I recently travelled First Class to London on a Friday with Virgin Trains and really enjoyed the trip. The carriages were spacious and quiet, the tables laid up with proper glasses and cutlery, the at the table service was comprehensive, the staff enthusiastic and friendly.
We took advantage of the lounge at Crewe Station before our trip and were welcomed warmly and treated to a buffet and a range of drinks. I could definitely get used to this!
Oh what a contrast for our return trip on the Sunday! The Virgin website states that on a weekend or bank holiday ‘The at-seat service is limited, compared to our weekday First Class experience, but you’ll still get to enjoy all the other First Class facilities.’
I appreciate the at the table service has to be limited on a busier service but ‘service’ on this trip only extended to being begrudgingly given a snack pack (which in essence was a box of cheese, not ideal for someone like my husband who doesn’t like cheese!) and a small water (which apparently was a rare commodity on the day as we would not be allowed an extra one). The staff were grouchy and we generally felt like we were an inconvenience to them for being on the train.
I totally understand the logistical challenges faced by Virgin on the weekend First Class service, all I’d ask is that they manage expectations on the website better so that you know what you are buying and what to expect.
I also always believe that sometimes people can just be having a bad day, so I’m going to give it another go (but this time am ensuring both trips are made on weekdays!).
Top tip: I will be taking a travel cushion with me as an additional companion on my next trip as I suffer from back pain if I’m sitting with poor posture. The seats are very deep and do not allow you sit up properly so you might need extra support if you’re a little creaky like me.
Date of trip: November 2015
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