What is the difference between first and second class on Eurostar?
One significant difference between First and Second Class is the at-seat meal service. Not all First Class reservations offer a meal service though – you can expect it on premier operators such as Eurostar, AVE, and TGV Lyria.
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1st class seats have extra legroom compared to the higher-density seating in Standard class which has a 2+2 (2 seats, aisle, 2 seats) configuration. See the Tips for choosing your seat section below for a Eurostar seating plan.
What is the difference between First and Second Class? First Class has bigger seats and more leg room than second Class and there are additional facilities in a number of trains. On NSInternational.com you can find an overview of the benefits of travelling First Class.
Business Premier tickets are Eurostar's first-class offering for passengers who wish to travel in the highest levels of comfort. They're usually the most expensive tickets available to buy, but they do offer plenty of flexibility and the best in onboard facilities.
Food in Standard PremierEnjoy tasty and well-balanced meals that are served at your seat. Our Standard Premier menus will satisfy your appetite morning, noon or night.
Sometimes First Class can turn out to be even cheaper than standard. However, the extra benefits vary from just an antimacassar, to extra seating area, reclining seats, more convenient luggage space, and inclusive food and drink.
Due to the time and cost of sorting and distinguishing between the two classes, odds are your first class mail and second class mail will be delivered within the same time frame. This means that the only real difference between the two is the cost.
To upgrade on eurostar.com, simply sign in to Manage a booking to change your ticket. Otherwise, arrive at the station a little earlier than usual and go to the Eurostar ticket office. Upgrades are subject to availability and payment of any difference in fare (per person per leg of journey) so the price may vary.
Exclusive to First-Class PassengersOnce onboard, you'll enjoy complimentary at-seat meal and beverage service provided by our onboard staff of First Class attendants. Selections include freshly prepared chef inspired entrees as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
If overcrowding becomes intense, first class can be “declassified”, i.e. opened up to all passengers, regardless of their tickets. But there is no automatic right to occupy first class. Ad hoc declassification typically happens after other trains have been cancelled or seriously delayed.
Fares from London to Paris or Brussels start at £52 one-way or £78 return. Standard Premier (1st class) fares start at £115 one-way, £199 return. Fares work like air fares. Prices increase as departure date approaches and the cheaper seats sell out, so book early.
The best way to get upgraded to first class for free is to earn elite airline status. Complimentary upgrades are offered to frequent fliers on all the major airlines, although not necessarily on every route.
Food is permitted on any Eurostar train. There are no restrictions about which sort of food you can bring on board, but please be considerate of other passengers and don't take strong-smelling food on board. On intercapital and daytime ski trains; each traveller can take 4 bottles or cans of beer, or 1 bottle of wine.