Upgrading from 2nd Class to 1st Class
A traveler is unsure whether to buy a 1st or 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass for their upcoming trip from Lausanne to Zermatt and Lucerne to Lugano. They seek advice on the benefits of 1st class, the possibility and cost of upgrading from 2nd class, and information on booking seats.
- 1st class offers more comfort and space, but 2nd class seats can be comfortable as well.
- You can upgrade from a 2nd class ticket to 1st class by paying the price difference, which is usually about 60% of the 2nd class fare.
- Seat reservations are not necessary for most domestic journeys unless it's a tourist or international train, but booking in advance is recommended.
- You can book seats up to 2 or 3 months in advance, but it's best to do it well ahead of your travel date.
AI-generated summary-
Hi there
I did ask in the past a few questions and do want to thank you for your quick responses, but I am not finished……
We can not make up our minds to buy 1st or 2nd class swiss passes.
Not having travel by train to such an extend as we plan to do, could you indicate what the biggest adavantes will be if we do buy a 1st class swiss pass instead of a 2nd class pass.
If we do decide to buy a 2nd class ticket can we upgrade it to a 1st class when we do want to travel the longer distances as comfort can then be a issue and we do want to have a seat traveling from Laussane to Zermat and Lucerne to Logano.
If we can upgrade can you indicate what such an upgrade per person cost?
Can we book seats for both journeys having 2nd class passes and what will the bookings cost be?
If seat booking can be made, how long before the time must the bookings be made?
Regards
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Hi ansac,
The difference between 1st and 2nd class can be found in our FAQ. You can purchase an upgrade for any trip. You would pay the price difference between 2nd and 1st class (on average 60% of the 2nd class price). Prices can be found through the timetable. Booking seats is not necessary for domestic journeys, unless you’re planning to take a panoramic tourist train or international train. Please review the seat reservation page for details. You can book seats until just before departure, but if you know you’ll travel on a specific train, it’s better to book well in advance. It is possible 2 or 3 months ahead of time, depending on the train.
Does this help you decide?
I was going to Lauterbrunnen with my wife in Jan2011 and was deciding 1st or 2nd class for the journey starting at Geneva.I decided that the extra cost of 1st class was too much and did not regret this.We found the 2nd class seats were very comfortable and had plenty of room,the only drawback was the shortage of room for suitcases.This said I thoroughly enjoyed the journey as I’m sure you will,but a word of warning make sure you know the platform numbers you need if you have to change trains as the trains leave spot on time.
Thank you for your quick response.
Regards
“Arno said: Hi ansac,The difference between 1st and 2nd class can be found in our FAQ. You can purchase an upgrade for any trip. You would pay the price difference between 2nd and 1st class (on average 60% of the 2nd class price). Prices can be found through the timetable. Booking seats is not necessary for domestic journeys, unless you’re planning to take a panoramic tourist train or international train. Please review the seat reservation page for details. You can book seats until just before departure, but if you know you’ll travel on a specific train, it’s better to book well in advance. It is possible 2 or 3 months ahead of time, depending on the train.
Does this help you decide?”
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