Can you upgrade to first-class on Eurostar?

First-Class Dreams on Eurostar: Can You Upgrade?

The sleek, efficient Eurostar whisks you between London and continental Europe, but what if you want to travel in style? Can you upgrade to that coveted first-class experience mid-journey, or even after you’ve booked your ticket? The answer is a qualified yes, but with some important caveats.

While Eurostar doesn’t offer a simple “upgrade” button at the gate, you can potentially elevate your journey to first-class. The key lies in checking your booking directly through Eurostar’s “Manage My Booking” section on their website. This is where the magic (or potential disappointment) happens.

Here’s what you need to know about upgrading:

• Availability is Key: Upgrades to first-class are entirely dependent on availability. There’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to snag a first-class seat, even if you’re willing to pay. The more popular the route and the closer to departure, the less likely an upgrade is.

• Expect to Pay the Difference: If an upgrade is available, be prepared to pay the difference between your existing fare and the first-class fare for each traveler and each leg of your journey. This means a multi-leg journey could involve multiple upgrade fees.

• Premier Upgrades are Off the Table: Don’t even try for a Premier upgrade (Eurostar’s highest class of service). These are not available for upgrades through the “Manage My Booking” tool.

• SNAP Bookings are Excluded: If you booked your tickets through the SNAP system (Eurostar’s flexible fare option), upgrading to first-class is unfortunately not possible.

How to Check for an Upgrade:

1. Visit the Eurostar Website: Go to the official Eurostar website.
2. Access “Manage My Booking”: Log in to your account and find the “Manage My Booking” section.
3. Locate Your Booking: Find the booking you wish to upgrade.
4. Check for Upgrade Options: The system will indicate if first-class upgrades are available for your specific journey and dates.

In short: While upgrading to first-class on Eurostar is possible, it’s not a guaranteed option. Thoroughly checking availability through “Manage My Booking” well in advance of your journey is crucial. Be prepared to pay a premium, and remember that Premier upgrades and SNAP bookings are not eligible for this type of upgrade. So, start checking early and make those first-class dreams a reality if you’re lucky!