Using Britrail Pass - reservations
We decided to go with the Britrail pass for our journey (thanks for the recommendation there). I understand it's like a German train ticket (my only European experience) in that you can get on whatever train you want (for most trains, not the Caledonian Sleeper). However, my experience in Germany with 'unreserved' seats was mixed, particularly as we have two small children (and prefer four-together). We did buy a First Class pass, as it wasn't that much more.
Should we generally reserve seats in advance for medium-distance trips (2-3 hours), or is it usually possible at least in first class to get four seats together (I assume four seats around a table exists on most larger trains, at least seems to when I look around)? We did reserve a sleeper compartment on the Sleeper, as that was indicated to be mandatory. If we're careful not to leave on a commuting-type train during rush hour, can we get away with simply getting on the train and have a fairly high chance to get a seat together? We're mostly going to travel to the Birmingham area and Sussex (from a base in London, once we return from Scotland).
Best Answer
If you want to have a good chance of getting four seats together, never mind a table seat, you'd be well advised to reserve where possible. Reservations do not commit you, so if you missed the train with your reserved seats, then no big deal (although your reservation will not carry over). If you are travelling in first class, then on most long distance journeyes, all seats have tables.
Note that despite you reserving seats, people may sit in the seats you have reserved anyway - this is because as mentioned above, reservations are rarely commitments. If rail passengers avoid reserved seats, then you'd have trouble on busier trains. If this has happened, simply politley ask the people in your seats to move, and they almost certainly will.
As for reserving specific seats, I'm not sure how it works with Britrail. I do know that if you buy your tickets directly from Crosscountry or Virign trains, and are travelling on a service of that operator, the website sometimes show you a train layout, much like airline seat selection. If you're reserving by phone, you can always tell the operator your preferences.
I should mention I have little direct experience of 1st class - I've had a ticket for it some 3 or 4 times. Behaviour and etiquette may be a little different to the (usually comfortable on long distance routes) standard class.
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How do I reserve seats with BritRail?
The easiest, convenient and most stress free way to travel is to reserve a seat in advance of travel. Seat Reservations can be made in advance through SeatRez.com, one of our BritRail Suppliers own websites.What are the advantages to using BritRail?
More economical than buying individual tickets. Freedom to travel anywhere within you pass boundaries. Opportunity to travel any time of day. Hop on and off as you please.How does BritRail Flexi Pass work?
Flexible BritRail passes give you travel for as many days as you choose within one month. For example an 8 day flexible pass that starts on 11th February will expire on 10th March and you have 8 individual days of travel (of your choice) to use between these dates.Can you reserve seats with an off peak return?
The seat you are given when buying an Advance Single ticket cannot be changed. Seats for flexible tickets such as Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak can be.5 Tips for Using Trains in England! 🚂
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