Are you planning a trip that will take you on the Avanti West Coast line and not sure whether it’s worth opting for an Avanti First Class upgrade? We’re here to help, with all the details on how to upgrade and what’s included, from lunch to lounges, in our guide below.
Photo by Davwheat
What is included with Avanti West Coast First Class?
When you’re deciding on whether to book an Avanti First Class upgrade, it’s important to know what you’re getting compared to a standard ticket. Travelling Avanti West Coast First Class includes:
- Space to work and enjoy a cuppa with a guaranteed table
- Complimentary food and drink (check out the tasty options available from the Avanti First Class menus below)
- Larger seats and extra legroom, for maximum comfort throughout your journey
- Friendly service from your dedicated onboard host
- First Class Lounge access at applicable stations, complete with refreshments, Wi-Fi and charging points (find out more about Avanti West Coast First Class lounges below)
All of these added benefits are included with your First Class ticket, along with free Wi-Fi and plug sockets at every window seat. Altogether this makes First Class travel a great option if you’re looking for comfort, convenience and complimentary refreshments.
Can you upgrade to First Class on Avanti West Coast?
It’s easy to book Avanti West Coast First Class tickets with our journey planner. Simply search for your preferred route and journey time, choose the best option for you and before proceeding to payment, select ‘View 1st Class & More Tickets’. This will show you the cost of an Avanti First Class upgrade.
If you’ve already booked your trip but fancy upgrading your journey to First Class, head over to the Avanti West Coast website, find your booking and select ‘upgrade ticket’. You’ll just need to pay the difference in the fare and away you go.
Can you upgrade to First Class on the day of travel with Avanti West Coast?
If you get to the station and decide you’d like to upgrade, speak to the Train Manager on board to see if there are any First Class upgrades available. If there are, once you’ve paid for your upgrade, you’ll be able to enjoy all the perks including the Avanti First Class menu.
Another option is to bid for an Avanti First Class upgrade using the Seatfrog App. Auctions are open from 24 hours to 30 minutes before departure and bids start from as little as £10. If you win your bid, you just need to bring your Seatfrog upgrade barcode along with your original ticket when you travel.
Avanti West Coast Standard Premium
Avanti West Coast also offers a Standard Premium option on the majority of services. This includes extra benefits compared to a standard ticket but a lower price tag than travelling First Class.
The key perks of travelling in standard premium are:
- More spacious seats compared to standard carriages
- A guaranteed table – ideal for working and relaxing on board
- Plug sockets at every window seat, so you can keep your devices charged
You can upgrade to Standard Premium before you travel via the Avanti West Coast website or app, or onboard on the day by speaking to the Train Manager.
Standard Premium upgrades can start from as little as £20 one way on top of your Standard Class ticket. Check out the upgrade estimates below for some of Avanti West Coast’s most popular routes. For these particular zones, you can expect a price estimate of:
London - West Midlands (e.g. Birmingham): £20
London - North West (e.g. Manchester & Liverpool): £32.50
Avanti West Coast First Class menu
One of the best things about travelling in First Class is complimentary food and drink while onboard, and you’ll find a variety of options to choose from when travelling with Avanti West Coast. Local suppliers feature throughout the Avanti West Coast First Class Menu, with items such as coffee from London-based social enterprise, Change Please, and tea from Manchester’s Brew Tea Co..
At breakfast time, enjoy a classic bacon sandwich or mixed berry fruit waffles. Or, if you’re travelling later in the day, why not indulge in a Great British cheeseboard? Menus vary depending on which train you’re travelling on (Pendolino or Evero) and whether you’re travelling during the week or at the weekend.
Check out the various menus below:
Light refreshments and drinks are also included when you visit one of the Avanti West Coast First Class lounges before you board.
Euston First Class lounge menu
Regional First Class lounge menu
Please note that all allergen information for Avanti West Coast’s menus can be found here.
Photo by Bananaman28
Avanti West Coast First Class seating plan
Avanti West Coast has two different types of trains within its fleet: Everos and Pendolinos. Each has a different seating plan.
For Evero services, you’ll find the First Class carriages:
- On 5-coach trains: Coach J/K
- On 7-coach trains: Coach H and J
Check out the detailed seating plan here.
Meanwhile, for Pendolino services, you’ll find the First Class carriages in coaches H, J and K.
You can see the full seating plan for Pendolino trains here.
For more on Avanti West Coast seating plans, check out our dedicated info page here.
Avanti West Coast First Class lounges
As an Avanti First Class ticket holder, while you wait to board your train you won’t be sitting on a chilly platform. Instead, you can breeze into the First Class lounge and enjoy a drink and a snack for up to an hour before your train’s departure time. There’s also free Wi-Fi and charging points, ideal for keeping up-to-date while you’re on the go.
Birmingham International First Class Lounge
Where can I find this lounge?: Up the stairs from the platforms. Lift access is available.
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 06:00 - 20:00
Saturday: 06:00 - 18:00
Sunday: 10:30 - 18:00
Birmingham New Street First Class Lounge
Where can I find this lounge?: Located in the blue zone.
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 06:15 - 19:45
Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
Crewe First Class Lounge
Where can I find this lounge?: On the concourse, above Platform 5.
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 07:30 - 18:00
Saturday: 07:30 - 18:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
Glasgow Central First Class Lounge
Where can I find this lounge?: By the Avanti West Coast ticket office. Next to the Gordon Street entrance of the station.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
Saturday: Sat 07:00 - 18:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 19:00
Liverpool Lime Street First Class Lounge
Where can I find this lounge?: On the main concourse next to Platform 5.
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 07:30 - 18:00
Saturday: 07:30 - 18:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
London Euston First Class Lounge
Where can I find this lounge?: Upstairs on the same level as the restaurants.
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday 06:45 - 21:00
Saturday 06:45 - 20:00
Sunday 08:00 - 20:00
Manchester Piccadilly First Class Lounge
Where can I find this lounge?: Above the information point (opposite the Ticket Shop) on the main concourse. Lift access available.
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 06:00 - 19:30
Saturday: 07:45 - 18:00
Sunday: 09:30 - 19:30
Is Avanti West Coast First Class worth it?
This will very much depend on what you’re looking to get out of your trip. We think travelling First Class with Avanti West Coast is great if you’re looking to work on the go, as you can make the most of the First Class Lounge as well as being served complimentary food and drink to your table once onboard. Whether you’re working or relaxing, it adds a touch of luxury and comfort as you travel across the country.
The most cost-effective way to travel First Class is to book in advance as this is when you’ll usually find the lowest prices. If there’s any flexibility to your trip, it’s also worth checking whether changing the time of your journey will mean a lower upgrade cost.
If you’re looking for a less expensive option, Avanti West Coast’s Standard Premium ticket offers much of the comfort and convenience of a First Class ticket and is a great option if you’re not particularly looking for complimentary refreshments during your trip.
So, now you know all about First Class and Standard Premium on Avanti West Coast, which option will you choose?