Eurostar provides a quick and effective travel option from London to continental destinations, offering a time-efficient alternative to flying for day trips or short breaks. When booking a Eurostar train, passengers are typically given three fare choices: Standard, Plus, and Premier. Recently, I embarked on two journeys within a week, opting for Standard and Plus classes to compare the experiences. With Plus tickets often priced at two to four times higher than Standard fares, the question arises – is the upgrade worthwhile?
My first trip was on Eurostar Standard from London to Lille, a brief 90-minute journey from London St Pancras. Securing tickets for just £35 in a flash sale made the trip to Lille more budget-friendly than traveling to many UK cities by train.
Standard class offers a basic service with a luggage allowance of two bags up to 85cm in length, along with a small item like a handbag or laptop bag. Unlike air travel, there are no weight or liquid restrictions, but passengers should be prepared to handle their luggage on the train’s steep steps. Additionally, Standard tickets are flexible up to an hour before departure, allowing changes with no fee; only the fare difference needs to be paid.
Featuring two rows of two seats, Eurostar Standard provides comfortable seating with headrests and footrests, surpassing the standards of most UK trains. Although there is technically WiFi access, my experience revealed inconsistent connectivity, prompting the advice to bring reading material. The journey was enjoyable, accompanied by snacks, and we arrived in Lille promptly for a city escapade.
Subsequently, I tried Eurostar Plus on a journey from London to Paris. The boarding experience at St Pancras station remained unchanged, with no priority access or lounge privileges. Luggage allowances and flexibility rules mirrored those of Standard class.
In Plus class, the carriages were akin to Standard but featured one less seat per row, offering a mix of double and single seating. Single seats seemed popular among business travelers, despite the unreliable WiFi connectivity. Unfortunately, my journey was marred by malfunctioning toilets, making the experience less pleasant.
The primary upgrade in Plus class is the inclusion of breakfast or a light meal, accompanied by a variety of beverages, including wine and beer. While the meal quality was satisfactory, it resembled fare available at a station like Marks and Spencer.
The attentive and friendly staff on Eurostar Plus enhanced the experience, providing meal service with wine and coffee. However, whether the upgrade is justifiable remains a subjective decision. The Plus carriage exuded a slightly more serene and business-focused ambiance, appealing to travelers heading to crucial meetings or seeking solitude in a single seat.
For other passengers, bringing a packed lunch might be a cost-effective alternative, saving Euros for indulgences at their destination.
