Do European trains have assigned seats?

Do European trains have assigned seats? Seats are allocated automatically when booking your train ticket. You will also be able to change your seat according to your preferences (aisle seats, windows seats…) and subject to availability.

Can I skip seat selection?

You can always skip seat selection and save the money, but do keep a few things in mind: Skipping seat selection doesn't mean you won't get a seat on the flight. You might get stuck in the middle seat if you don't pay for one.

Is seat selection mandatory?

Emphatically, no. You will likely get assigned a seat during check-in (though you should still skip it if the airline tries to tack on a fee) or, at the very least, at the gate. Again: You don't have to select a seat in order to get a seat.

What happens if you sit in an empty first class seat?

If you try to sit there without a First Class ticket, you will be embarrassingly removed. Don't try it. Absolutely. The crew will let you move to another seat in first class than the first class seat originally assigned to you, as long as it is unoccupied.

How do you know if a seat is reserved on a train in Europe?

Reserved seats are marked by a paper stating which seat and for which route is reserved. These are normally on the side of the windows. If a whole carriage is reserved, there is a paper stating again the route on the door to the train. Some times you will see a paper stating express reservation.

Are you guaranteed a seat on a train?

Passengers are entitled to one seat per fare, to ensure other paying passengers are not excluded. Unless specific seats are assigned, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Seat availability is not guaranteed until we provide you with a reservation confirmation.

Can you pick your seat in first class?

Like Premium Plus, those who book either first or business class can choose any seat within the cabin for free.

Why didn t Trainline give me a seat?

Some carriers don't provide seat reservations on all or some of their trains. This is common on regional trains, shorter routes and during peak travel times on commuter routes. On these trains you can sit in any vacant seat in the class your ticket is booked for.

What happens to unsold first class seats?

More and more airlines have been adopting upgrade auctions for otherwise-unsold premium economy, business, and first class seats.” For airlines, Keyes says the rationale is simple: upgrade auctions generate significantly more revenue for airlines than handing out upgrades for free.

Do you need to reserve seats on German trains?

Reserving a seat is optional on most German trains.

Can I sit in first class if no seats on train?

If overcrowding becomes intense, first class can be “declassified”, i.e. opened up to all passengers, regardless of their tickets. But there is no automatic right to occupy first class. Ad hoc declassification typically happens after other trains have been cancelled or seriously delayed.

What if someone takes my seat in train?

Tell them it is your seat and ask them to move. Show your ticket. However do make sure you are in the right car. Often people do not pay attention...

Why are Eurail seat reservations so expensive?

Because some trains are more expensive than others, or historically have received less income from Eurail/Interrail to cover the large amount of passholders making use of those trains (Spain and France mainly). Reservations are usually a fraction of the cost of regular 1st class tickets, with some exceptions.

Do you have to go through security for trains in Europe?

There are no lengthy check-in procedures or security screening for most train travel. You simply show up a few minutes before the train leaves, buy a ticket if you don't have one (often from a ticket machine with English instructions), and hop on the train.

How do you avoid seat selection?

Just say no. Within 24 hours of your departure, the airline will assign you a seat. Pro tip: If you want to avoid paying for a seat assignment, arrive at the airport early. That way, you'll have the pick of the unassigned seats.

Is it worth paying for seat selection?

In fact, most regular airlines now charge for seat selection anyways. It's often around $10-$30 per seat per flight segment, so if you cave in and pay for that, it can add up quickly. You shouldn't do it. No matter which airline you're flying on, don't ever pay to select a seat.