eurostar London to Paris- standard class seating question
 

We are family of 3 traveling from London to Paris. Just booked our tix and the given seats were the four around a table. We think we kind of like this arrangement, with our daughter traveling backward and us facing each other. However, wondering those who have travelled this way's thoughts on the table seating- is that preferable or is it personal preference?
TIA!

It's a personal preference. If the train is full, there will be a fourth person on your table. I prefer the side-by-side seats. Sitting opposite a stranger at those tables can be a bit awkward, especially if the stranger brought a smelly meal to eat during the trip. Just talking from experience here :-)

Traveling backwards on the Eurostar doesn't bother me at all - and I get travel sick quite easily.

I prefer a forward facing seat with no table because it feels more private to me and also for the reasons Tulips has mentioned, smelly or otherwise. But in your case, it may depend on the age of your child. The table gives a young child a place for activities and snacks and easier for all to interact. If your child is older it matters less. In any case, on a short trip like this it hardly matters and there can be advantages to either. I'd worry more, though, for that poor 4th person, if there is one, unless they're looking for company and has good snacks to share (unlikely in that part of the world).

Yes, sitting around a table is the ideal option, a convivial choice, compared to sitting in rows staring at the back of each other's heads as on a plane or bus.

I always like space in front of me, not a seat back, so always choose a table for two (in 1st class) even if I'm travelling solo.

Yes, there may be a fourth passenger at your table, but this is never a real problem. Either they keep themselves to themselves or you get chatting.

When traveling w/ others, I much prefer the table situation.

And more than one of you may find facing backward is the best option. Traveling at that speed, watching the scenery race out behind the train can be easier, especially if anyone is prone to car sickness/upset, than having it rush at you when facing forward. Just a personal preference.

The table will give you a feeling of much more space and a chance to spread out things like guide books or a game for your granddaughter.

And if anyone has a smelly meal -- you'll smell it even if you aren't sitting at the same table . . .

The table is infinitely better than yes like Man in Seat 61 says staring at the back of a seat - especially in 2nd class where there ain't much room between you and the back of the person in front's back of the seat. Plus more leg room with the table - 2nd class on Eurostar trains I find very uncomfy for a fiarly tall person - though new trains are being rolled out the older cars have IME little leg room wo with a table you can at least stretch out your legs.

It's down to personal preference. With a child the table is probably handy. But for me, if there's a tall person sitting opposite me who stretches his legs under the table - I'd rather sit in the side by side seats.
The Premier seats give you more space. Sometimes it's only 20 pounds or so more.
Not the Business Premier - that is much more expensive.

It's down to personal preference. With a child the table is probably handy. But for me, if there's a tall person sitting opposite me who stretches his legs under the table - I'd rather sit in the side by side seats. >>

but tulips, put the child opposite the long-legged chap and problem solved!

I much prefer a table and will sit at one for 4 all by myself - i find that eating something smelly preserves my privacy very well even on a crowded train.

A fourth seat would cost about $115 US.

The times I've been relegated to table seating has always resulted in less legroom than standard seating. There is nowhere near twice as much space for the 2 sets of legs under the table. That's fine if you know the person with whom you're playing footsie but not so fine if you don't and they choose to be unaware. But for a family, an entirely different situation (or if I was lucky enough to have a table to myself).

What foods pass the smell test?

I find that a burger with all the trimmings and some chips, or a donner kebab are good at repelling borders.

People find those smells offensive? They make me ravenous!

I thought they meant some truly pungent Asian specialties, or powerful cheeses. (Which I also enjoy, but could understand refraining from in tight quarters.)

Thank you everyone for the helpful and funny responses! we will keep the table- we got a great deal on tickets- 56 euro each- booked a few months ahead.

it's the cheese on the way back, Fra D - a nice smelly crottin, some oysters, perhaps a garlicky andouillette - shame we can't use a durian!

Always prepared!