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Since most railpasses are issued for use in the 1st class, it is sometimes difficult for non-Europeans to imagine the distinction made between 1st and 2nd class. Aside from the overall appeal of saying you travel 1st class on the Continent, the specifics of 1st class seating translate into more leg room, better upholstery, (often) air-conditioning and larger WC's throughout the journey.

In Scandinavia, Germany, France, the Low Countries, Austria and Switzerland, travel in the 2nd class is very acceptable, but more crowded. Reservations become very important on Fridays, Sundays, during holidays and the entire summer vacation (when Saturday becomes a major travel day as well).

In addition, residents of Europe pay 50-55% more (than normal 2nd class tickets) to travel 1st class with you, so you meet a group of people who want better service. On a trip from Berlin to Munich in 1995, I sat in the same coach for several hours with Richard von Weizsäcker, the former German President. If bodyguards were present, they were very discreet.

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