Virgin Trains has launched a new upgrade app, allowing passengers to bid on last minute upgrades on east coast services.

The Seatfrog app works by creating a live bidding system for seats that would otherwise travel empty, with upgrades available from £5.  Auctions open around 2.5 hours before a train departs from its originating station.

First class benefits include free food and drink from a menu designed by James Martin, reclining leather seats, additional legroom, free wifi and first class lounges at selected stations with free wifi, relaxation areas and refreshments.

Last minute upgrades will be available on selected east coast services from Monday to Friday between the following stations (and stations in between), with new routes on the way:

  • King’s Cross to Leeds including, for example, Doncaster to Wakefield Westgate, and Stevenage to Grantham
  • King’s Cross to Newcastle including, for example, Northallerton to York, and Peterborough to Newark North Gate
  • King’s Cross to Edinburgh including, for example, Berwick upon Tweed to Darlington, and Durham to Dunbar
  • King’s Cross to York including, for example, Grantham to Doncaster, and Retford to Stevenage

Seatfrog is available for iOS and Android devices.

virgintrainseastcoast.com