Saturday, August 17, 2024 Train travel, while often convenient, can come with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to costs and ensuring a smooth journey. From the price of tickets to the pressure of getting to the station on time, many travelers find the experience stressful. For those looking for a way to upgrade their travel experience without breaking the bank, a new travel hack has emerged that could revolutionize how people approach train journeys.
The Travel Hack That’s Making Waves Influencer Olly Bowman, known for sharing travel-related content on his social media platforms, recently revealed a clever trick for getting first-class train tickets without actually paying the full price. His hack, documented during a five-hour train journey from Cornwall to London with Great Western Railway, offers a way to enjoy the comfort of first-class travel on a budget. In a video posted to Instagram, Olly described how he and his travel companion began their journey on a crowded train.
Seeking a more comfortable space, they decided to head to the on-board restaurant. Upon arrival, they were questioned by a staff member about whether they were supposed to be in the first-class section. Olly explained that they were just planning to get some food.
How the Hack Works Olly discovered that instead of paying the usual £100 or more to upgrade to first class, travelers could instead spend £37 on a meal in the Pullman Dining restaurant. The key to the hack is that once you’ve paid for the meal, which must include a minimum of two courses, you’re allowed to stay in the first-class section for the entire journey. This means travelers can enjoy the more comfortable seating and spacious environment of first class, all for a fraction of the typical upgrade cost.
Olly highlighted that even with the £37 meal cost, the savings compared to a standard upgrade are substantial. The hack quickly gained attention online, with many of Olly’s followers expressing their eagerness to try it out. Some lamented that they hadn’t discovered the trick sooner, while others shared their own similar experiences on different train lines.
Community Reactions and Broader Implications The response to Olly’s video was overwhelmingly positive. Comments on the post ranged from jokes about combining travel hacks with “girl math” to stories of people who had tried similar tactics on other train lines, both in the UK and abroad. For example, one user mentioned using a similar approach in Germany, where a minimal purchase at the on-board bistro allowed them to stay in a more comfortable area of the train.
However, it’s important to note that this hack may not work universally. Olly’s experience was specific to Great Western Railway, which has its own policies regarding first-class upgrades and restaurant service. According to Great Western Railway’s website, customers with First Class tickets can reserve their Pullman Dining table up to two weeks in advance.
For those in Standard Class, it’s advised to speak with the Pullman Dining restaurant manager upon boarding to see if they can be accommodated, depending on availability. The restaurant service is available Monday to Friday throughout the year, excluding bank holidays, and only on journeys longer than 50 minutes. These details are crucial for travelers considering using this hack, as availability and rules may vary.
Impact on the Travel Industry and Travelers This hack, if widely adopted, could influence how travelers approach train journeys, particularly those looking to enjoy a more luxurious experience without the high cost. It highlights the growing trend of finding budget-friendly alternatives to traditional travel expenses, a movement that is gaining traction in the age of social media. For the travel industry, this kind of hack could lead to changes in how first-class services are marketed and managed.
Train companies might see an increase in demand for on-board dining services, especially if travelers start using this method to access first-class amenities. Additionally, this could prompt discussions about the pricing structure of first-class upgrades and whether similar opportunities should be made available more broadly..
