Seatfrog Review 2025: How to Upgrade Train Tickets to First Class for Less

By Mr Plane Guy, also Mr Train & Bus Guy

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If you’ve ever sat on a packed train with your knees practically in your chin and watched people glide past you into the plush First Class carriage, you’ve probably thought: How do I get in there without paying the eye-watering full price? Enter Seatfrog the app that’s shaking up train travel in the UK by letting you bid or instantly upgrade to First Class for up to 60% less.

With over 1.5 million UK users already hooked, Seatfrog is fast becoming the go-to way for savvy travellers to bag cheap First Class train tickets. But does it really live up to the hype? I’ve tested it, researched it, and pulled together everything you need to know from how it works to whether food is free once you get that golden upgrade.

What is Seatfrog?

Seatfrog is a travel upgrade app that allows you to bid in real time for First Class train tickets (and soon, even flights). The big selling point? You could pay as little as £7 plus a small platform fee to stretch out in style instead of being crammed into standard class.

Think of it like eBay for train seats: you set your maximum bid, Seatfrog automatically bids on your behalf, and if you win, you’re off to First Class for a fraction of the usual cost. You can also sometimes buy instant upgrades if you don’t fancy the stress of an auction.

👉 Try Seatfrog here: Download Seatfrog

How Does Seatfrog Work?

Using Seatfrog is surprisingly simple, and you can be upgraded in minutes. Here’s the step-by-step guide:

1. Download the App

Grab the free Seatfrog app from the App Store or Google Play. You’ll need to set up an account and pop in your payment details so you’re ready to bid.

2. Add Your Journey

Once logged in, select “Upgrade to First Class” and enter your journey details, departure station, arrival station, and travel date. Seatfrog scans participating train operators to see if an upgrade is available.

3. Confirm You Have a Ticket

Important: Seatfrog doesn’t sell the actual train ticket. You need to already have a valid ticket for your journey (like an Off-Peak or Anytime ticket). Seatfrog is only for the upgrade.

4. Join the Auction

If your train is eligible, you’ll see live auctions for First Class seats. These typically open a few hours before departure and close about 30 minutes before the train leaves.

5. Place Your Bid

Set the maximum you’re willing to pay. Seatfrog will automatically increase your bid if someone else goes higher (up to your limit). It’s very similar to how eBay’s bidding system works.

6. Get Notified

If you’re outbid, Seatfrog will ping you so you can raise your offer. If you win, your First Class upgrade ticket will appear in the app as a barcode.

7. Flash Your Upgrade

On board, show your First Class barcode alongside your original ticket. Then sit back and enjoy the good life.

👉 Try it on your next trip: Get Seatfrog Here

Which Train Operators Use Seatfrog?

Seatfrog doesn’t cover every UK train company, but it’s available on some of the biggest networks:

• Avanti West Coast (London ↔ Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow)

• Great Western Railway (GWR) (London ↔ Bristol, Cardiff, Penzance)

• London North Eastern Railway (LNER) (London ↔ Edinburgh, Leeds, Newcastle, York)

• CrossCountry (Birmingham ↔ Manchester, Bristol, Plymouth, Scotland)

If you’re travelling with one of these operators, you’re in luck, First Class could be much closer than you think.

Of course you book all of those trains fares over on The Trainline

How Much Does a Seatfrog Upgrade Cost?

This is the big question everyone Googles. The truth is: it varies. Bidding can start from as little as £7, plus a £3 platform fee. The final cost depends on demand, the route, and how many First Class seats are left.

Here are some real examples:

• London Euston → Manchester (Avanti)Seatfrog upgrade: £35 (+ £3 fee)Normal First Class price: £162.90

• London Paddington → Bristol (GWR)Seatfrog upgrade: £14 (+ £3 fee)Normal First Class price: £57

• Birmingham → Manchester (CrossCountry)Seatfrog upgrade: £7 (+ £3 fee)Normal First Class price: £87.20

So yes, the savings are often huge. It’s like getting champagne for the price of a pint.

