tfar

Shouldn't be problem finding a seat on Monday around 1pm. The trains are VERY comfortable even in second class. For a short trip like this it is absolutely not worth it, IMHO. There are only two valid reasons to choose first in an ICE (only part of your travel will be ICE):1. You need/want quiet. The first class is normally much more quiet simply because there are less people and those that are there are there precisely because it's quiet, so they are quiet, too. 2. You are an absolute snob and don't want to sit with "ordinary" people.

Maybe there is a third reason. The color scheme in first is more agreable.

I'd say don't waste your money. The ticket is expensive enough as is.

@FlyingLawyer
OF COURSE it is the safest way of transport. Did I ever say it wasn't?

The only thing I said, and it will be difficult to refute even for a trial lawyer, is that the TGV is safer. Even the figures in the link you provided show that. The TGV has been in operation longer with less injuries and less fatalities. The wheel and axle deal is not over yet. The discussion is therefore not non-sense. I take offense at the idea (and your remark) that any discussion I ever start could be non-sense.

I also didn't tell him not to take the train and I, myself, would not hesitate a second to take the train. So if you don't get hung up on a little remark I made in parentheses, I don't need to get hung up on you calling that non-sense.

Cheers,

Till