The Eurostar rail company linking London with France and Belgium through the
Channel Tunnel has introduced a new look passenger service. In comes a new
three-class operation that divides its first class into separate business
and leisure carriages, seating travellers depending on their key reason for
travelling. The changes are part of a £1m per train investment upgrade, the
result of a major research study among travellers and potential future
Eurostar users.

The new top grade Business Premier class offers a 10-minute check-in,
exclusive lounge access, a seat service courtesy meal and drinks plus a new
express breakfast option. There is an optional chauffeur service (at
additional cost) and as with the next grade down includes seat power sockets
and newspapers and magazines. The next grade “Leisure Select” comes with a
30-minute check-in and larger seats than Standard Class where it is once
again a 30-minute check-in plus an on-board bar-buffet offering light meals,
snacks and drinks.

Eurostar switches its entire operation to St Pancras International in 2007
when the high-speed line is completed. Journey times to Brussels will be 1
hour 53 minutes and to Paris 2 hours 15 minutes.