Customers on Virgin Trains can now bid for last-minute First Class upgrades with Seatfrog app

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Virgin Trains customers can now secure a last-minute upgrade thanks to a collaboration with Seatfrog, an app which lets users take part in an auction for seats in First Class.

The train operator has partnered with Seatfrog on its routes across the UK, to enable more people than ever to enjoy the perks of upgrading.

From today, (May 8), customers will be able to bid from 24 hours right up to 30 minutes before departure with just a few taps of their smartphone where upgrades to First Class can cost from as little as £10. Completely seamless and easy-to-use, there’s no hassle of extra paperwork, printing tickets or additional fees when bidding on a Virgin Trains journey with Seatfrog.

The Seatfrog app works by creating a live auction system for unfilled First Class seats, allowing passengers to bid against other travellers to upgrade as solo travellers or as a group. Those not wanting to wait can upgrade immediately through Seatfrog’s ‘buy it now’ option, even if they’ve booked through a third party.

Customers who successfully bid on a First Class ticket will be able to enjoy all the benefits of Virgin Trains’ First Class experience, including complimentary food and drink, additional legroom and the First Class lounge.

Sarah Copley, Executive Director, Commercial, at Virgin Trains, said: “This is a great opportunity for our customers who fancy treating themselves at the last minute.

“This new partnership with Seatfrog is another example of our strong record in innovation – giving customers a unique chance to enjoy our First Class experience, which includes complimentary food and drink served by our amazing on board teams from our award winning menu.”

Iain Griffin, Co-Founder and CEO of Seatfrog, said: “At Seatfrog we’re all about taking people’s journey beyond the ordinary and making it something special.

“Our partnership with Virgin Trains is just the latest stop as we rapidly expand across the UK and Europe, giving more travellers the opportunity to upgrade their trip.”

Last minute upgrades will be available on selected Virgin Trains’ west coast services for business and leisure travellers.

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