- Mr Plane Guy
- Sep 1, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Seatfrog Review 2026: How to Upgrade Train Tickets to First Class for Less
By Mr Plane Guy, also Mr Train & Bus Guy
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my travel blog and allows me to continue creating useful content. Thank you for your support!
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 fare First Class train prices? 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 UK rail travel app that lets you upgrade to First Class for less, often via live auctions or instant upgrades.
Beyond upgrades, you can also buy Standard Class tickets directly in the app, swap your train time, or unlock Secret Fare tickets offering up to 50% off selected routes.
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.
Seatfrog Discount Code
🚄 £3 Off Your First Seatfrog Upgrade
Exclusive Offer! Use code PLANEGUY3 at checkout and get £3 off your first train upgrade (auction or instant).
New customers only. Ends 30 June 2026 Try Seatfrog here →
Discount code: PLANEGUY3
*Terms and conditions apply!
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.
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.
What Else Can You Do with Seatfrog?
✅ Buy Standard Class tickets directly in the app
🔁 Swap your train time (huge value for flexible travellers)
🎟️ Secret Fare tickets, up to 50% off without bidding
🚀 Still includes First Class upgrades via auction or instant buy
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. Can You Get Extra Savings with Seatfrog?
Seatfrog’s biggest savings usually come from low-demand auctions and Secret Fare tickets. Occasionally, exclusive reader discounts are released and I’ll always add them to this page when available.
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. 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.
6. 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.
Feature | Seatfrog | Trainline |
First Class upgrades | ✅ | ❌ |
Secret discounted fares | ✅ | ❌ |
Swap train times | ✅ | Limited |
Auctions | ✅ | ❌ |
What Seatfrog Is (and Isn’t)
❌ Not a replacement for Trainline (but can be instead)
❌ Not guaranteed upgrades
❌ Not available on every operator
✅ Best used for flexible, savvy travellers
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.
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.
Follow me on Instagram for the latest lounge reviews, PLANE tips, and PLANE deals and a few and airport meltdowns. @mr_planeguy
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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 2026: How to Upgrade Train Tickets to First Class for Less
*Seatfrog x Mr Plane Guy - Exclusive Discount Code Terms & Conditions
These terms apply to the exclusive discount code issued by Seatfrog in partnership with Mr Plane Guy. By using this code, you agree to the following conditions.
The Offer:
The discount code entitles the holder to £3 off their first upgrade booked through Seatfrog.
The discount applies to upgrades purchased either via the Seatfrog auction or as an instant upgrade.
The discount is valid for new customers only and applies to the first upgrade transaction.
Exclusions:
This code cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.
This code cannot be applied to ticket purchases, Secret Fare bookings, or Train Swap transactions.
Validity Period:
This discount code is valid from 17 February 2026 and expires at midnight on 30 June 2026.
Any bookings made outside of this period will not be eligible for the discount.
General
This code is non-transferable and has no cash value.
Seatfrog reserves the right to withdraw or amend this offer at any time without prior notice.
Seatfrog's standard terms and conditions apply. For full details, visit seatfrog.com.
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