5* traveler, but I thought the splurge was worthwhile, particularly for the reasons AA mentioned. If you are cost conscious, that's one thing, but I didn't think the difference in price was that big of a deal for something you might do just once in a lifetime.

I think it depends on your age. My husband and I are "senior citizens" and booked 2nd class on the Eurostar from Paris to London last Sept.It was an ordeal with the crowds trying to board the train with their luggage and then trying to find space in the luggage racks at the ends of the cars. We only had 1 bag each but lifting the bags up the high train steps and pulling them thru the narrow aisles wasn't easy. We are going back in May and this time will spend the extra money for 1st class where there will be someone to handle our bags for us and treat us with a little (paid for) TLC.

Wags-<BR> We did 1st class on Eurostar and still had to handle our own lugage.

Kmarie: Thanks for the info. I thought I remembered people in red jackets asking us if we were 1st.class. I saw them helping someone with their luggage. I guess I assumed it came with the 1st. class ticket. I know those cars were much easier to board and I think we'll do it this time. Did you enjoy 1st class and was it worth the price?

I've travelled both 1st and 2nd class on the ES. As anywhere else, you get more in 1st class: a table, a light on the table (lit while in the tunnel), good food, a tablecloth, newspapers, personal attention. Either way, you get there, but it's cushier in 1st class. IMO, it's worth paying a little more for the experience.

I never quite know how to answer these &quot;is it worth it&quot; questions. What is worth it to one, is not worth it to another. If more comfortable seats, a nice meal, and additional comfort is &quot;worth it&quot; to you, then yes, take first class. If those things are not worth spending extra money for you, then no, stick with 2nd class.<BR><BR>This question is no different than whether spending an extra $50 a night for a hotel with larger more comfortable rooms is &quot;worth it&quot; to one person or another. To some it is, to others it isn't.

Meal is nothing special - England to France was traditional English fare - Bubble and Squeak - yuck we hoped for better on the return but nothing that special either Free drinks though if you're &quot;thirsty&quot; could make up the difference in price and make for a fun ride. IMHO ya gotta go 1st class at least once in a while in life. And going to the right fare sale buying the tix by calling the UK made the price within $50 of 2nd class return.

fantaman: Can you tell me where in the UK you called for tickets. There are 4 of us so a cheaper fare would be very appreciated. Rail Europe seems a bit high. How far in advance did you order?

Hi Wags<BR> http://www.eurostar.us has a 60 day advance sale R/T for $280 for 1st or 140 for 2nd.

Thanks ira. I should have mentioned we leave in 6 weeks. Not enough time for the 60 day fare.