Influencer reveals train fare hack after upgrading to first class for just £37... but is it that simple?

By ZAC CAMPBELL, SPORTS SEO REPORTER

Published: | Updated:

A content creator has claimed a train fare hack was able to earn him an upgrade from standard to first class for just £37. 

Taking to Instagram, Olly Bowman shared how he was able to sneakily bag a free upgrade on a journey from Cornwall to London. 

Instead of opting to pay £100 to upgrade to a first class ticket, Mr Bowman simply paid £37 to be able to access the on-board buffet car, which was available on his journey with Great Western Railway. 

Posting to Instagram, Olly wrote: ‘New travel hack unlocked.

‘So we started off, it was like a rammed train, just full of people and we thought we’d go to the restaurant.

A content creator has claimed a train fare hack was able to earn him an upgrade from standard to first class for just £37

A content creator has claimed a train fare hack was able to earn him an upgrade from standard to first class for just £37

‘And then we walk up to this restaurant and the lady’s like “are you sure you’re meant to be here” and we were like “oh we were just gonna get some food'. 

‘And we find out you can either pay a minimum of £100 to upgrade your ticket, or you can just pay £37 which is to eat at the restaurant.

‘They say you can just stay there the whole ride so you just sit in first class in the comfortable seats, you can move your bags up there…they actually allow you to just stay there the whole time once you’ve bought that.’

However, Olly did mention you would be required to eat a ‘minimum of two courses’ - which are included with £37 fee. 

However, whether you would be able to even start your meal is another matter in itself, as the Great Western Railways website reveals. 

It says: ‘Customers holding a First Class ticket can reserve their Pullman Dining table up to two weeks in advance of their journey’.

‘For customers in Standard Class, please speak to the Pullman Dining restaurant manager when boarding and we’ll be happy to accommodate you subject to availability’. 

The buffet car on GWR services is available on journeys lasting longer than 50 minutes from Monday to Friday except for bank holidays and does not operate during 'exceptionally busy periods' at other times of the year.

There is no guarantee whatsoever that you would be able to access the first class part of the train for less than the cost of a first class ticket - should every passenger in first class want to make of the dining facilities themselves. 

There is no guarantee whatsoever that you would be able to access the first class part of the train for less than the cost of a first class ticket on GWR services (File image)

There is no guarantee whatsoever that you would be able to access the first class part of the train for less than the cost of a first class ticket on GWR services (File image)

It also appears to only be a viable option for passengers travelling on a full-length journey, as the dining service takes last orders at certain stations along the way. 

For example, on GWR's regular services from London Paddington to Plymouth, last orders for dining options are taken at Reading. 

There is also no guarantee that you would be able to use first class facilities for a five-hour without a ticket inspector handing you a fine if you are caught in the wrong part of the train. 

All this means that, although it could be a cunning cost-effective route to extra comfort, it does not come without added risk along the way, particularly on a long-haul journey.  

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