First Class

We’ve removed First Class from our mainline services to create an inclusive railway which provides access to more seats for our mainline customers.

Removing First Class will provide access to an average of 60 more seats on a 12-car train.

That’s almost:

• 16,000 seats a day
• 80,000 seats a week
• 4 million seats a year

First Class use has been in decline for some time and is a source of frustration for Standard Class customers when trains are busy and First Class seats are empty.

If not already contacted by our Customer Services team, those with First Class Season tickets can apply for a refund by filling out our refund form.

Refund form

The aim is to complete removal across all trains by March 2023. In the meantime, all Southeastern train staff and Revenue Protection Officers are fully briefed that First Class will be available for all customers to use from 11th December.

If you’re unhappy about this change, please contact our Customer Services team.

First Class Season ticket holders can apply for a refund. 

You can use our handy SeatFinder tools to help you find trains with more seats.

We also have priority seating areas and you can apply for a Priority Seating card online.

You can use our handy SeatFinder tools to help you find trains with more seats.

We also have priority seating areas and you can apply for a Priority Seating card online.