A travel couple, Chris and Flo of @chrisnflo (Instagram) have explored over 35 countries, and India is one of them. The Instagram video of their experience in travelling First-Class (1AC) in the Indian Railways (Jaipur to Agra) has gone viral, for all the right reasons. The couple documented their four-hour journey from Jaipur to Agra—two of India’s most iconic tourist destinations—aboard an air-conditioned train where they got a First-Class private compartment (coupe) for USD 28 each (approximately INR 2,483). This first-hand glimpse into the comfort that the journey provided was met with several positive responses, some even wishing a similar comfortable train journey for themselves in the near future.

And as expected, the video quickly went viral and gained the attention of travel and train enthusiasts. So what’s inside the luxurious 1AC cabin?

Inside the First-Class cabinThe couple began their video by giving a thorough tour of their private first-class compartment. The clip showed the cabin’s interior, showing viewers what passengers can expect when booking this premium category. “It’s a spacious cabin with two beds, a lovely mirror, and plenty of storage for bags. You get a window with a curtain. This is a coat rack,” they explained, walking their audience through the features of the room.

The video revealed a cosy and functional setup, ideal for both short and long trips. There is one very specific thing that may seem very insignificant in general, but when it comes to travel, it makes or breaks you. Yes, we are talking about legroom. Space, something that’s truly a luxury when you are taking public transportation. Their private cabin featured two neatly made berths, crisp white sheets, a large window with a curtain, and ample legroom. The cabin also features a full mirror, reading lights, and storage compartments, all ready to make the journey comfortable and private.

The couple also pointed out how clean and organised the compartment was—a detail that must have inspired many future travellers to take the first class for their next trip.

The rhythmic motion of the train and the peaceful ambiance inside the first-class cabin made it one of their most relaxing rides in recent memory.


First-Class travel is not without its own set of challenges though.

While the couple had a smooth journey, they admitted that booking train tickets in India can be a bit tricky for foreigners, especially when it comes to securing seats in premium categories like First Class. But for them, luckily, their friend came through and helped with the booking and all. “Big shoutout to Sid, who we met on our Norway cruise, for literally getting us the tickets,” they said in their post.

This part of their experience struck a chord with many of their international followers, and several domestic ones too. Keeping this in mind, we bring you a really quick guide on how to book a First AC (1A) coupe in Indian Railways:

Choose a train that offers First AC (1A) coachesNot every Indian train includes a First AC compartment — these are usually reserved for premium routes such as Rajdhani, Duronto, and certain long-distance express trains. Before booking, always check if the train has a “1A” class option listed. You can do this easily through the IRCTC website, the IRCTC Rail Connect app. First AC coaches are limited and often include only one or two such coaches per train, with a mix of two-berth coupes and four-berth cabins. So make sure you start this process well in advance.

Book both tickets under the same PNRIf you’re a couple or two people wishing to travel together in a coupe, it’s essential to book both tickets under the same PNR number. This detail plays a crucial role in the allotment process. When the railway system prepares the passenger chart before the journey, it gives priority to passengers with the same PNR and matching gender combinations (like a couple or two family members) for coupe assignments.

Submit a coupe allotment requestBooking a First AC ticket does not automatically guarantee a coupe, as the final allocation depends on seat availability and the discretion of railway authorities. To increase your chances, you can formally request a coupe allocation. You will have to write a letter to the Chief Reservation Officer (CRO) or Station Manager of your departure station. Include your PNR number, journey details, passenger names, and a polite request for a two-berth coupe in the letter.

Check coupe allocation after chartingThe final list of coupe and cabin allocations is prepared by the Railway Charting Department a few hours before the train’s scheduled departure - usually 3 to 4 hours before. You will get an SMS on your registered mobile number.