First Class Travel... (National Express East Coast)

Member Name: AmyAmy

Product:	National Express East Coast
Date:	31/07/08 (427 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: great service, atttractive

Disadvantages: pricey!!

I only decided I was going on holiday three days before I left, which meant there were very few train tickets available when I went to book it at Aberdeen station via National Express. I was astonished when I was charged £30 for my ticket, but when I found out I'd be travelling First Class, I cheered up slightly - I'd never travelled in style before.

Before I boarded the train in the morning, I didn't know what to expect. The first thing I found weird was the fact that the First Class carriages were right at the end of the train! Though when I finally found the correct carriage, just next to the on-train restaurant, I was amazed with what I saw. The blue carpet of the wide-aisles was exceptionally clean. On each table in front of the chair (which each had a little white cloth on the headrest), I noticed there was a cup for each person, on top of a saucer placed on a cloth. There was also a selection of sugars and sweeteners in a cup, placed with a flower napkin.

Next to these dishes was a lit lamp, with a plug either side for the use of mobile phones and laptops. Above these on the windows were corrugated brown curtains. Although the colour was a bit off, they still gave the carriage a more homely look. The carriage and seats were also clearly signposted, with arrows pointing to the direction of the cafe. There's a menu at the table so you can order your meals from your seat. Although I didn't ask for anything, I did have a look at what was on offer. Although I don't think a Bacon Sarnie is exactly First Class food, it did sound delicious! There was also a selection of hot and cold sandwiches and meats available, as well as pizzas and snacks. You can push the boat out too and pay for a bottle of champaign too! Though, if you don't feel like spending any more, you are offered free beverages from the trolley cart which is continuously going up and down the carriage.

I was quite pleased with my First Class travel, though I still feel £30 was quite a lot for a four-hour journey. Nonetheless, I cannot deny that the service was friendly to the few of us that was in the carriage, a calm and quiet atmosphere and a most pleasurable journey! Though, I think I'll stick to the standard class travel with the rest!

© Amy 2008

Summary: Not for me, but a good experience!