SBB App step-by-step upgrade 2nd Class to 1st

Is there already a post/site on My Swiss Alps where someone has posted the step-by-step procedure to do a last-minute upgrade from 2nd class to 1st when you have a Swiss Travel Pass Flex (15 day) for a particular rail trip (that might look to be super crowded once you are at the rail station) on the SBB mobile App? If not, would someone be willing to write that out? I am guessing we will need it and would like to have it handy. Thanks very much.

Hi OHGeologist,

The easiest way is to just buy such upgrade tickets at manned ticket desk before boarding.

I haven't used the app for upgrade tickets myself yet and the procedure seems to be a bit complicated. At the SBB website, you'll find some information under "Travelcards and Tickets" and "First-class upgrade". As for the app: the renewed app presents an introductory tutorial, so that may help you out. Tutorials are available on YouTube as well.

The general timetable shows expected occupancy for each connection well in advance, so that may help you to decide whether or not an upgrade ticket comes in handy.

I'm not sure if you've ordered your 15 day Swiss Travel Pass Flex yet. If not, please find retailers here. Since you'll be traveling next summer, you can wait a while and see if any interesting promotions come along. If they're available, they'll be announced in our forum and you'll find details here.

Thank you, Annika.

We haven't purchased them yet. Is there a best time (2 months out...etc.) if you need to make seat reservations on some of the train trips? Wondering if I need to have purchased our STP in order to make reservations?

What a gift this site/forum is!

Hi OHGeologist,

It might be relevant for you to know that pass prices go up on January 1. Some retailers allow you to buy at their current rate even if you buy for next year, like www.happyrail.com/ en/pass/europe/ switzerland/swiss-travel-pass-flex. Further details are on the page Annika linked to.

Reservations are only required for a few tourist trains, and you can buy them whenever is comfortable for you. Buying last minute is not recommend though as seats can sell out, but again, 99.9% of the train do not need to be reserved. Your pass is sufficient.

myswissalps.com/ train/reservations

I'm glad you like our website!

If I could jump in on this thread with a question about the 2017 changes link provided by Arno, I would appreciate it. In that link, it states "The Swiss Travel Pass Flex Combi will be discontinued". I am not familiar with the "combi" version of the Swiss travel flex pass. Is it different than the general Swiss Travel pass, and if so, how? Thank you.

Hi jefrec27,

Welcome to MySwissAlps! The Swiss Travel Pass is for consecutive travel days, while the days of the Flex pass are flexible, to be used within one month. You'll find all details here:

• myswissalps.com/ swisstravelpass
• myswissalps.com/ swisstravelpassflex

Hello...I though I had seen something on MySwissAlps about clicking on Email delivery when you purchase your STP....under delivery options. But I am not able to find that information. It looks as though they send it slow mail...paper copy...is there something I am missing?

I was looking on both the SBB site and the Happy travel site...,

thank you very much...hope to buy it before 1/1/2017

Hi OHGeologist,

The SBB web shop for tourists can be found on www.swissrailways.com/ en. After selecting the pass of choice and filling out your address, you will be able to select a delivery method. Pick Online Ticket to receive your pass through e-mail. Some other websites do not offer e-mail delivery.

Thanks very much, Arno.

Arno...I went to the Swissrailways.com/en site and picked 15 day flex. I entered my address, etc...and the only options for delivery were paper to my home or picking up at an airport in Switzerland. I did not see any email option. I am sorry...can you help?

Hi Katie,

I just replied in your other thread but I'll repeat it here: that's correct as the Swiss Travel Pass Flex is not available to print at home yet, regardless of where you buy it. It's worth it to compare the retailers listed here. Some do not charge for shipping. I'd recommend to check out www.happyrail.com/en/p ass/europe/switzerland /swiss-travel-pass-flex, they're really cheap at the moment.

Arno...quick question...on the HappyRail website when you enter your birthdate...is it in the European Style with day/month/year or american month/day/year? Ready to buy, but didn't want to end up in a tangle. Thank you.

OH Geologist

Date of birth is European style: day/month/year. They also ask for a departure date from your country and I'd recommend to just spell out the full name of the month there. That will prevent any confusion.

Thanks very much...done!