A New Rail Wrapping Service Has Arrived on time

Professional gift wrapper Finn Drumgoole wraps presents for LNER customers to launch the rail operators complimentary Rail Wrapping service (photo: David Parry/PA Wire)

It's A Wrap!

London Northern Eastern Railway (LNER) is giving customers a helping hand with festive prep this year. A team of professional gift wrappers are now onboard to offer a 'gift wrap' service.

This will run between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh.

Titani Kamphandira, LNER Customer Experience Host, returns professionally wrapped presents to launch the rail operators complimentary Rail Wrapping service (photo: David Parry/PA Wire)

Customers in standard class can now scan a QR code at their seat. A member of staff will collect their gifts before returning them expertly wrapped. There's a choice of traditional wrapping paper or 'Azuma' design. This features LNER's cutting-edge trains.

Titani Kamphandira, LNER Customer Experience Host (right), returns professionally wrapped presents (photo: David Parry/PA Wire)

This complimentary service uses LNER's popular 'Let's Eat- At your Seat' app. This was launched in July 2020 to deliver food and drink directly to customers seats. The pilot service will be available on select trains on 15 December on the lead up to Christmas Day.

The service was launched after new research found millions of Brits are woeful at wrapping. Research also revealed gift wrapping is the third most stressful part of Christmas. This came behind shopping and preparing Christmas dinner.

Travelling home for Christmas

The number of people planning to travel is expected to rise considerably this Christmas. Less than half (47 per cent) travelled this time last year, however that figure is set to rise to almost two-thirds (64 per cent) in 2021.

Danny Gonzalez, Chief Digital and Innovation Officer said: "This wrapping service shows how we can use technology to enhance the on-board experience for customers."