I took the train to and from London last week, rather than taking the usual plane.
A few people at work have been selling the benefits of travelling by train between Glasgow and London. It takes about 1 or 2 hours longer (door-to-door) than travelling by plane, but it’s possible to work for over four hours, and you don’t need to undress to get through security or carry your moisturiser in a resealable plastic bag!
We are allowed to travel First Class if we are working. The price is quite competitive if you book ahead. It’s quite a pleasant experience, with continuous tea/coffee/cold drinks, offers of snacks (soup, pie, sandwiches). There is plenty of space, and a power socket to keep the laptop working for the duration of the journey.
To cope with the curves on the West Coast Main Line, the Virgin Pendolino trains tilt while going round corners – it’s quite an interesting feeling, a bit like being at sea!
Although the trip felt around an hour too long, I would certainly consider taking the train again, particularly if I had a lot of work to get through and needed the peace and quiet to concentrate.
I love travelling by train as get lots of work done. Can’t use laptop for long as the Paddington line/First Great Western train combination is very shaky and I get travel sick from watching the screen wobble. Also no plugs in FGW trains unlike Virgin, so you have to watch the battery. Yes, I too like the tea/coffee on tap. You get free wine if the train is delayed – I’ve been there a few times
Yes, tilting through the Southern Uplands is a bit similar in terms of sea-sickness. And Virgin give free wine in any case.
NO! Free wine with Virgin? Blimey. I have to pay if I’m desperate enough.