That tickets to/from Belgium supposedly include 1st class even with Y.

Which I don't think is necessarily true, at least in case of KL. I ended up not taking, but I'm pretty sure my AMS-ZWE was in 2nd after an Y connection.


As per 1st and service, yes - no service in 1st is standard across continental Europe, in contrast to the UK. I'm fine with it, prices are much more realistic on the continent and most long distance trains have some form of onboard service for pay.