Reserved train seats

[sddsddean]

Has anyone ever had a problem with getting into their reserved seat on a train that is half way through its journey? I'm planning to do Coventry to Southampton on a Manchester to Bournemouth train. As there are 3 of us, I thought it would be an idea to reserve the seats so we knew we were together, but do passengers getting on a couple of hours before us 'respect' the reserved stickers? and will they move when you point out they are in your seat? Any advice/stories?

[jen78]

Depends on how busy it is.

Some of the Virgin ones get manically busy especially round commuter time or on busy shopping days.

I got that train from Manchester to Birmingham last Saturday and it was Ok for a while then it got rammed.

I got a direct Cross Country back rather then that one, saw it come in and it was heaving as well.

I'd say no problem if quiet but fighting your way down an aisle and trying to get someone to move when there are no more seats and not a guard in sight isn't ideal.

[filthiestfis]

I think that if someone is sitting on your reserved seat and wont get off it even after you have informed them that you have a reservation, there is little that the train company can do.

[Yorky Lass]

I've never had a problem. On the odd occassion someone was sat they moved when I pointed out I had reserved that seat.
People sit in them thinking at least they have a seat until the reservation begins, hoping of course no one will get on to claim it, but point out to them it is reserved and had they wanted a seat they could have reserved one too.
I think you are worrying for nothing. Guards will come and sort it out should you have a problem.

[koster]

I hate reserved seats. Most of us would like to be able to get on a train at the time of our choice. When we buy the ticket we don't know what time our return journey will be.

It's a real pain to get on a train and find every seat reserved, to find empty reserved seats and people standing because of that.

There are empty reserved seats because passengers are offered a free reservation when they book, so they get one anyway on any train which might or might not be the train they go on.

Train companies should be obliged to leave half of every carriage unreserved, or they should charge for reservations, or only permit reservations for people travelling in groups.

If all the seats have tickets, and one of them is empty, I sit in it. Of course if someone comes along and says it's their seat I have to get up.

[sddsddean]

Your last paragraph really sums up my question koster. Do people give up seats that are reserved. I'm glad you do, but is this the general attitude?

[andy-hughes]

In my experience, people will give up reserved seats when asked. I have never had to get a guard to isnsit for me, i think if you are polite, it goes a long way.

On the other side, I have occupied a reserved seat, but i will instantly give it up with a smile and an apology, if the bona fide ticket holder arrives.

[Lil O'lady]

I have also seen on many occasions on Virgin west coast trains, the same seat has been reserved for two people. Sometimes one occupier is due to get off say at Wigan whereas the other got on a stop before and is going to London - but it doesn't half cause upset when people have paid for a reserved seat.

[Cathyhuns]

If a reserved seat is not occupied a reasonable time after the train leaves the starting station, the reservation is void and you can sit in the seat.