As the summer holidays approach, UK train stations are set to be filled with crowds travelling around the country on day trips and staycations. However, if you have decided to book a train last minute and don't have a seat reservation, you could be faced with the prospect of standing for your entire journey.
Luckily, travel expert and content creator Chelsea, who runs the popular TikTok page @cheapholidayexpert, shared a "simple" tip that can ensure you manage to secure a seat - even on what seems to be a jam-packed train.
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In her video, Chelsea headed to Manchester Piccadilly train station to show exactly how you can spot which trains have seats available.
"Did you know this? Look at that sign up there, you see that little drawing of a train," she said. "That actually gives you loads of information about how busy each of the carriages are."
On the electronic board, which you typically find on train platforms, there is a drawing of the train with each of its carriages marked. Some of these carriages are coloured in while others are only half coloured or not coloured in at all.
Chelsea explained:" The more coloured in it is, the more busy and full it is.
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"The more booked seats there are and therefore if you do not have a seat booked you are best heading for the ones that are not filled in at all."
She continued: "There's also a different colour which shows you which ones are first class.
"Overall, I always look at this when I don't have a reserved seat and I need to know where to head to possibly find myself some space.
"It's so obvious when you realise. Perfect for when you don't have a seat reservation."
The tip may also come in handy on days when cancellations or staff shortages lead to busier trains. On Sunday, train companies across the UK warned that they were anticipating shortages as staff exercised their right not to work overtime hours.
Many train companies warned there may be delays or disruption due to the England football match.
In northwest England, Northern Rail put out a “Do Not Travel” notice on six lines, mainly in and out of Manchester. GWR warned: “The number of cancellations could lead to a train every two hours”.
LNER cancelled more than 20 intercity trains on Sunday “due to a shortage of train crew”.
Passengers should always double-check their travel plans in advance and stay up-to-date with the latest information from train companies, as disruption can occur suddenly.
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