72625 posts
Hi vky3867 and welcome to MySwissAlps!
You can read about the differences between 1st class and 2nd class here: https://www.myswissalp s.com/train/practical/ 2nd1stclass – the differences aren’t too significant and there is plenty of luggage space in 2nd class as well (unless the train is very busy).
Reservations are explained here: https://www.myswissalp s.com/train/reservatio ns and are indeed only required on panoramic trains: https://www.myswissalp s.com/activities/sceni ctrips/train
72625 posts
Hi vky
The first class works at over 50 % of the cost of a second class pass.
The second class in swiss trains is pretty good in terms of seating and also luggage storage . However, you could be stretched for seating during peak hours . As you are travelling with seniors if pricing is not a consideration you may to consider a first class., which is also quieter.Also the space to store luggage between seats is more pronounced in first class .
The difference is much less pronounced in terms of seating comfort , ambience , luggage space on the smaller trains (Interlaken – Grindelwald , Sargans- Mainfield etc). But the amenities in first class are better in the RJ , EC and ICE trains.
Finally it is a trade off between comfort and pricing . In addition to the links advised by Lucas you may also want to check http://www.seat61.com (if my memory serves me right).