Eurostar first class?

Is it worthwile to travel first-class on Eurostar Paris to London. What are the benefits? I know that a meal is included but what else?

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IMO the differences in service and comfort are not worth the large price differential on such a short trip.

You are using the Eurostar site to book your travel, right? There are tricks to getting the lowest fare. If you are not familiar with them use the search box on the right above the posts to look for old threads on the topic.

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I%26#39;m not sure what your expectations are (as I%26#39;ve never taken a train in the US), but my short answer would be no. Economy is absolutely fine - I use it all the time.

I occasionally use first class when economy%26#39;s not available but I struggle to remember the real differences - a sign that it%26#39;s not that big a deal. I think slightly bigger seats (but in economy they are roomy enough - not like airline economy seats) and a meal (you can buy a snack at the train station to eat on the train anyway).

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Because, Kasthor, maybe some of you may have first-hand experience and subjective opinions. That%26#39;s what this board is all about!!!!!

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The meal is nothing special--for that reason I think 1st is a disadvantage.

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If you even consider using first class for the ridiculous amount of money, then you want the advantages first class usually offers (ie more space, special services, food etc) now the for rest wether its worthwile or not is very subjective and therefore the information provided is not necesarily interesting.

The food is a perfect example, the poster before didn%26#39;t like it, maybe for you it%26#39;s going to be the best meal you%26#39;ve ever had!

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There have actually been several threads on this topic, if you can track them down through the search box. The consensus tends to be that 2nd is fine if you simply want to get from one city to the other and both classes get there at the same time anyway.

I%26#39;m one of those who likes first class, as the travel to Paris is part of my holiday and 1st class makes it special. The seats are bigger (3 across the width, not 4), you are welcomed onboard with champagne and you get a reasonable meal and wine served at your seat. Travelling in this country, I invariably go 2nd class and eat M%26amp;S sarnies on the train, so I enjoy the different experience.

I also get the impression 1st class can be quieter as you don%26#39;t get other passengers trekking past in search of refreshments (just the staff with their trolleys offering more food and wine :-)

Rationally, from where I live, I%26#39;d save a lot of time and money by flying budget, but then, I%26#39;d save even more by not travelling anywhere in the first place!

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Thanks Irish, Expat, Francophool and Diz!

The question was for a couple of friends who go everywhere first class. But this seems to be one they can bypass. They%26#39;re Ritz and Crillon while I%26#39;m definitely budget. Your input will help convince them it%26#39;s not worth the extra expense.

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%26gt;%26gt;%26gt; The question was for a couple of friends who go everywhere first class. %26lt;%26lt;%26lt;

Then let them. IMO they are exactly the kind of travellers for whom first class on the Eurostar was designed. You are not. Neither am I. (And I suspect Diz%26#39;s use of first class in this context is anomalous... ;-))

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%26quot;(And I suspect Diz%26#39;s use of first class in this context is anomalous... ;-))%26quot;

Not only anomalous but using free upgrades if at all possible :-) (There have been occasional offers in the UK papers or via travel agents - none recently, unfortunately).