Originally Posted by
Jamier45
Have you tried using the Wifi in First Class on a busy train? I revert back to 3G/4G as its faster!
That reminds me. Didn't BA announce WiFi as part of the cabin refits? Shouldn't we have wifi (at least on domestic routes) in 2015 - it's more important on a plane as 3G/4G isn't an option. Although you can't get much work done in the air anyway.
As for on-train WiFi, there's a lot of mobile dead spots (which will vary depending on your network).
I'm not sure how on train WiFi works these days but according to the original GNER promotional materials it was a combination of satellite and 3G meaning that it should still work in mobile dead spots. They also claimed it'd work in tunnels but not sure how that works (except for short tunnels where one end of the train is still outside).
Originally Posted by
BlueThroughCrimp
Ahh, the spin of "new trains" was mentioned on the Reporting Scotland lunchtime edition.
Of course, this isn't reported properly, as it was happening anyway, no matter who won...
And no doubt this will lead to stories of S/VTEC's massive investment, when the reality is, it's the ROSCOs who are the ones actually shelling out for the new units.
Personally think it's the least worst option, the best of course being DOR actually continuing to run a very successful operation.
New operators always get credit for new trains, not sure if it's lazy reporting or just wanting to keep things simple.
Of course keeping the services public would have been low risk (government gets all the profits and no risk of having to bail anyone out) and the services were already highly rated. The arms length management of East Coast meant it ran like a private company but the shareholder being the government.
Originally Posted by
paulwuk
Walk up fares on BA from MAN to LHR are more on the plane than train. On VS MAN to LHR it's cheaper on the plane then train.
EDI and GLA are far cheaper than MAN and NCL are at the moment.
Actually walk up fares can be cheaper on the plane. Advance purchase fares on the trains aren't available on the day of travel (so you're left with the full price options). When flying I can often book a discounted ticket for travel on the day if the flight isn't too busy and a number of times I've even redeemed Avios for a same day flight.
Another option on BA is booking those 'semi-flex' fares (the ones that are entirely free to change on day of travel) a few days before you're travelling if you know the date but not 100% sure of the time. You can't do that with cheap train fares.