Comparison of Eurostar Standard and Standard Premier Classes on the London to Brussels Route
Article: Eurostar Standard Premier: A Comfortable and Convenient European Travel Option
Eurostar, a legendary icon of European transport, celebrates its 20th year of operation, offering a fantastic way to travel quickly, smoothly, and comfortably across Europe. The railway service operates up to 9 daily services from London St Pancras International to Brussels with return fares from £78.
For those seeking a more comfortable and convenient journey, Eurostar offers three ticket types: Standard, Standard Premier, and Business Premier. In this article, we compare Eurostar Standard and Standard Premier to determine if the upgrade is worth the cost.
The author, a big advocate for overland travel, particularly rail travel, recently tried out both classes of Eurostar's service. Compared to flying, Eurostar provides an advantage, as there is no way they could have taken their suitcase onto a flight without paying extra baggage charges.
The key differences between Eurostar Standard and Standard Premier classes are mainly related to seating comfort, onboard service, and ticket flexibility.
Seating and Comfort
Standard Premier offers larger, more comfortable seats with extra legroom and a slight recline option, compared to the smaller, more basic seats in Standard.
Onboard Service
Standard Premier includes a premium meal and drinks served at your seat, whereas the Standard class does not include food or drinks, which you must purchase separately if desired.
Ticket Flexibility and Additional Perks
Standard Premier tickets allow more flexible changes and refunds compared to Standard. However, full business-class perks like lounge access are reserved for the top Premier level, not Standard Premier.
Both Standard and Standard Premier permit two suitcases and hand luggage with no weight limits; additional luggage allowance applies only to the higher Premier (business) class.
Regarding whether the upgrade is worth the cost, the price difference between Standard and Standard Premier can be relatively small. Some travelers find the extra legroom and complimentary meal worth the additional fee. If you value comfort, space to work, and a meal included in the fare, Standard Premier offers a noticeable improvement over Standard for a modest upgrade cost.
However, if the meal quality or lack of lounge access matters, the step up to full Premier (business) class might be needed despite the higher cost. For solo travelers or those prioritizing comfort and convenience without a large price increase, Standard Premier is generally considered a worthwhile upgrade.
In summary, Standard Premier offers a more comfortable and convenient journey with meal service and slightly better flexibility. If these factors align with your travel preferences and the price difference is not large, the upgrade is usually considered worthwhile. If cost savings are a priority, Standard remains a practical option without these extras.
Prices for Eurostar Standard Premier range from £140 to £458 for a return from London to Brussels, depending on dates/times and how far in advance you book. The author found the Eurostar departure lounge to have decent shops, comfy leather seats, and free wifi to help pass the time. The food on Eurostar Standard Premier is classier than an airline meal, with a great menu of tasty, well-chosen food. Eurostar Standard Premier staff are impeccably polite and friendly, providing assistance and help throughout the journey.
So, whether you're heading to Brussels for business or pleasure, consider Eurostar Standard Premier for a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable journey across Europe. Happy travels!
*Sources: [1] Eurostar website, [2] Telegraph, [3] The Guardian*
- The Eurostar Standard Premier offers a more luxurious food option compared to the Standard class, providing a premium meal and drinks served at one's seat.
- For individuals prioritizing a lifestyle that includes comfortable travel with food included in the fare, the Eurostar Standard Premier is a worthwhile upgrade, providing larger, more comfortable seats and extra legroom compared to the Standard class.
- The Eurostar Standard Premier ticket offers ticket flexibility, allowing for more flexible changes and refunds compared to the Standard class, making it a convenient option for travelers.
