As part of a business trip to Paris, I have to take the Eurostar, due to last-minute changes in UK immigration conditions. Here is the itinerary followed:

Purchase

I buy my ticket two days before departure, when the authorities announce the changes. I had originally booked a 5-day return ticket with British Airways, and was happy to fly them.

So I resign myself to taking a Eurostar ticket for £260 return, which will minimize my trip to three days and optimize departure and arrival times.

Arrival at the station and formalities

I arrive at St. Pancras about 1h45 before the departure of my train.

The queue for document verification is quite short, and I can proceed directly to the security check, followed by the immigration check. These checks will be very light, so I can go to the lounge.

Lounge

The Business Premier lounge at St. Pancras is all in length. So I go to the reception agent, who checks my eligibility thanks to my American Express Platinum card, and take a seat in the lounge, which was absolutely deserted when I arrived.

I notice that the buffet has improved, as instead of dry cookies there are now individually wrapped pastries. The lounge will gradually fill up before the train departs.

Boarding

At the announcement of the train to Paris, I leave the lounge and board through the automatic ramps.

The ground staff are always very courteous and wish us a pleasant journey. Tickets are then checked by reception staff at the foot of each car.

Cabin and welcome

Not surprisingly, these are the classic Standard Premier and Business Premier cabins aboard the new Eurostars.

I settle on a solo, but the steward tells me I can move to a duo, which will give me more legroom, which I do.

Service and catering

A continental breakfast is served just after departure, with coffee and tea for the entire journey.

I’ll have breakfast quickly, to make room for my meeting which started as soon as I boarded the Eurostar.

Arrival and disembarkation

We’ll get to Paris Gare-du-Nord on time and I’ll call an Uber as my driver did not show up.

Bottom line

A simple and efficient journey in comfort. What more can we ask for?

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