Economy Class & Beyond

C’est un Strike! French Rail workers due to walk out

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Like the sun follows the moon, day follows night, French Rail workers are walking out today on strike. SNCF TGV Réseau at Paris Gare du Nord with a Thayls service on the left (Interestingly, this image was shot during another French rail strike) - Image, Economy Class and Beyond. The disruption runs across the SNCF Network from 7pm on Tuesday and end on Thursday … [Read more...]

Heathrow Connect – Still Suspended

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The Heathrow Connect service (operating local stopping services between London Paddington to the Heathrow Airport) remains suspended as Siemens engineers attempt to discover what is wrong with the Heathrow Express trains. Heathrow Express trains have been taken out of service for what has been described as "the foreseeable future" according to Global Rail News. For now, … [Read more...]

Thalys launches Izy – low cost trains between Paris and Brussels

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It seems Thalys is launching a fightback against coach operators (and in some ways - itself) with the launch of a new sub-brand called Izy Izy will launch on the 3rd April 2016, promising fares of €19 between Paris and Brussels, offering two return trips a day (with three on Fridays and Saturdays), operated by two train sets. The service will operate between Paris Gare du … [Read more...]

Heathrow Connect Services Suspened

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It seems all is not well with Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect, with Heathrow Connect services suspended until further notice. Heathrow Connect Arriving at Heathrow Central (Currently substituting for Heathrow Express trains) - Image, Economy Class and Beyond According to a thread on RailForums, it seems the trains that Heathrow Express been pulled for safety checks, … [Read more...]

Heathrow Express free upgrade for Star Alliance Gold holders

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If you hold Star Alliance Gold status and travel on Heathrow Express, there's a very good offer starting today - allowing you to upgrade from Heathrow Express Standard to First Class for nothing. To use this you must Use your Star Alliance Gold Card (which must be valid and a physical card) Have a vaild Heathrow Express Ticket Must be on a full fare ticket The offer is … [Read more...]

Gatwick Express begins to accept Oyster/Contactless Cards… but is it the best method of paying?

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Gatwick Express and Southern Railway has begun to accept Transport for London's Oyster Card and Contactless Payment Cards between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport. "Unit 442422 at Gatwick Airport - John Pease" by john pease - Unit 442422 at Gatwick Airport.. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Commons. Now, this in theory sounds brilliant - you rock up at the station, tap … [Read more...]

West Coast Main Line Closure between Carlisle and Glasgow

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One of the major arteries remains shut after the storms that battered the United Kingdom and Ireland over the Christmas period. The route - The West Coast Main Line - serving London Euston to Glasgow (via Birmingham, Stafford, Crewe, Manchester, Preston) is currently blocked between Carlisle and Glasgow Central due to a bridge needing urgent repair at Lamington - located … [Read more...]

REMINDER: Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express mostly closed over Christmas

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Just a reminder post for those of you coming to the UK for the festive period via Heathrow or Gatwick (or for those of you escaping... not much of a difference). So onto the reminder for... Heathrow Express  https://www.heathrowexpress.com/timetable-schedule/service-plans Heathrow Express train at Heathrow Central - Image, Economy Class and Beyond. 24th December - No … [Read more...]

Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express closures ahead for Christmas and New Year

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It's coming to that time of the year where we're meant to be festive and jolly. Alas, if you're planning to take the train over the Christmas holiday you could be out of luck as the railway lines will be suffering closures for engineering work. For the international audience who are coming or going to London's major airports - you will be affected by these closures. Heathrow … [Read more...]

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