I spent $34 to upgrade to Eurostar's version of premium economy — a mediocre meal meant it was just about worth it

Business Insider

15 hours ago

I upgraded to Eurostar Plus for an extra $34 on a work trip to Paris.
It wasn't as luxurious as premium economy, and the meal was mediocre.
But cheap upgrades are frequent, and the extra space is ideal for a solo traveller.
I might be an aviation reporter, but I always prefer taking the Eurostar over a flight to Paris.
Security is much more efficient, and the journey times aren't too different, given that the train stations are in the city centers.
On a work trip from London to the French capital last month, to report from the Paris Air Show, I had the opportunity to upgrade to Eurostar Plus.
Business Insider paid $130 for this journey, only $34 more than the standard class on the same train.
I definitely preferred the extra legroom and having no seat next to me. However, the mediocre meal and lack of lounge access assured me that I wouldn't go out of my way to upgrade.
While the top class, Eurostar Premier, offers lounge access and better food, prices are typically above $300.
Compared to an airline, I'd say Eurostar Plus isn't quite as luxurious as flying premium economy. I think I felt more benefits as a solo traveler, so I would only look to upgrade again for a similarly good price.
It isn't that rare to see Eurostar Plus offered at a small upgrade from standard.
The online booking process was straightforward, without any of the pop-ups or add-ons you find with a budget airline.
Each passenger is allowed two pieces of luggage plus one piece of hand luggage. Eurostar Premier allows a third piece of luggage too.
I found the journey, 2 hours and 15 minutes long, less stressful than flying.
A flight between London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. But there's a further commute to the airports than to the train stations, plus a longer wait at security, not to mention the lack of a chance to take in views of the English and French scenery.
Going under the Channel Tunnel is entertaining too.
On the one hand, it's just like a regular tunnel, albeit 31 miles long. However, the Channel Tunnel is a remarkable feat of engineering.
It took six years before it opened in 1994, with boring machines starting from either side, meeting underneath the sea.
I arrived just over an hour before departure, and found checking in to be smooth and efficient.
I last took the Eurostar from London St. Pancras station almost exactly two years earlier, for the previous Paris Air Show. Back then, the lines were enormous and snaked through the concourse, but this time I barely had to queue.
Unlike the French side, I didn't have to remove my laptop from my bag, which made security quicker. Neither station requires you to remove liquids, like most airports.
Boarding began after a short wait, and I was impressed to see a staff member guarding a velvet rope by the Eurostar Plus car at the back of the train.
He checked off my name on an iPad, directed me toward my seat, and the nearest luggage rack — a small touch of luxury which elevated the experience.
For me, the biggest highlight was the seat itself.
The Eurostar Plus car is arranged in a 1-2 layout rather than the usual 2-2. Since I was traveling by myself, this was ideal as it gave me much more space and privacy than usual.
Unlike most airlines, you don't need to pay extra to choose your seat.
However, many of them have a limited window view, so it helps to book well in advance.
There were plenty of accessories that added to the comfort, too.
On the left, you can see a flip-down cup holder and a small light. There was another reading light to my left by the window, two seatback pockets, and a small mirror at the top.
Plus, there was more legroom and the ability to recline.
The seat reclined within its shell, which meant I didn't have to worry about irritating the passenger behind me.
However, I found the meal to be underwhelming.
Two staff members came down the aisle with a trolley, with a vegetarian or a meat option. I went for the chicken with chickpeas, peppers, and broccoli.
Dessert was a small popcorn and chocolate affair, and I found the chocolate was almost too rich.
I would've preferred a hot meal, like what's available in Eurostar Premier. Also, I was a bit surprised that I was only given a 150ml (5 fl oz) can of Coca-Cola.
I didn't have huge expectations, but the service wasn't as good as premium economy on a flight.
Still, it was a benefit that I didn't have to get up from my seat. Although I did miss the fun experience of walking to and ordering from the onboard café.
Shortly after, everyone was offered tea or coffee, and the service ended less than an hour after departure.
The benefits of Eurostar Plus became clearer on my return journey in the standard class.
My economy seat still had a footrest, but it was harder to use, with less space and no recline.
Having somebody sit next to me also felt a bit claustrophobic, especially on a hot summer day where temperatures exceeded 90 degrees.
The table was also a bit smaller, but I was still able to relax better on the train than on a plane.
I bought a soda in the waiting area before boarding. After a busy week of work, I spent most of the journey back to London reading a novel.
Overall, I'd always recommend the Eurostar over a plane, and to keep your eye out for a cheap upgrade.
If there's a conveniently timed train where Eurostar Plus is just a few extra bucks, it's worth booking it, especially if you're on your own. The free meal may also mean you save a bit of money.
Although if I were traveling in a couple or as a family, I think the benefits of space would feel less valuable.
As well as Paris, you can also take the Eurostar from London to Brussels and Amsterdam.