👉 Ready to try? Download Seatfrog

What Do You Get With a First Class Upgrade?

Perks vary by train operator, but in general, a First Class upgrade means:

• Wider, comfier seats (sometimes with extra legroom and recline)

• Free WiFi

• Power sockets for your laptop or phone

• Complimentary snacks and drinks (sometimes even full meals)

• At-seat service

• Access to First Class lounges at major stations (where available)

A Quick Breakdown:

Avanti West Coast

• Complimentary hot food on many services

• Lounges at London Euston, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Glasgow

• Snacks, drinks, and charging points

Great Western Railway (GWR)

• Complimentary drinks and snacks

• Lounges at Paddington, Cardiff, Penzance, Truro

• Option to book meals in advance on long-distance services

LNER (London North Eastern Railway)

• Hot meals included at breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• Lounges at London King’s Cross, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds, York and more

• Extra spacious seats and tables

CrossCountry

• Complimentary snacks and drinks

• At-seat service

• No lounges currently

FAQs About Seatfrog (People Also Ask)

1. Seatfrog Review – Is It Worth It?

Yes, if you snag an upgrade for £7–£20, it’s unbeatable value. Even at £35, it can make sense for longer trips where you need space, WiFi, and food included. If you’d normally pay for snacks, WiFi, and a seat reservation anyway, the upgrade pays for itself.

2. Does Seatfrog Offer Discount Codes?

Occasionally Seatfrog runs promotions, but the real discount is already built in. You’re paying way less than the advertised First Class fare. The best way to save is simply to keep trying for auctions, off-peak journeys tend to be cheaper.

3. What is Seatfrog OPS LIMITED on My Bank Statement?

If you see a charge from Seatfrog OPS LIMITED, don’t panic. That’s just Seatfrog’s payment processor showing up on your credit card statement. It’s legitimate.

4. Can You Upgrade Train Tickets to First Class on the Day?

Yes, that’s exactly what Seatfrog is for. Auctions close about 30 minutes before departure, so you can bag a last-minute upgrade while standing on the platform.

5. Can You Use Seatfrog for Flights?

Not yet, but Seatfrog is working on expanding into flight upgrades. Watch this space.

6. LNER Upgrade to First Class – Is It Good?

Absolutely. LNER arguably offers the best First Class service in the UK, with full hot meals and multiple lounges. If you’re travelling London to Edinburgh, it’s a brilliant upgrade to aim for.

7. Is Food Free in First Class Trains?

Yes, usually snacks and drinks are free, and sometimes full meals too. It depends on your operator and whether you’re travelling on a weekday or weekend. Always check in advance, as some services are more generous than others.

Is First Class Worth the Upgrade?

If you get it for under £20? Absolutely. For me, it’s worth it when:

• The train is busy and I want guaranteed space

• I need a table to work on my laptop (funnily enough I wrote this on a train ride!)

• I want free WiFi, charging, and snacks

• I fancy a treat (because why not?)

If bidding goes above £40, I’d think twice unless it’s a long journey. But that’s the beauty of Seatfrog you choose what you’re willing to pay.

👉 Upgrade smarter: Get Seatfrog here

Final Boarding Call: My Seatfrog Review

Seatfrog is one of those apps that genuinely makes travel better. It turns boring, cramped train journeys into something far more enjoyable, without the premium price tag. Whether you’re commuting, heading on a weekend break, or just love a cheeky upgrade, it’s well worth downloading.

The combination of easy bidding, instant upgrades, and access to First Class perks makes it one of the best hacks for train travel in the UK. And with rumours of flight upgrades coming soon, this could be the start of something even bigger!

So next time you’re stood on a crowded platform, don’t just accept a squeezed standard seat. Open Seatfrog, place your bid, and you could be sipping coffee in First Class for less than the cost of your lunch.

👉 Ready to try it? Download Seatfrog now

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Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.

Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading Seatfrog Review 2025: How to Upgrade Train Tickets to First Class for Less

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