Priced to compete with full-fare airline business class, Premium First was launched on London - Paris Eurostar services on April 28. With Premium First and Standard Plus, four distinct levels of service are being introduced to replace the two classes dating from Eurostar’s inception.
For £370 return, fully interchangeable with British Midland Diamond EuroClass, passengers enjoy a dedicated check-in lane at Waterloo International, in addition to 10 min check-in times and executive lounges at Waterloo, Ashford and Paris. In their reserved coach, Premium First passengers are served with complimentary newspapers and drinks by a dedicated crew of two. Menus for the inclusive meal are changed every week, with the four-course lunch and dinner offering a choice of three main courses and a selection of wines.
The ticket price also includes complimentary chauffeur-driven motorcycle service in central London, and free taxi transfers to city centre addresses upon arrival in Paris and London. For a small premium on more restrictive standard class fares, the fully-flexible Standard Plus ticket offers dedicated coaches, complimentary newspapers and ’priority’ trolley service.
Premium First is to be introduced to the London - Brussels route in December, when Eurostar journey times will be cut to 2h 45min with the completion of high-speed infrastructure to the Belgian capital.
- Castle Service has been introduced in first class on Eurostar trains to Disneyland Paris, with complimentary light meals included in the ticket price. Unrestricted first class child return fares have been reduced from £107·50 to £80. o
