I did an upgrade on SouthwestTrains from London to Bournemouth and wanted to know what do you get for paying that extra bit more?
The difference is minimal from the standard class which already is comfortable and new, first-class seats offer a separate cabin with slightly better seats that recline, some with table, and power outlets at the seats for charging and powering mobiles and laptops.
Buffet service on-board, though it really is just a trolley selling crisps and snacks, including coffee and drinks such as wine and beer – which is more than adequate for a two-hour journey.
The website says you can upgrade on weekends for £5 by paying the ticket collector directly on board, though the benefits don’t outweigh the price. A journey of this length is equally achieved in standard class at a third of the price.
Though be warned, there is a ridiculous pricing structure when it comes to British Rail, had I taken the return journey 30 minutes before the price is inflated by about 400% – for the same journey, just different time. Though this is seen in the airline industry, it doesn’t make sense on routes as these.